What Kenya’s lifted logging ban could mean for the future of regenerative forest economies in East Africa

When President William Ruto announced the lifting of Kenya’s six-year logging ban, reactions were mixed. For some, it was a long-awaited signal that the forestry sector, and the jobs tied to it, could finally breathe again. For others, it raised a familiar fear: would renewed logging undo years of forest recovery?

At the heart of this moment lies a question: can Kenya build a forest economy that is both productive and sustainable?

A Balancing Act : Jobs, Forests, Economic Growth

The government framed the decision as a balancing act. The aim, President Ruto said, is to revive local industries, especially furniture manufacturing, while protecting Kenya’s natural heritage. He argued it was time to make the blue-collar economy more robust and reduce dependence on imported furniture.

The national logging ban, introduced in 2018, was born out of alarm. According to the National Resource Assessment Report 2021, Kenya’s forest cover currently stands at 8.83% (2021) increased from 5.99% (2018)  during the period of the logging moratorium (2018–2023).

East African Forests: More than Timber

Forests in Kenya, as in other parts of the globe, do much more than provide timber. They regulate water cycles, prevent soil erosion, act as carbon sinks and host countless species. They are also deeply tied to people’s lives- offering food, medicine, energy and livelihoods. Any disruption to this delicate system has far-reaching consequences.

The lifting of the ban could unlock fresh investment in sustainable forest product industries. If managed carefully, it could drive

• Increased focus on sustainable forest management, and investment in improving the quality of forests

• Opportunities for small businesses in carpentry, construction, and bio-based materials manufacturing

• Job creation, especially for youth

A strong, well-regulated forestry sector could be the cornerstone of a green economy, creating employment while restoring landscapes. It could also position Kenya as a regional leader in sustainable timber production.

A Test for Regenerative Economies

However, the risks are real. If harvesting resumes without strict oversight, forest degradation could accelerate quickly, undoing the gains of recent years. Clear and transparent governance - including licensing systems, monitoring technology, and collaboration between government, communities and private actors - will be critical to guard against negative unintended consequences.

At the Climate Smart Forest Economy Programme (CSFEP), we see this moment not as logging versus conservation, but as an opportunity to show that forest economies can grow in ways that support communities, protect nature, and contribute to climate goals.

For example, small-scale timber and furniture producers across Kenya were hit hard by the ban. Many turned to alternative materials or closed shops altogether. The new policy could reopen opportunities and encourage a new kind of regenerative forest economy – but only if the system that supports them incentivises improved landscape health.

How the logging decision is implemented will  shape the environment in which these businesses operate. A supportive policy landscape could encourage sustainable sourcing, traceable supply chains, and a culture of regeneration. Poorly designed policies, on the other hand, risk fuelling extraction for short-term profit.

The Regional Ripple Effect

Kenya’s decision will not affect just its own forests. Kenya’s move is already being closely watched by neighbours such as Uganda and Tanzania. If the country’s timber market becomes more active, regional trade patterns could shift. A policy change in one country can have cascading effects across the region. 

But there is also an opportunity here. Kenya’s decision could spark a regional dialogue on what sustainable harvesting means in practice. If governments collaborate, they can develop shared standards on certification, traceability, and forest restoration – raising the bar across East Africa. Those shared standards would help ensure that the wood is responsibly sourced from forests that are sustainably and regeneratively managed, strengthening, rather than weakening, collective forest goals.

Stewarding Forests for the Long Term

For years, the response to deforestation in Kenya was to ban tree harvesting altogether. Now, the government is exploring a different path, one that sees forests not just as something to protect from harm, but as living systems that, if managed well, can regenerate and provide long-term value. It's a bold shift, but it must be backed by strong policy and careful implementation. If it falls short, there is a  risk of sliding backwards. But if done well, this could be a turning point – not just for Kenya, but for forest economies across the region.

If Kenya gets this right, the country could lead the way in showing that forests do not have to be sacrificed for growth. Rather, they can be managed wisely – enhancing livelihoods, improving forest management, and restoring ecosystems all at once. But if Kenya fails to manage this moment well, the damage could take generations to undo.

At CSFEP, we're excited about Kenya’s  opportunity to show how forest products  industries can drive more  regenerative forests.  We look forward to continuing work with our partners across East Africa to explore how to bring a regenerative forest economy to life.