This week, starting Monday, April 20th, the Departmental Committee on Environment, Forestry and Mining shall undertake rigorous public hearings on the proposed Amendments to the Forest Conservation and Management (Amendment) Bill, (National Assembly Bill No.38 of 2025.)

The Committee shall engage members of the public in two delegations of MPs that shall cover select regions across twelve Counties, in a span of five days.

“This engagement of the Public is critical if we are to make any Amendments to this Bill. Forestry matters are at the heart of every Kenyan and we must hear what they think about the proposals.” Said Hon. Kamuren, in a meeting held at Bunge towers last Thursday.

The delegation led by the Committee chairperson Hon. Vincent Musyoka shall have meetings in Isiolo, Nyeri, Embu, Machakos, Makueni, Kilifi and Kwale Counties on Monday to Friday.

The second delegation of Legislators shall be led by the Committee’s vice chairperson Hon. Charles Kamuren starting with Kisumu, Kakamega, Kericho,Uasin Gishu, and Nakuru Counties.

The Bill sponsored by the Leader of the Majority Party; seeks to amend the Forest Conservation and Management Act, Cap. 385 to align it with modern realities, contemporary global discourse on forestry conservation and management.

Among the proposed changes, the Bill provides for the establishment of the headquarters of the Kenya Forest Service and requires the devolution of its services across the country. It also outlines additional functions of the Service, including the development of agroforestry and commercial forestry on private and community land.

Further, the Bill proposes to designate Kenya Forest Service officers as uniformed and disciplined officers, and to establish the Kenya Forest Academy to enhance training and capacity in the sector.

It also seeks to create the office of the Director of Forest Regulation, which will be responsible for setting standards and regulating entities within the forest sector.

In addition, the Bill requires sustainable management of dryland forests through both traditional and conventional systems, and empowers the Kenya Forest Service to grant easements in public forests for roads, critical installations and public utilities.

The proposed law further enhances penalties for offences related to the import, export and re-export of forest products without the requisite permits, in a bid to curb illegal trade and strengthen conservation efforts.