Nairobi: Environment, Climate Change and Forestry CS Deborah Barasa has convened a meeting with officials from the Kenya Forest Service (KFS) to outline key priorities and strategic plans aimed at revitalizing the country’s forestry sector.
According to Kenya News Agency, Barasa, speaking during the meeting at the Kenya Forest Service headquarters, noted that the Ministry has made significant strides in strengthening the legal and regulatory framework governing the forestry sector. The CS stated that they were in the final stages of developing the Forest Conservation and Management Amendment Bill 2025, alongside eight draft regulations with instruments designed to streamline operations in the sector and position forestry as a competitive venture that generates jobs.
Barasa highlighted that the proposed reforms would lead to the establishment of enforcement mechanisms, enhance collaboration with county governments, and improve community forest association engagement through fair and transparent benefit-shari
ng frameworks. She also emphasized the need to explore private sector initiatives to open new financing and conservation avenues.
Additionally, Barasa announced the deployment of 2,664 rangers, 102 forest inspectors, and 465 foresters across various stations, stressing that forest management depends on having competent and sufficient human resources. This strategic investment in human capital is aimed at significantly enhancing forest surveillance, protection, and sustainable management.
The CS further challenged the Kenya Forest Service to innovate and develop robust internal revenue generation strategies to achieve operational sustainability beyond government funding. Barasa urged the KFS leadership to set a strong example and establish integrity as the cornerstone of forestry operations in the country, underscoring the ministry and KFS’s united purpose guided by scientific principles and dedication to serving the people of Kenya.
