The government has stopped the harvesting of forests in Nandi following orders by the High Court last week.

Justice Silas Munyao of the Environment and Land Court in Eldoret gave the orders after an application made by lawyer Elizabeth Rotich on behalf of Friends of Nandi Environment and chairman John Kipkorir Chumo.

Rotich tabled photographs to prove that Kenya Forest Service has allowed saw millers to carry out extensive felling of trees in the forests without following official procedure or consulting local communities as required by law. Yesterday Chumo visited the forests to confirm whether the harvesting had been stopped.

"I am aware police are patrolling in the forests to ensure that the saw millers do not go on with felling of trees even during nights. The court orders have to be respected," said Chumo. The hearing was set for February 27.