Nationwide Forest Bill Hearings Conclude as Kenya Moves to Next Legislative Phase

Public participation on the proposed Forest Conservation and Management (Amendment) Bill, 2025 has officially concluded across the country, marking a major milestone in efforts to reform and strengthen Kenya’s forestry sector.

The week-long exercise, convened by the National Assembly of Kenya, brought together citizens, stakeholders, and experts in an inclusive process designed to collect views and submissions to shape the proposed legislation.

The final public hearings were held in Nakuru County and Kwale County, where the Departmental Committee on Environment, Forestry and Mining led engagements on the ground. In Kwale County, the committee team was headed by Vincent Musyoka, while in Nakuru County, the exercise was led by Charity Kathambi Chepkwony. Both leaders underscored the importance of public input in ensuring the Bill reflects the needs and priorities of Kenyans.

The State Department for Forestry provided technical leadership throughout the process. In Nakuru, the team was led by Secretary, Forest Development George Tarus alongside Titus Korir, while in Kwale County, Dr. George Muthike spearheaded the department’s engagement. The officials played a key role in guiding discussions, clarifying policy proposals, and aligning stakeholder contributions with national forestry priorities, including sustainable forest management and tree cover targets.

Conducted across multiple counties over five days, the hearings demonstrated Parliament’s commitment to participatory governance as enshrined in the Constitution. Members of the public turned out in large numbers to present oral submissions and written memoranda, offering diverse perspectives on issues such as forest conservation, agroforestry, institutional reforms, and enforcement measures.

With the conclusion of the public participation phase, the process now moves to the next stage. The Departmental Committee is set to retreat to review, analyze, and consolidate all submissions received before preparing a comprehensive report to be tabled before the House. The report is expected to incorporate stakeholder views into the proposed amendments.

The successful completion of the exercise signals a critical step toward establishing a more responsive and modern legal framework for forest governance in Kenya. It reinforces the central role of citizen participation in shaping national policy and sets the stage for informed legislative deliberations that will influence the future of the country’s forestry sector.

Also in attendance were senior officials from the State Department and its Semi-Autonomous Government Agencies (SAGAs), including Fatma Ali, Dr. Margaret Kaigongi, Parliamentary Liaison Officers Rodney Omari and Ruth Jeptoo, as well as representatives from the Kenya Forest Service and the Kenya Forestry Research Institute, among others