NAIROBI, Kenya – The Kenya Forest Service (KFS) has raised the alarm over a surge in forged movement permits being used to transport timber, charcoal, and other forest products across the country.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, September 30, the agency warned that those found using counterfeit documents would face arrest and have their consignments confiscated.
“KFS warns the public to beware of fake forest goods movement permits, which could lead to apprehension and impounding of the materials,” the statement read in part.
To alert traders and transporters, the agency released samples of the fraudulent permits, which officials say some drivers have been presenting as genuine authorisations.
KFS clarified that the only legitimate way to obtain permits is through the office of the respective County Forest Conservator.
Applicants must present a Certificate of Origin showing the source of the products, which is then verified before a permit is issued.
The service urged members of the public and industry players to report any cases of forged permits, saying the fight against illegal logging and trade required collaboration from all stakeholders.
The crackdown comes against the backdrop of new transport fees announced in July 2024 under reforms to enhance transparency in the sector.
While the standard permit fee for local timber remains at Sh2,000 plus Sh320 VAT, charges for imported timber rose steeply to Sh25,570 per permit, with consignment fees increased to Sh20,000.
Other charges include Sh30 per bag for charcoal plus VAT, a Sh50 transaction fee on eCitizen, and a Sh2 levy on non-wood forest products.
KFS has emphasized that all payments must be made exclusively through the eCitizen platform to curb corruption and reduce fraudulent activities.
The forestry agency has in recent months tightened enforcement to protect forest resources, including deploying drones to monitor protected areas and destroying illegal consignments of sandalwood.
