The Kenya Forest Service (KFS) has officially received the Timber Tracker System (TTS) during a handover ceremony at its headquarters, marking a major milestone in the country’s push to digitize timber trade management.
Developed with support from the Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL) and with additional technical collaboration from Traffic International, the system is designed to enhance traceability, improve efficiency, and significantly reduce illegal timber trade.
The event included a live demonstration of the platform and the symbolic handover of a printed TTS homepage and a Point of Sale (POS) device.
Key next steps identified include the development of a mobile application, rollout of user guides and checkpoint manuals, nationwide training for officers, and integration with the Tanzania Forest Service (TFS) under a bilateral Memorandum of Understanding.
How will KFS’s Timber Tracker System work?
“Once fully operational, the system will enhance efficiency, traceability, and considerably reduce illegal timber trade in Kenya,” said the Chief Conservator of Forests, Alex Lemarkoko, reaffirming KFS’s commitment to full national deployment and a transition from manual processes to automation.
“This system closes the loop on timber traceability, ensuring that what leaves the forest can be legally accounted for at the point of sale,” said William Mauya, a representative from Traffic International, highlighting the importance of transparency in disrupting illicit supply chains.
Once fully operational, the system is expected to enable comprehensive tracking of timber traders, species, quantities, and product movements from source to destination.
