President William Ruto has said reforms within the Kenya Forest Service (KFS) have led to a decrease in illegal logging in the country.

Ruto made the statement on Monday, October 28, 2024, when he presided over the pass-out parade of the KFS cadets in Gilgil, Nakuru County.

“Glad to see the reforms we instituted at the Kenya Forest Service two years ago are finally paying off, with illegal logging reducing by 90 per cent in the same period.

“Further, KFS now largely runs its operations from internally generated revenue, reducing dependency on the Exchequer. This trajectory should be emulated by other government agencies. During the passing out parade of KFS inspector cadets and forester trainees at the National Youth Service headquarters in Gilgil, Nakuru County,” Ruto said in a statement on X.

The KFS reforms were launched during the National Programme for Accelerated Forestry and Rangelands Restoration in 2022. Through the reforms, the government hopes to raise the tree cover target from 10 per cent to 30 per cent. It also aims to restore over 10 million hectares of degraded land by planting 15 billion trees by 2032.

Meanwhile, the president was joined at the Gilgil event by Cabinet Secretary for Environment Aden Duale, who said the commissioned cadets are now ready to safeguard the forests in the country.

“Presided over by H.E. President Ruto, we witnessed the pass-out parade of the Kenya Forest Service Inspector Cadets and Forester Trainees of Course No. 1/2024, at the Forest Law Enforcement Academy, NYS Gilgil grounds, Nakuru County.

“This colorful ceremony marked the graduation of 467 forester trainees and 102 inspector cadets, who now officially join the ranks of Kenya’s formidable green army. These newly trained officers represent a critical force in our environmental conservation and climate action journey.

“With their skills honed and dedication strengthened, they are prepared to safeguard our forests, implement conservation strategies, and champion sustainable practices across our nation. Congratulations to each graduate for this well-earned achievement. Go forth and create a greener Kenya,” the CS said in a post on X on Monday, October 28, 2024.