The Kenya Forest Service (KFS) has increased fees for timber transport permits, effective July 13, 2024.
The cost of acquiring a single permit has surged from Ksh2,000 to Ksh25,570.
The new fee structure includes a Ksh20,000 consignment fee, a 16% VAT on the consignment fee (Ksh3,200), a Ksh2,000 movement permit fee, a 16% VAT on the permit fee (Ksh320), and a Ksh50 eCitizen transaction fee.
All payments must be made through the eCitizen platform.
Additionally, KFS has imposed fees on charcoal transport: Ksh30 per bag, plus 16% VAT and a Ksh50 eCitizen fee. Non-wood forest products will also be subject to a Ksh2 fee, 16% VAT, and the eCitizen fee.
In June, KFS prohibited grazing in specific forest areas and introduced forest zoning.
“Grazing is prohibited in plantation areas less than four years old, areas set aside for rehabilitation through natural regeneration, and areas set aside for treatment of natural regeneration,” Chief Conservator of Forest Alex Lemarkoko said.
The Forest Conservation and Management Act, 2016 empowers duly registered Community Forest Associations (CFAs) to participate in the conservation and management of public forests.
This provision, outlined in Section 48(2) of the Act, aligns with Kenya’s Constitution, which emphasizes community involvement in governance.
To ensure sustainable forest management, Section 49(1)(b) mandates CFAs to develop and implement forest programs that respect traditional community rights. These rights, including grass harvesting and grazing, are recognized under Section 49(2)(d)(a) of the Act.
The government aims to plant 15 billion by 2032 and increase the country’s forest cover from the current 12.3% to 30%.