MPs Engage Isiolo, Nyeri Residents on Proposed Forest Law Reforms

The National Assembly Committee on Environment, Forestry and Mining has begun a public participation exercise on the proposed Forest Conservation and Management (Amendment) Bill, 2025, seeking views from communities on reforms aimed at strengthening forest protection and management.

The Bill, sponsored by Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wa, proposes updates to Kenya’s forestry legal framework to address emerging challenges such as climate change, environmental degradation, and sustainable use of natural resources.

A delegation led by Kilifi MP Gertrude Mbeyu conducted forums in Isiolo County and Nyeri County, where residents shared diverse views and recommendations on the proposed law.

In Isiolo, locals urged closer collaboration between the Kenya Forest Service (KFS) and the Kenya Forestry Research Institute (KEFRI) to identify tree species suitable for arid and semi-arid regions. Residents said many of the seedlings currently distributed fail to survive due to ecological mismatch.

Community member Clement Nakout challenged the perception of Isiolo as solely a pastoral region, arguing that agriculture can thrive with the right support, including access to fruit tree varieties.

“KFS should provide more diverse tree species. Currently, only a few varieties are available, and they are not suitable for our area,” he said.

Residents also called for balanced penalties in forest laws to ensure sustainable use without unfair punishment. However, some accused KFS officers of harassment and failing to adhere to legal procedures during enforcement operations.

Environmental concerns raised included deforestation driven by charcoal burning, lack of forest fencing, and the spread of invasive species such as mathenge, which residents said depletes water sources and harms livestock.

In Nyeri, participants largely supported the Bill but urged lawmakers to include provisions that protect investors from losses caused by abrupt logging bans and moratoriums. They also called for measures to address unfair competition from imported forest products.

Speaking after the engagements, Mbeyu said the committee had gathered extensive public input that will inform its report to Parliament.

“We have collected valuable views from the public, and all submissions will be considered before we table our report in the House,” she said.

Also present was Forestry and Mining Principal Secretary Gitonga Mugambi, who emphasized that the Bill seeks to boost forest conservation and increase national tree cover. He encouraged citizens to support the government’s goal of achieving 15 billion trees by 2032.

The committee is expected to continue the public participation exercise in Embu County, with the next forum scheduled at the Municipal Hall.