The Ministry of Environment, Climate Change, and Forestry has announced the immediate suspension of the exports of raw veneer materials.
Raw veneer is cut from a log, and dyed if necessary. Once dyed, the sheets are laminated together to form a block.
In a statement, Environment Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale said the move aims to protect forests in the country.
Duale directed Kenya Forest Services not to issue any "no objection letter" for export.
The CS added that the ban is a measure in support of the National Landscape and Ecosystem Restoration Strategy.
"This strategy, which aims to restore 10.6 million hectares of degraded landscapes by planting 15 billion trees, is a testament to the government's unwavering commitment to environmental sustainability," Duale said.
"The suspension is necessary to safeguard Kenya's environmental future and should inspire all stakeholders to join us in this crucial endeavour."
According to the CS, recent reports have highlighted the premature harvesting of immature trees on farmlands.
He added that the practice threatens the success of the government's reforestation efforts.
"By halting the export of raw veneer, the government intends to curb this practice, ensuring trees are allowed to mature and contribute effectively to the national restoration goals," CS Duale said.
He said the government's commitment to achieving the ambitious 30 per cent tree cover by 2032 is unwavering.
