KFS warns timber, charcoal traders over forged transport documents

Timber traders, charcoal dealers and transporters have been put on high alert after the Kenya Forest Service (KFS) uncovered a growing trend of forged movement permits being used to transport forest products.

The agency has warned that anyone found using such fake documents will face arrest, and their consignments will be seized.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, September 30, KFS revealed that fraudulent permits had become increasingly common, with some drivers presenting them as valid authorisations.

To raise public awareness, the agency released samples of the counterfeit permits being circulated.

“Kenya Forest Service 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.

KFS explained that the only legitimate way to acquire movement permits for forest products such as timber, logs, poles and charcoal is by visiting the office of the County Forest Conservator.

At this stage, applicants must present a Certificate of Origin that indicates the source of the materials. The document is then verified by KFS officials before any permit is issued.

“Anyone who requires a movement permit for forest goods such as timber logs, poles, and charcoal, among others, needs to visit the respective County Forest Conservator's office,” the agency stated.

The service urged the public to report any instances of fake permits to the nearest KFS office for investigations, adding that tackling the vice required cooperation from all stakeholders.

The warning follows changes to transport fees announced in July 2024 as part of regulatory reforms in the forest sector.

KFS at the time stated that the standard permit fee would remain at Sh2,000, with an additional Sh320 in VAT.

However, charges for imported timber increased sharply, with a single transport permit now costing Sh25,570 compared to the previous Sh2,000. Consignment fees rose to Sh20,000, while VAT of 16 per cent brought the total to Sh3,200.

Other costs included a Sh50 service transaction fee for all transporters, Sh30 per bag for charcoal movement plus VAT, and a Sh50 eCitizen fee per transaction. Non-wood forest products attracted a Sh2 charge plus VAT and the eCitizen fee.

All these payments were to be processed exclusively through the eCitizen platform to reduce illegal activities and make permit issuance more transparent.

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