Government Cracks Down on Cannabis Cultivation in Mt. Kenya Forest
May 10, 2025 — Nairobi, Kenya
In a decisive move to combat the growing threat of illegal drug production, the Kenyan government has launched a crackdown on drug cartels cultivating cannabis (bhang) in the Mt. Kenya Forest. The operation, led by the National Police Service in collaboration with the Kenya Forest Service (KFS) and other government agencies, targets the large-scale cultivation of illicit cannabis within the region’s protected forest zones.
Mt. Kenya, one of the country’s most important ecological areas, has become a hotspot for illegal cannabis farms in recent years. Drug cartels, often operating under the cover of dense forest cover, have turned parts of the forest into sprawling illegal plantations. Authorities estimate that millions of Kenyan shillings worth of cannabis is being produced and trafficked from these areas, contributing to rising drug abuse and crime in nearby communities.
“The cultivation of cannabis in protected forests is not only illegal but also a serious threat to our national security and the environment,” said Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki. “These criminal operations are exploiting our natural resources and putting the lives of local communities at risk. This operation sends a clear message that such activities will not be tolerated.”
The government’s crackdown comes after increased reports of criminal activity in the Mt. Kenya region, including the involvement of drug cartels in illicit trade and violent confrontations with law enforcement. The illegal cannabis farms, often set up by organized criminal syndicates, have posed serious challenges to forest conservation efforts, with land degradation, deforestation, and the loss of biodiversity resulting from the encroachment of these illegal plantations.
Authorities have deployed specialized teams to locate and dismantle these illegal farms, and in some cases, the operation has involved aerial surveillance and ground patrols to track the cartels’ movements. In addition to eradicating the cannabis farms, the government has vowed to bring those responsible to justice through swift legal action.
The operation is also focused on dismantling the networks that support the cultivation and distribution of illicit cannabis. Police have arrested several individuals suspected of being involved in the cultivation and trafficking of the drug, and authorities are actively pursuing leads to arrest the masterminds behind the operations.
“We are taking a multi-faceted approach, targeting not just the growers but also those who facilitate the trade and distribution of cannabis,” said Director of Criminal Investigations, Mohamed Amin. “Our goal is to disrupt the entire supply chain and eliminate this illegal trade.”
Environmentalists have welcomed the crackdown, noting that the cultivation of cannabis within protected forest areas has led to serious environmental damage, including soil erosion, destruction of wildlife habitats, and the depletion of water sources. The Mt. Kenya Forest is a crucial water catchment area, providing water to millions of Kenyans, and the illegal activities have undermined its ecological stability.
“We cannot afford to let the degradation of our forests continue,” said Jane Wambui, a conservationist with the Kenya Wildlife Conservancy. “The destruction of Mt. Kenya’s forest ecosystem impacts the entire region, and this action is necessary to protect the environment and ensure sustainable use of our natural resources.”
While cannabis cultivation remains illegal in Kenya, there has been ongoing debate about the potential benefits of decriminalizing or legalizing marijuana for medical use. However, the government has made it clear that illegal cultivation, particularly in protected areas, will be met with severe penalties.
The crackdown has drawn mixed reactions from local communities. While some residents have welcomed the move, citing the dangers of drug abuse, others have expressed concerns about the livelihoods of those involved in small-scale, informal cultivation, with many pointing to the lack of alternative income sources in rural areas.
In response, the government has promised to increase efforts to provide alternative livelihoods for local communities, particularly in regions where cannabis farming is widespread. This will include promoting sustainable agriculture practices and expanding access to education and employment opportunities.
“The fight against illegal cannabis cultivation is not just about law enforcement,” said Kindiki. “It’s about providing our people with better alternatives, ensuring that the long-term solutions benefit both the community and the environment.”
The government has pledged to continue its efforts to combat illegal drug production and trafficking across the country, with a focus on disrupting networks that pose a threat to both security and sustainable development.
