The Kenya Forest Service (KFS) has rolled out a new digital system aimed at cracking down on illegal logging and tightening control over the country’s timber trade.
In a statement on Tuesday, March 24, the agency said it received the Timber Tracker System (TTS) during a handover ceremony at its headquarters.
Developed with support from the Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL) and technical collaboration from Traffic International, KFS said the system is designed to boost traceability, enhance operational efficiency, and curb illegal timber activities.
The event featured a live demonstration of the platform alongside the symbolic handover of a printed TTS homepage and a Point of Sale (POS) device.
“Once fully operational, the system will enhance efficiency, traceability, and considerably reduce illegal timber trade in Kenya,” said the Chief Conservator of Forests, Alex Lemarkoko.
According to KFS, the rollout is part of a strategy that includes developing a mobile application, distributing user guides and checkpoint manuals, conducting nationwide training for officers, and integrating the system with the Tanzania Forest Service (TFS) under a bilateral Memorandum of Understanding.
“This system closes the loop on timber traceability, ensuring that what leaves the forest can be legally accounted for at the point of sale,” said William Mauya a representative from Traffic International.
Once fully operational, the system is expected to enable comprehensive tracking of timber traders, species, quantities, and product movements from source to destination.
