Cabinet Secretary Ministry of Environment, Climate Change and Forestry Aden Duale has suspended the exportation of raw veneer.

In a notice issued by the Ministry of Environment, Climate Change and Forestry on Tuesday, August 27, 2024, the suspension order takes effect with immediate effect.

In the letter signed by Duale, the Ministry further directed the Kenya Forest Service not to violate the order suspending the exportation of raw veneer.

According to the Ministry, the suspension order is meant to support the national landscape restoration strategy.

“The Ministry of Environment, Climate Change, and Forestry announces the suspension of exports of raw veneer materials. This decision takes effect Immediately. KFS has further been directed not to issue any “no objection letter” for export. This suspension is a resolute measure in support of the National Landscape and Ecosystem Restoration Strategy,” the notice read in part.

Wood veneers are thin layers of wood cut from solid timber. They are mostly used by interior decorators and architects as decorative components in their designs.

Wood veneers are used to produce flat panels such as doors, tops and panels for cabinets, parquet floors and parts of furniture.

Reason for suspension

According to the Ministry of Environment, the country has experienced increased cases of premature harvesting of immature trees which are mainly used to make veneer.

According to the government, the move threatens President William Ruto’s reforestation efforts.

“This strategy, which aims to restore 10.6 million hectares of degraded landscapes by planting 15 billion trees, is a testament to the government’s unwavering commitment to environmental sustainability. Recent reports have highlighted the premature harvesting of immature trees on farmlands, a practice that threatens the success of the government’s reforestation efforts.

“By halting the export of raw veneer, the government intends to curb this practice, ensuring trees are allowed to mature and contribute effectively to the national restoration goals. The government’s commitment to achieving the ambitious 30 per cent tree cover by 2032 is unwavering,” the Ministry explained.

“The suspension is necessary to safeguard Kenya’s environmental future and should inspire all stakeholders to join us in this crucial endeavour,” it added.