CS Barasa Defends Forest Conservation and Management (Amendment) Bill Before National Assembly Committee

Environment, Climate Change and Forestry Cabinet Secretary Deborah M. Barasa on Saturday appeared before the National Assembly of Kenya Departmental Committee on Environment, Forestry and Mining to present the Forest Conservation and Management (Amendment) Bill, 2025, which seeks to strengthen governance and management of forests in the country.

The session, held in Nairobi, was chaired by Charity Kathambi Chepkwony, the Member of Parliament for Njoro Constituency. During the meeting, the Cabinet Secretary outlined key reforms aimed at modernizing Kenya’s forestry sector and improving the legal framework guiding conservation efforts.

Dr. Barasa, accompanied by Forestry Principal Secretary Gitonga Mugambi, told the committee that the proposed amendments would enhance institutional coordination, strengthen compliance mechanisms, and provide a clearer structure for managing public, private, and community forests.

According to the ministry, the Bill seeks to align the Forest Conservation and Management Act with the National Forest Policy 2023 and the Constitution of Kenya 2010, while addressing emerging conservation challenges and clarifying institutional mandates.

“The Forest Conservation and Management (Amendment) Bill, 2025 provides a comprehensive legal framework that will enable the country to address modern conservation challenges while strengthening governance and accountability in the forestry sector,” Dr. Barasa told the committee.

One of the major proposals in the Bill is an institutional realignment intended to enhance the effectiveness and independence of forestry institutions. The legislation proposes placing the Kenya Forestry Research Institute directly under the Forest Conservation and Management Act instead of the Science, Technology and Innovation Act, a move expected to align the institute more closely with its mandate in forestry research and innovation.

The Cabinet Secretary also noted that the amendments introduce innovative mechanisms such as natural capital accounting and payment for ecosystem services. These frameworks are designed to recognize forests not only for their ecological value but also for their contribution to the country’s economic growth.

Additionally, the Bill proposes new management frameworks to promote sustainable forestry in dryland and arid areas, including the adoption of water-harvesting techniques and improved tree-growing technologies.

Senior ministry officials who attended the session included Forest Development Secretary George Tarus, Chief Conservator of Forests Alex Lemarkoko, Kenya Forestry Research Institute Chief Executive Officer Jane Njuguna, and Secretary Administration Patrick Meso.

The committee is expected to review the proposed legislation and gather stakeholder views before tabling its report in Parliament for further consideration.