PUBLIC PARTICIPATION GAINS MOMENTUM

Public participation on the proposed Forest Conservation and Management (Amendment) Bill, 2025 entered its second day today, with hearings held in Embu and Kakamega counties as the nationwide exercise continues to gather momentum.

The forums follow a successful rollout on day one in Kisumu, Isiolo, and Nyeri counties, marking the start of a five-day engagement led by the National Assembly of Kenya to collect views from citizens and stakeholders across the country.

The State Department for Forestry, under the leadership of Principal Secretary Mr. Gitonga Mugambi, is playing a key technical role by aligning stakeholder submissions with national forestry priorities and sustainable forest management goals.

Speaking during the exercise, PS Mugambi reaffirmed the Department’s commitment to ensuring that public input is meaningfully incorporated into the proposed amendments. He emphasized that the reforms are crucial in strengthening forest conservation, governance, and community participation.

He also commended the Departmental Committee on Environment, Forestry and Mining, led by Charles Kamuren and Gertrude Mbeyu, for spearheading an inclusive process that ensures diverse perspectives are captured.

Addressing participants in Embu, Hon. Mbeyu highlighted the importance of transparency and inclusivity in law-making, noting that the hearings are designed to give all Kenyans regardless of background an equal opportunity to shape the future of the country’s forestry sector.

Kenyans have been encouraged to participate in the remaining sessions as the exercise continues in other counties over the coming days.