The effect of the logging moratorium on tree resources in Kenya: the case of trees on farms and private forests in Ol’Jororok, Nyandarua County

In 2018, the Kenyan Government imposed a logging moratorium on public and community forests to curb deforestation. In 2019, it introduced the National Strategy for Achieving and Maintaining 10% Tree Cover by 2022 to support conservation. However, the moratorium’s impact on tree harvesting in farms and private forests remained unclear. This study examined its effects in Ol’Jororok, Nyandarua County, using secondary data on timber and fuelwood volumes and movement permit revenues (2016–2018) alongside primary data from surveys and semi-structured interviews. Analysis revealed a statistically significant increase (p < 0.05) in wood harvesting and permit revenues post-moratorium. Private farm harvesting rose by 42.5%, while permit revenues grew by 38.7%. Timber prices surged 30–50%, financially benefiting farmers but also driving over-harvesting and illegal logging. Interviews showed 67% of respondents reported increased tree theft, and 72% found regulatory controls ineffective. Stringent permit requirements discouraged compliance and tree planting, threatening long-term sustainability. The study recommended replacing the outright ban with restricted logging and intensified reforestation, integrating market-based conservation strategies such as Payments for Ecosystem Services and Forest Certification to balance environmental and economic sustainability.