Authorities in Samburu County have burned 1,069 kilograms of illegally harvested sandalwood, estimated to be worth Sh1.1 million in a crackdown on illegal logging and smuggling.
The rare and highly valuable wood was confiscated from traffickers attempting to transport it unlawfully.
According to Sitati Emba, the Senior Principal Magistrate at Maralal Law Courts, the burning of the sandalwood was necessary to prevent it from making its way back to the market.
He also confirmed that the court had retained samples of the wood as evidence for the ongoing case.
The destruction was witnessed by Titus Omanyi, the Deputy County Commissioner, and Terer Kiprono, a member of the County Forest Conservation team. Officials have confirmed that the government is taking a firm stance against environmental crimes, with more operations expected to follow.
Sandalwood is a protected species under Kenyan law due to its high demand in the perfume and medicinal industries. Conservationists have long warned that uncontrolled harvesting is threatening the species with extinction.
Authorities have vowed to continue cracking down on illegal logging and smuggling operations in the region, emphasizing the need for sustainable environmental practices.
By Nelson Leshan and Brian Munene
