{
  "id": 14401086,
  "title": "Mt Kenya sawmillers deny deforestation claims, defend Aberdare logging",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/14/mt-kenya-sawmillers-deny-deforestation-claims-defend-aberdare-logging",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-14T07:40:34.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Capital FM Kenya",
    "slug": "capital-fm-kenya",
    "url": "https://capitalfm.africa/mt-kenya-sawmillers-deny-deforestation-claims-defend-aberdare-logging/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "In Nyeri, Kenya, sawmillers operating in the Central Highlands Conservancy have refuted accusations of contributing to the destruction of the Aberdare Forest. They maintain that their tree harvesting is part of regulated plantation management. The sawmillers, from Nyeri, Laikipia, Murang'a, and Kirinyaga counties, blamed politicians for misleading the Kenyan public about logging activities. They accused timber importers of spreading the notion that the industry posed a threat to the country's forest ecosystems. During a press conference, the association's Chairman, Jackson Wachira, dismissed allegations of illegal harvesting, stating that the activities involve mature trees in plantations. Wachira affirmed that claims of external logging are false, and the harvesting of mature trees is in line with plantation management. He argued that prolonged logging restrictions had left some plantations with aged trees, including those that had started to rot, necessitating harvesting for timber and fuel production. Wachira emphasized that harvesting and silvicultural activities are governed by established rules and regulations. He urged politicians to seek clarification from the Kenya Forest Service before making claims about forest destruction. The sawmillers defended the timber industry, stating it generates revenue for counties, reduces reliance on imported timber products, and conserves foreign exchange. They argued that the movement of some logs, currently transported from forests, was due to timber purchased before the government imposed a logging moratorium. The sawmillers' defense comes amid increased scrutiny of logging activities in Kenya's forested water towers, including Aberdare, North Rift, and Mt Kenya forests. Observers have noted large trucks transporting logs leaving forest areas, raising questions about the source of the timber and the compliance of harvesting activities with existing regulations. Opposition leaders, including Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka, accused President William Ruto's administration of allowing the destruction of critical water towers through illegal logging. However, the sawmillers' claims have not been independently verified, and the press conference did not provide documentary evidence to substantiate the origin of the transported logs or confirm that all ongoing harvesting complies with regulations.",
  "summary": "The association’s Chairman, Jackson Wachira, dismissed allegations of illegal harvesting, saying the activities involved mature trees in plantations.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}