The decision by President William Ruto to lift the logging ban in the Mau Forest Complex has sparked sharp criticism from the United Green Movement Party (UGM), led by former Chief Justice David Kenani Maraga.
The party said the move threatens Kenya’s environmental future and undermines years of conservation efforts aimed at protecting one of East Africa’s most vital ecosystems.UGM expressed deep disappointment over what it termed a deliberate attack on the country’s natural resources.
In its statement issued on October 28, 2025, the party accused the government of saying one thing and doing another, arguing that it cannot claim to promote environmental protection while at the same time authorizing activities that destroy forests.
The party noted that water scarcity and environmental conflicts are already worsening across the country and warned that allowing logging in such a critical area would only make matters worse.
President Ruto made the announcement during the launch of the Mau Forest Complex Integrated Conservation and Livelihood Improvement Programme in Elburgon, Nakuru County.
He said reopening timber operations would boost local industries and create jobs for Kenyan youth.
The President explained that the government intends to revive the timber and furniture sectors by using wood sourced locally instead of relying on imports.
He directed Trade Cabinet Secretary Lee Kinyanjui to ban furniture imports, saying Kenya has enough resources to meet its own needs.
Ruto insisted that selling mature trees to local sawmillers would stimulate the economy and benefit communities living near forests.
However, UGM questioned the timing and motive behind the decision. The party said there was no evidence of any proper environmental assessment before lifting the ban and accused the government of making decisions driven by politics rather than science.
It argued that the Mau Forest is more than just trees it is the heart of Kenya’s ecosystem, feeding 12 major rivers that provide water to millions of people across Narok, Bomet, Kericho, Kajiado, Nakuru, and even Nairobi counties.
The forest also supports vital ecosystems such as the Maasai Mara Reserve, Lake Nakuru National Park, and the Sondu-Miriu Hydropower Plant.
The party reminded Kenyans that nearly half of the original Mau Forest has already been destroyed since independence through illegal logging, encroachment, and land grabbing.
It praised past efforts by Raila Odinga and former President Uhuru Kenyatta for working to restore the forest and accused the current administration of undoing that progress.
UGM also accused President Ruto of hypocrisy, claiming that while he speaks about climate action on international stages, his domestic policies contradict those commitments.
The party said that his leadership is more focused on economic gain than environmental preservation, warning that the consequences will be severe for future generations.
