The Kenya Forest Service (KFS) has issued a clarification on the transportation of forest products including firewood, charcoal, timber, poles, and bamboo.
In a statement on Sunday evening, KFS noted that individuals seeking to transport these products needed to acquire a permit from KFS offices countrywide before embarking on transporting them.
According to the service, this requirement was in line with the Forest Conservation and Management Act 2016.
"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," part of the statement read.
The clarification had been prompted by a company in Sabatia, Vihiga County that had opposed an arrest made when a vehicle was captured ferrying bamboo.
"The Company in question has since tried to question the legality of the arrest," KFS relayed.
Ultimately, the public was urged to also adhere to these regulations to avoid any of the cons
"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," part of the statement read.
"Forest products may include timber, poles, bamboo, charcoal among other materials."
On May 14, 2024, President William Ruto gave the green light to the Kenya Tea Development Agency (KTDA) to cultivate wood in forests under KFS opening up the protected lands to more activity that would include ferrying these products.
This, the President had said would be mutually beneficial for the two entities as growing the trees would not only help conserve the forests but also help the tea farmers who use firewood as the main source of fuel in factories.
“Because you sometimes use wood fuel in your factories you want to work with Kenya Forest Service (KFS) to see whether you can participate in growing trees in a manner that is mutually beneficial,” Ruto spoke of the request.
“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.”
