The controversial export of baobab trees from Kilifi to Shekvetili Dendrological Park Ltd in Ureki, Ozurgeti Municipality, Georgia, has now been approved by the government.
Kenya Forest Service (KFS) Chief Conservator Julius Kamau allowed a Georgian, Mr Georgey Gvasaliya, to export eight baobab trees after issuing a permit in November and then revoking it weeks later after President William Ruto ordered an investigation.
Mr Kamau approved the export in a letter dated January 30 after receiving instructions from Environment Cabinet Secretary Soipan Tuya on January 18.
The trees weigh nearly 500,000 kilogrammes.
“KFS issued you with authority to export the eight baobab trees dated November 1, 2022, which was subsequently revoked vide letter dated November 22, 2022. Following instructions from CS Environment the revocation of the export permit is hereby lifted,” Mr Kamau says in the letter.
According to KFS, baobab is not an endangered tree species according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature’s Red List of Threatened Species.
Furthermore, the baobab tree is not a protected species in Kenya, nor is it listed on any of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) appendices.
“Also the county government of Kilifi has issued a certificate of origin and permit to harvest and farmers and the proponent have indicated (a) willingness to trade,” KFS says.
The Kenya Plant Health Inspectorate Service (Kephis) issued a phytosanitary certificate, and the National Environment Management Authority of Kenya (Nema) issued an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) licence on January 17.
“The authority is granted subject to payment of any government statutory fees. This licence is only applicable for the eight baobab trees,” said Mr Kamau.
