Private forest owners could soon access loans from the government in a new move aimed at encouraging Kenyans to take up forestry.
According to the Draft Forest Conservation and Management (Private Forests Registration) Regulations, 2025, the government plans to introduce the Registration of Private Forests Regulations, which will enable private forest owners to access financial support.
The regulations, as stipulated in the Forest Conservation and Management Act, 2016, allow private forest owners to apply for loans from the Forest Conservation and Management Trust Fund.
Specifically, Section 33(3)(b) of the proposed Act states that upon registration, owners may apply "to the Fund, subject to the availability of funds, loans from the Fund for the development of the forest, provided that the funds are obtained and utilised in accordance with the procedures set out by the Service."
To qualify for these benefits, forest owners must register their forests with the Kenya Forest Service (KFS). The registration process requires applicants to submit an application form, proof of ownership, and a forest management plan.
The Kenya Forest Service (KFS) will register a forest if it meets the criteria prescribed in the regulations. These criteria include the forest's adherence to sustainable management practices, conservation of biodiversity, and alignment with national forest policies.
Once registered, private forest owners are entitled to receive technical advice regarding appropriate forestry practices and conservation. Additionally, they may apply for loans from the Fund for the development of their forests, provided that the funds are obtained and utilised in accordance with the procedures set out by the KFS.
This initiative aligns with the government's goal to increase forest cover to 30 per cent by 2032. By facilitating access to financial resources and technical support, the government aims to empower private landowners to contribute significantly to national afforestation efforts.
The regulations also provide for potential exemptions from land rates and other charges for registered private forests. According to Section 33(4) of the Act, a person who establishes or owns a private forest may apply to the relevant authorities for exemption from payment of all or part of the land rates and other charges levied on the land where the forest is established.
To ensure compliance and proper utilisation of the loans, the KFS has established procedures that applicants must follow. These procedures are designed to promote sustainable forest management practices and ensure that financial resources are used effectively for forest development.
The Ministry of Environment, headed by Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale, is seeking Kenyan input on the draft laws that are set to make their way to Parliament for enactment.
"Further, the Ministry of Environment, Climate Change and Forestry invites members of the public to a virtual public meeting, which will be held on 2nd April, 2025, from 8 am to 5 pm," the Ministry said in a notice on Tuesday, March 4.
