Conservation and Management of Forests in Kenya: an Analysis of the Regulatory Framework Regulating Timber Harvesting in Natural and Plantation Forests in Kenya

Abstract

Forests serve Kenya economically, environmentally, socially and culturally. Sustainable management of the same is therefore paramount. Forest resources are on high demand, especially timber which is used by various industries in Kenya. While timber is an important commodity that fulfils the various needs of the society, its current demand however puts a lot of pressure on our forests leading to elevated levels of deforestation and forest degradation. The Constitution, provides that Kenya should target achieving at least 10% tree cover. Timber harvesting therefore needs to be well controlled to achieve this target. Sustainable timber harvesting requires that while trees are cut down for various purposes, their regeneration is also encouraged to address the requirements of all generations. The adequacy or inadequacy of the regulatory framework in ensuring sustainable timber harvesting was the main focus of this study. This study used desk-based research as the main research method, where there was a critique of the existing institutional, policy and legal framework, analysis of the relevant literature review, and key strategies that could impact sustainable timber harvesting while also looking at examples of countries that have utilized the said strategies. This study also looked at the various challenges facing sustainable timber harvesting in Kenya especially from a practical perspective and the impact that these challenges have had on forests and the environment as a whole. It was noted in this study that while there is an existing institutional, policy and legal framework that governs sustainable timber harvesting, there are still gaps in the same as forests are still being degraded at a high rate especially due to illegal activities related to timber harvesting. The regulatory framework as it is today is still inadequate in ensuring sustainable timber harvesting. To protect our remaining forests and for Kenya to achieve its least tree cover target of 10%, a review of the existing framework is urgently needed. This study therefore proposed some recommendations that could enhance the legal, policy and institutional framework to ensure effective regulation of timber harvesting in Kenya, that balances the needs of the society while still ensuring our forests and the environment as a whole is protected and preserved for all generations