Three Kenya Forest Service officials have been suspended for allegedly being behind illegal charcoal trading and issuing of permits for its transportation in the coastal region.
The charcoal business has led to the destruction of the Dakatcha Woodland in Kilifi County which has lost over 20,000 hectares over the past ten years. The officers are said to be running a cartel in conjunction with county government officials to aid in the business of charcoal despite the country-wide ban by the Environment CS.
An official said that the suspension will allow for investigations to be carried out.
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Meanwhile, police have arrested charcoal traders in Kitui County after being found camping in a forest where they carry out their illegal business without being suspected by the police. This was confirmed by Kitui Deputy Governor, Wathe Nzau and County Police Commandant, Anthony Kamitu.
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Deputy Governor Wathee confirmed that their mission was successful after they impounded lorries ferrying charcoal from the county leading to the finding of 1000 other charcoal traders camping in a forest.
Kitui Deputy Governor has called for cooperation by all stakeholders from the national and county governments to put a permanent end to these illegal businesses.
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