Nyahururu Police Intercept 532kg of Illegal Sandalwood Worth Sh5 Million

Kenyan security agencies have made a significant breakthrough in the fight against illegal logging after seizing 532 kilograms of processed sandalwood logs valued at Sh5 million in Nyahururu, Laikipia County.

The operation, carried out on Saturday along the Nyahururu–Rumuruti Road, was led by the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) in collaboration with the National Police Service (NPS) and other environmental enforcement units.

Authorities arrested two suspects found transporting the endangered wood, which is banned for harvest and trade under the Forest Conservation and Management Act and CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species) regulations. The duo is currently in custody and will face charges related to illegal possession and transportation of protected forest produce.

DCI officials said the successful operation followed intelligence on a trafficking network believed to be ferrying sandalwood from parts of Laikipia and Samburu counties to black markets in Nairobi and beyond. “We are determined to dismantle these cartels and protect Kenya’s natural heritage,” a senior officer said.

Sandalwood, prized for its aromatic oil and use in cosmetics and perfumes, has been overexploited, prompting Kenya to enforce a total ban on harvesting and trade since 2007. However, smuggling remains rampant due to high international demand.

Environmentalists have renewed calls for the government to promote legal cultivation of sandalwood under regulated frameworks to unlock its economic potential while preserving endangered species.

Authorities have urged the public to report suspicious logging or transport activities as the country steps up its crackdown on forest-related crimes.