Authorities in West Pokot County have confiscated more than 400 pieces of Rosewood timber at Sina Trading centre, South Pokot Sub County as the countrywide ban on logging takes shape.
Responding to a tip-off, County officers from the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources ambushed the suspects who were meant to ferry the timber, but they managed to escape, heading to Kapcherop in the neighbouring Elgeyo Marakwet County, leaving the consignment behind. The timber was taken to the County headquarters offices in Kapenguria and an investigation has been launched.
Speaking to the press in Kapenguria, West Pokot County Environment Chief officer Mr. Peter Adoki said the timber was to be ferried from Tapach area. the lorry was ferrying timber from Tapach area. “For one week we’ve been vigilant,” said Adoki, “We got information from our informers that one lorry was loading the timber.”
He warned residents against illegal logging and outlawed charcoal burning in the County saying they are still enforcing the law and those who’ll be found engaging in these businesses before the moratorium period will face the law.
The Chief officer asked residents to be vigilant and report anyone dealing with the illegal businesses in the area.
He added that they have identified traders transporting sand from Kopoch area and other areas, concealing charcoal inside the sand.
“We are going to scan and monitor every truck transporting sand. In the last two weeks, we impounded three lorries ferrying timber and we won’t joke around with those destroying trees,” he said.
