The government is seeking to introduce new regulations to control the harvesting, trade, and export of natural gums and resins, key ingredients in the production of Coca-Cola beverages and other food and pharmaceutical products.
The move aims to streamline the sector, curb illegal trade, and ensure sustainable harvesting of these forest products.
Kenya is a producer of natural gums and resins, including gum arabic, which is used as a stabiliser in soft drinks such as Coca-Cola. The raw material is harvested mainly in arid and semi-arid regions, including parts of northern Kenya.
However, due to a lack of regulation, the industry has been plagued by unregulated trade, environmental degradation, and loss of revenue to the government.
Under the new Forest Conservation and Management (Gums and Resins) Regulations, 2025, all collectors, harvesters, and traders must obtain a licence from either the Kenya Forest Service (KFS) or county governments.
“The objective of these regulations is to establish a licensing and management system for gums and resins production and trade,” according to the proposal from the Ministry of Environment, Forestry, and Climate Change. According to the government, the move will not only protect forest resources but also improve earnings for those legally engaged in the business.
Gum Arabic, obtained from Acacia Senegal and Acacia seyal trees, is one of Kenya’s key non-timber forest exports. It is widely used in the food industry as an emulsifier, particularly in soft drinks. Additionally, other resins, such as frankincense and myrrh, harvested from Boswellia and Commiphora species, are valuable in perfumery and medicine.
Kenya exports large quantities of these commodities to global markets, including the United States, Europe, and the Middle East. However, with weak enforcement mechanisms, much of the trade has been informal, leading to losses for both producers and the government.
Previously, the sector operated with minimal oversight, allowing intermediaries to exploit harvesters. The new regulations mandate the formation of producer organisations to ensure fair pricing and adherence to sustainable harvesting practices. “All harvesters must be part of registered organisations that will oversee compliance,” the proposal states.
A key requirement under the new system is the issuance of movement permits and certificates of origin for all harvested gums and resins. Traders will need to prove that their products have been obtained legally before they can transport or sell them. This is expected to curb smuggling and protect communities that are dependent on harvesting.
County governments will also have a bigger role in overseeing the industry. They are required to support producers by developing woodland management plans and ensuring that only sustainable harvesting methods are used. The Kenya Forest Service will work alongside them to enforce the new rules and issue necessary documentation.
Exporters, who previously faced minimal scrutiny, will now require specific licences. “A person shall not export gums and resins without a valid permit from the Kenya Forest Service,” the proposed regulations state.
For local harvesters, the new system could mean better earnings if properly implemented. By eliminating middlemen and ensuring fair trade practices, the regulations aim to create a more structured market. However, there are concerns about the potential bureaucratic hurdles in obtaining licences and movement permits, which could slow down trade.
