President Ruto has defended Dangote’s acquisition of shares in Kenya Pipeline Company, saying the shares are available on the NSE for anyone to buy. He dismissed demands to disclose the deal, describing it as a standard investment agreement, and warned of a crackdown on alleged racketeering surrounding the transaction.

CLARIFICATION ON FOREST PLANTATION HARVESTING IN NGONG HILLS FOREST The Kenya Forest Service (KFS) has noted video clips and photographs circulating on social media alleging illegal logging in Ngong Hills Forest, with claims that the activities are being carried out at night. The Service wishes to clarify the circumstances surrounding the ongoing forest plantation harvesting operations. Harvesting of mature forest plantations in the Kibiku Forest Block of Ngong Hills Forest is being undertaken following a competitive bidding process and the subsequent award of a tender for the harvesting of 56 hectares of mature plantations, in accordance with the Public Procurement and Asset Disposal Act 2015, the Forest Conservation and Management Act 2026 (FCMA 2026), the Constitution of Kenya 2010 and forest harvesting rules (2016). Furthermore, forest operations are required to be conducted between 6:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m., as stipulated under the FCMA 2026. Upon completion of the harvesting process, the Community Forest Association is normally engaged to replant more trees through the Plantation Enterprise and Livelihood Improvement Scheme (PELIS). Regarding the photograph circulating on social media showing a trailer loaded with logs, the Service has received information that the vehicle had broken down and was undergoing repairs. KFS is verifying the circumstances surrounding the incident. The photograph alone does not establish that harvesting activities were taking place at night. The Service urges members of the public to seek clarification from the nearest KFS station on any concerns regarding forest management and harvesting activities. KFS urges the public to rely on verified information when commenting on the matter and to report all suspicious activities to the nearest police station for investigations or email [email protected]