The National Assembly Committee on Environment, Forestry, and Mining led by Hon. Charles Kamuren (Baringo South), has made a visit to Boya Yard and Tezo Community to inspect eight uprooted Baobab trees, awaiting exportation to Georgia.

The Committee started off its fact-finding tour at Tezo community where the baobab trees were uprooted last year. After touring the area, the Committee held a consultative meeting with Kenya Forestry Service (KFS), Kenya Forest Research Institute (KEFRI),  and National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) in a bid to understand the role each of these institutions played in that activity.

The legislators also sought to know why there was no public participation and adequate training provided to the community by KFS before the trees were uprooted.

In their response, KFS through the Head of Diversity Mr. James Mwamodenyi, informed Members that by the time the issue was brought to their attention, the baobab trees had already been uprooted and were ready for exportation.

“After the issue was brought to our attention we made an inquiry and was informed that the trees were destined for Shekvetili Botanical Garden in Georgia. The intention was for the trees to be showcased in a section as part of trees collected from different parts of the world,” Mr. Mwamodenyi said.

According to Dr. Linus Wekesa, a researcher at KEFRI, the baobab tree is not classified as an endangered species facing extinction in the coastal part of Kenya. “From a point of science and conservation status, this particular tree is not classified as one of the endangered species. It is not under a threat of facing extinction,” he said.

 Dr. Wekesa further disclosed that they didn’t take part in issuing any permit for the uprooting and exportation of the trees as their role is to give advisory directions when necessary. 

After obtaining clearance from KFS and KEFRI, NEMA's concern was that the uprooted baobab trees were meant for exportation thus prompting them to subject the whole activity to Environment Impact Assessment (EIA). They found out that the process had no negative impact and therefore, issued a license authorizing exportation.

“There should be legislation that protects trees like baobab which might escape the regulation process. The community has a lot of cultural attachment to them and should be protected,” NEMA Chief Enforcement Officer Mr. Robert Orina added. 

 The Committee is now expected to write a report on its fact-finding visit and table it in the House for debate.

Also present were Members of the Kilifi County Assembly Committee on Water, Environment, and Natural Resources.