President William Ruto has suffered a temporary blow after the Environment and Land Court suspended the implementation of his policy that lifted the 2018 ban on logging.

In the order, Justice Oscar Angote also stopped the government from issuing logging licences and permits permitting any entity to cut trees in Kenya’s gazette forests.

“Orders are granted staying the Government directive on the revocation of the Gazette Notices previously issued for de-gazettement of Forest areas/designating areas as Forests and the and re-introduction of the Shamba System,” read the order by Justice Angote.

The Environment and Land Court also ordered that the application and orders granted by the court be served on the parties involved in the case ahead of hearing on August 14, 2023.

The Law Society of Kenya (LSK) filed a case at the environment court to challenge the directive issued by President Ruto that lifted the ban on logging in Kenyan forests.

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LSK argues that the Ruto order failed to avail scientific reasons, policy directives, research or specific environmental assessment impact and public participation done in areas that will possibly be adversely affected by the legalization of logging activities by the Government.

The society terms the action by the president as reckless and ignores the critical role forests play in alleviating climate change, preserving biodiversity and protecting vital ecosystems.

“The government has indicated its push and commitment targeting to plant 15 billion trees over the next seven years to restore 10.6 million hectares (26.2 million acres) of degraded land and enlarge forest cover to 30 per cent,” reads the LSK petition in part.

It goes on, “This is after the region was hit by its worst drought in four decades last year. Previously, the Head of State has been involved in tree planting campaigns, that now seem mere political rhetoric as with the recent pronouncements on the logging.”

LSK further adds that the moved endangers the delicate balance of nature, promotes deforestation and threatens livelihoods of communities that are sustained by forests.

On July 3, during a church service in Molo, Nakuru County, President Ruto announced the lifting of the six-year logging ban despite concerns from environmental organisations.

William Ruto and First Lady Rachel Ruto plant a tree at the Grove of Nations in Jerusalem Forest, Israel on May 9, 2023. PHOTO/PCS

According to Ruto, the "long overdue" decision was aimed at creating employment and opening businesses.

“We can't have mature trees rotting in forests while locals suffer due to lack of timber. That's foolishness,” said Ruto then.

He went on: “This is why we have decided to open up the forest and harvest timber so that we can create jobs for our youth and open up business.”

The order came as Ruto positions himself as the leader of efforts to tackle climate change in African and his government goes ahead with its plans to plant 15 billion trees in 10 years.