Saw‑millers in Baringo County, headed by Timber Manufacturers Association of Kenya (TMAK) chairman Joseph K. Cheruiyot, gathered in Eldama Ravine on Monday to demonstrate against what they describe as discriminatory practices in the allocation of forest harvesting and saw‑milling tenders.
The group presented a petition to officials at the Kenya Forest Service (KFS), including the Principal Secretary for Forestry and the Chief Conservator of Forests, outlining their grievances.
The petition alleges that political actors have interfered with the structuring, evaluation and award of tenders, favouring well‑connected individuals and companies, many of whom are outsiders to the region.
It claims that the Lembus community – the forest‑adjacent population in Baringo – has been excluded from meaningful participation despite bearing the social and environmental impacts.
The document also notes instances where successful bidders lack the machinery or technical capacity required for saw‑milling and have subsequently sub‑let or informally transferred forest access to third parties.
In response, the saw‑millers are calling for an independent audit of all forest‑related tenders awarded in Baringo over the past five years and for the suspension of contested awards pending the review’s outcome.
Their demands include stricter verification of bidders’ equipment and capacity, equitable distribution of forest acreage, publication of tender applicants, evaluation scores and awardees, and the establishment of an inter‑agency oversight taskforce comprising KFS, the Public Procurement Regulatory Authority, the Ethics and Anti‑Corruption Commission and the Baringo County Government.
They have given authorities 30 days to reply and have warned that further peaceful demonstrations may follow if their concerns are not addressed.
Category: Business
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