Members of the Forest Value Chain Association have agreed to to work with the government on modalities that will see resumption of harvesting of mature trees in public forests. Representatives of the Association drawn from different counties today met with Environment and Forestry PS Dr. Chris Kiptoo and agreed to adhere to the laid down procedures that will see tendering and disposal of the already approved 5000ha of forestry materials. Speaking during the meeting, at Karura Forest in Nairobi, the PS said the Multi Agency team had made good progress in the discussions and the remaining issues will be ironed soon to ensure smooth operations. PS Dr. Kiptoo called on the members to promote integrity in their dealings in order to enable the saw milling industry to flourish. The PS said issues raised by the saw millers have been considered by the government, following recommendations from the Multi -Agency team. Deputy Chief Conservator of Forest Monicah Kalenda said the coming into place of the value chain association is timely as it will help in capacity building for the forestry sector.

“The government’s intention is not to suppress investors but to support them grow, the Forest product chain millers must follow the law to avoid disruptions.” She said.

The Association Chairman Sammy Makau said the issues discussed were resolve and their members will withdraw cases in court in order to enable them to resume business with KFS. According to the agreement, the parties involve will deposit a consent in court to ensure a clear binding on the agreed areas so as to avoid future disruptions. Amongst the issues raised were pending payments made to Kenya Forest Service before the moratorium, forest allocation to millers , partial payments before collection of forest materials among others.