Environment, Climate Change, and Forestry Cabinet Secretary (CS) Aden Duale has vowed to end illegal logging of public forests and has ordered criminals involved in forest illegalities to cease their activities.

According to Duale, forest illegalities are undermining Kenya's ambitious landscape and ecosystem restoration agenda, which includes the Kenya Kwanza administration's flagship 15 billion tree-growing initiative.

"Illegal logging, encroachment, and exploitation of our forest resources have severely undermined our conservation efforts, threatening not only our environment but our future as a nation," Duale said on Friday during the 47th graduation ceremony of the Kenya Forestry College in Londiani, Kericho County.

197 trainees graduated at the ceremony with various diploma and certificate qualifications with CS Duale instructing the Kenya Forest Service (KFS) to be firm in enforcing forest protection laws.

"This commitment is non-negotiable if we are to secure our forests for the future," CS Duale said, adding that the government was keen on fencing all public forests to keep away encroachers.

Simultaneously, Duale rallied Kenyans to actively participate in the government's 15 billion tree-growing campaign, stating that the initiative was both a climate action and a livelihoods support program.

"Together, we aim to grow 15 billion trees over the next decade and restore over 10.6 million hectares of degraded lands to productivity. This is a collective responsibility, and I implore every Kenyan to play their part," CS Duale said.

The CS likewise advised Kericho County leaders and residents to accelerate tree planting, noting that the devolved unit had a target of 163 million new trees in 10 years as its contribution to the 15 billion national target.

Further, Duale reiterated last month's Government ban on raw wood veneer exports, reminding KFS to firmly enforce the decision.

The CS also advised the 197 graduates to use their newly acquired skills, competencies and knowledge to contribute to the sustainable management of Kenya's valuable forest resources.

He rallied them to actively participate in unlocking the rich forestry value chains for wealth and employment creation, in line with the Kenya Kwanza administration's BETA plan.

"Forest-based goods and services are vital to our country's socioeconomic development, providing a suitable environment for rural and urban development. The sustainable management of these resources, a task you are now ready to undertake, is essential for our economic growth and environmental conservation," he said.

Duale also encouraged Community Forest Associations (CFAs) to work closely with KFS, emphasizing that as host communities, they play a crucial role in sustainable forest management.

In addition to participatory forest management, as required by law, CS Duale urged CFAs to take a keen interest in other landscape and ecosystem restoration efforts, including the 15 billion tree-growing plan.

"Let us renew our commitment to protecting and restoring our forests, supporting KFS in its mandate, and participating actively in the Government's initiatives to safeguard our natural heritage," CS Duale concluded.

Other speakers at the graduation ceremony included Forestry Principal Secretary Gitonga Mugambi, KFS Board Chairman Titus Korir, Chief Conservator of Forests Alex Lemarkoko, and the college principal Dr. Elizabeth Wambugu.

Earlier, CS Duale inspected various ongoing development projects at the college and inaugurated the construction of an ultra-modern Timber Value Addition Centre (TVAC) at the institution.

TVAC is part of the second phase of the African Development Bank's financed Green Zones Development Project being implemented in 15 counties across Kenya.