Questions as banned exportation of baobab trees in Kilifi resumes

Citizen Digital established that the trees are set to be exported, further raising questions on what grounds was the move operating since the government termed the exercise illegal.

The controversial uprooting of these humongous trees, which are meant for export, started in November 2022 in Mtondia and Tezo areas in Kilifi county and were being shipped by an American company, Ariba SeaWeed International.

According to the government, the private company said that they received a movement permit after entering into a deal with communities in Kilifi County and the National Environment Management Agency (NEMA) in October 2022.

At the time, President William Ruto issued an order demanding scrutiny of the process, upon which the Ministry of Environment and Forestry Cabinet Secretary Soipan Tuya revoked the company's permits.

CS Tuya noted that the company and communities in Kilifi had agreed to uproot trees, but before obtaining an access permit from NEMA, the company began the uprooting exercise.

According to Tuya, NEMA then moved to court to halt the process, as the private company, seemingly undeterred, obtained a NEMA EIA license that was irregularly awarded by the county director of Environment in Kilifi County.

As a precaution, the CS directed the Kenya Forest Service (KFS) to revoke the movement permit that allowed the trees to be transported until the matter was resolved.

She also noted that she agreed with Roads, Transport, and Public Works CS Kipchumba Murkomen to halt the exportation until the parties' agreements are formalised correctly.

Reports indicated that farmers whose land the trees were uprooted from were offered money ranging from Ksh.100,000 to Ksh.300,000 ($823-$2,468).

Subsequently, Kituo cha Sheria, a petitioner, moved to court in February 2023 to sue the government over the uprooting.

In the petition filed at the Malindi High Court, Kituo cha Sheria argued that the private company exploited the residents of Kilifi County who are mostly grappling with the perennial drought experienced nationwide and were solely relying on the benefits of the trees.

The petitioner added that Ariba Seaweed swindled the residents into making them accept low amounts of money for the trees without considering factors like the age of the trees, which they argue would increase the monetary value.

Kituo also faulted the Kilifi County Government for offering the license to Ariba Seaweed without complying with the necessary authorization required and also failed to ensure there was a clear and transparent benefit-sharing formula for the community.

They, therefore, wanted the affected communities to be compensated and the uprooting exercise be halted, adding that the respondents should restore the uprooted trees.

NEMA was accused as the first respondent, KFS (second), Kilifi county government (third), a State Officer in charge of environment and forestry (fourth), Kenya Plant Health Inspectorate Service (KEPHIS) and the Attorney General.

Despite the court case and a stay order from the government, it remains unclear on why the trees are still being uprooted, possibly a stark example of defiance or something is being kept under wraps.

Why Baobab Trees?

Baobab trees have international appeal and have been highly sought after because of their high levels of Vitamin C, antioxidants, calcium, potassium and fibre in the fruits. 

Powder found in the fruit, Baobab, is commonly used in smoothies and porridge. Its bark has medicinal properties and the oil in the seeds is used in beauty products.

The leaves are also rich in iron and are edible when boiled. The seeds can also be roasted to make a coffee substitute or pressed to make oil for cooking or cosmetics. 

Baobabs also have medicinal properties, and their hollow trunks can be used to store water.