The public must obtain permits before transporting forest products, KFS warns

The clarification came after a company in Sabatia, Vihiga County, questioned the legality of an arrest involving the transportation of bamboo.
The Kenya Forest Service (KFS) has clarified that a permit is required to transport forest products such as firewood, charcoal, timber, poles and bamboo, even if they are harvested from private or community land.
In a statement on Sunday, KFS said that this requirement is in line with the Forest Conservation and Management Act, 2016.
More To Read
- Kenya Forest Service under fire over irregular staff sackings, court lapses
- Cooking smoke linked to 26,000 deaths in Kenya every year - report
- AfDB: Kenyan women left behind in green energy transition amid Sh96 billion financing gap
- Activists propose arrest powers for IPOA amid rising cases of police brutality
- Green Belt Movement threatens legal action over Ngong Forest hotel project
- Kenya Forest Service reveals company behind controversial hotel project in Ngong Road Forest
"Kenya Forest Service wishes to clarify to the public that as per the Forest Conservation and Management Act 2016, a permit is required for transportation of all forest products including those harvested from private lands, farms and community land," KFS says in a statement.
The clarification came after a company in Sabatia, Vihiga County, questioned the legality of an arrest involving the transportation of bamboo.
The agency urged the public to comply with these regulations to avoid penalties.
"The public is advised to consult the nearest Kenya Forest Service office before transporting any forest produce in order to receive a permit and any other technical assistance," the statement said.
Meanwhile, President William Ruto recently allowed the Kenya Tea Development Agency (KTDA) to cultivate trees in forests managed by KFS.
The move aims to benefit both tea farmers and conservation efforts by providing a regulated 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,” the President said.
“You have asked that we allocate you spaces in our forested areas and you can do commercial forestry where you harvest and we share the benefits between your factories and KFS,” he added.
The directive is expected to open up more activity in protected areas, while still ensuring sustainable management of forest resources.
Top Stories Today
- KAM decries weak policy enforcement in Kenya’s wastewater management
- KHRC: Mwabili Mwagodi was under surveillance prior to abduction in Tanzania
- Kenya’s quiet envoy shuffle: After DRC snub, Ruto’s appointee lands in Accra
- Government to build seven police stations in Tiaty, Baringo in bid to curb banditry
- How to bake a moist chocolate cake to warm you up in July
- KISIP II: Thousands in Nairobi to benefit from major upgrade of informal settlements