NAIROBI, Kenya, Mar 7 – The government has introduced new regulations aimed at enhancing the management of public forests through forest concessions.
The Cabinet Secretary for Environment, Climate Change, and Forestry in a gazette notice said that these regulations come into effect following recommendations made by the Forest Conservation Board.
The newly introduced regulations provide a comprehensive framework for the management of public forest areas, focusing on the commercial use of forest resources.
These regulations outline the processes for awarding concessions, the legal requirements for participants, and the responsibilities of both the concession parties and the Kenya Forest Service (KFS).
“The object and purpose of these Regulations are to prescribe the procedures and requirements for the participation of the concession party through forest concessions.”
“These Regulations shall apply to the participation of the concession party in the commercial use of public forests through forest concessions.”
In particular, the regulations stipulate how the Kenya Forest Service (KFS) will manage the processes, including tendering, procuring, and overseeing forest concessions.
It also emphasizes the active involvement of local communities, ensuring that any concession agreement includes a community engagement plan, which could significantly improve livelihoods in forest-adjacent areas.
Before inviting bids for forest concessions, the KFS is required to consult with the forest conservation committee, community forest associations, and local communities.
Additionally, forest areas subject to commercial use will undergo environmental impact assessments, ensuring the protection of Kenya’s biodiversity.
The regulations specify that forest management plans will be required for each concession, outlining sustainable practices and measures to minimize environmental harm.
The process of awarding a concession will be done transparently, with bids being advertised publicly.
The KFS will review proposed concession management plans, ensuring they meet environmental, legal, and social criteria.
Bidders must demonstrate the technical and financial capacity to manage the forests sustainably. Once awarded, a concession can last for up to thirty years, with the possibility of renewal.
The regulations also provide for an environmental protection bond to be paid by concession holders to guarantee that they meet their environmental obligations.
This bond ensures that the concession party addresses any negative environmental impacts arising from their activities.
The regulations also introduce a set of penalties for any parties who contravene the set rules, with those found guilty subject to sanctions as stipulated under the Forest Conservation and Management Act.
According to the government, these regulatory measures are expected to not only ensure better management of Kenya’s public forests but also offer opportunities for local communities to benefit economically while promoting conservation efforts.
