NAIROBI, Kenya – The Kenya Forest Service (KFS) has issued a reminder to the public that a permit is mandatory for transporting forest products, even when they originate from private or community land.
This requirement, grounded in the Forest Conservation and Management Act of 2016, applies to products such as firewood, charcoal, timber, poles, and bamboo.
In a statement released on Sunday, KFS emphasized that non-compliance could result in penalties.
The agency urged individuals to consult their nearest KFS office for permits and guidance before moving any forest produce.
“Kenya Forest Service wishes to clarify to the public that, as per the Forest Conservation and Management Act 2016, a permit is required for the transportation of all forest products, including those harvested from private lands, farms, and community land,” the statement read.
This clarification follows a recent incident in Sabatia, Vihiga County, where a company challenged the legality of an arrest involving the transportation of bamboo.
KFS’s reminder seeks to address such misunderstandings and ensure that the public adheres to existing legal frameworks.
In a related development, President William Ruto recently greenlit a partnership between the Kenya Tea Development Agency (KTDA) and KFS to allow tea farmers to cultivate trees in protected forest areas.
The initiative is designed to promote conservation while providing a sustainable source of firewood for tea factories.
“Because you sometimes use wood fuel in your factories, you want to work with Kenya Forest Service to see whether you can participate in growing trees in a manner that is mutually beneficial,” President Ruto said.
Under this directive, KTDA will engage in commercial forestry within designated forest areas, with the benefits shared between the factories and KFS.
The move is expected to balance economic activity with sustainable forest management practices.
The clarification from KFS also comes amid ongoing crackdowns on illegal charcoal burning and tree-cutting activities in regions such as Kwale and Taita Taveta counties.
Recent efforts by law enforcement and environmental agencies have intensified to curb crimes against nature and uphold the integrity of Kenya’s forest ecosystems.
KFS is calling on all Kenyans to respect forest regulations and contribute to the country’s conservation goals.
The agency’s commitment to enforcing the Forest Conservation and Management Act is part of broader efforts to safeguard the environment while supporting sustainable livelihoods.
