The Kenya Forest Service (KFS) is mandated under the Forest Conservation and Management Act to oversee the conservation, protection, and sustainable management of forest resources in Kenya. KFS ensures the rational utilization of forests for socio-economic development while maintaining ecological balance.
🔹 Legal Framework
KFS is a body corporate with the authority to:
✔ Sue and be sued.
✔ Own and manage property (both moveable and immovable).
✔ Enter into contracts.
✔ Carry out lawful activities to fulfill its mandate.
🔹 Core Functions of KFS
1️⃣ Forest Conservation & Management
✔ Protect and conserve all public forests.
✔ Implement forest management plans for both public and private forests.
✔ Restore degraded forests and promote reforestation.
2️⃣ Licensing & Permits
✔ Approve applications for forest resource use (e.g., timber harvesting, ecotourism, etc.).
✔ Regulate importation and exportation of forest products.
3️⃣ Capacity Building & Community Support
✔ Assist county governments in forestry management.
✔ Provide training & incentives for sustainable use of forests.
✔ Develop community-based forest industries.
4️⃣ Forest Research & Data Management
✔ Maintain a register of forest management plans.
✔ Conduct resource assessments every five years.
✔ Prepare Forest Status Reports for the government every two years.
✔ Maintain an updated GIS database of Kenya’s forests.
5️⃣ Climate Change & Environmental Protection
✔ Manage water catchment areas for conservation.
✔ Support carbon sequestration efforts.
✔ Implement climate adaptation strategies related to forestry.
6️⃣ Policy & Law Enforcement
✔ Recommend new public forests or boundary changes.
✔ Enforce regulations on illegal logging, trade, and transport of forest products.
✔ Oversee forest conservancy areas for biodiversity protection.
🔹 Governance & Management of KFS
KFS is managed by a Board of Directors comprising:
✔ Chairperson (appointed by the President).
✔ Principal Secretaries (Forestry & National Treasury).
✔ Inspector-General of Police (or representative).
✔ Director of Kenya Forestry Research Institute.
✔ Chief Conservator of Forests (Day-to-day management, non-voting secretary).
✔ Four representatives from:
- Forestry Society of Kenya.
- Community Forest Associations.
- Forest industry.
- Council of Governors.
🔹 Conclusion
KFS plays a critical role in safeguarding Kenya’s forests through conservation, licensing, enforcement, and community engagement. By promoting sustainable forest use, it contributes to biodiversity conservation, climate resilience, and economic growth.
