Kakamega residents push for clarity on carbon revenue plans

National Assembly Departmental Committee on Land, Environment, Forestry and Mining vice chairman Charles Kamuren addresses journalists in Kakamega on Tuesday /HILTON OTENYO

Kakamega residents have raised concerns over the proposed amendments to the Forest Conservation and Management Act, 2016, questioning how Kenya intends to fully benefit from emerging carbon credit markets and forest-based revenues.

During a public participation forum at Magharibi Hall before the National Assembly Departmental Committee on Environment, Forestry and Mining, residents argued that Kenya risks falling behind regional peers such as Rwanda, which has already advanced in carbon monetisation.

Andrew Biketi questioned the country’s readiness to tap into carbon markets, asking how citizens could directly benefit from such opportunities.

Misango Hills Community Forest Association (CFA) chairman Sylvanus Omurunga said the proposed amendments fail to provide a clear financing model for grassroots forest groups.

He said CFAs across the country remain heavily dependent on donor funding, while the Kenya Forest Service (KFS) struggles with inadequate resources, including for basic activities such as seedling purchase and nursery support.

“In cases where donors are not available, we get stuck. We want the amended Act to include direct government funding for CFAs,” he said.

The residents were presenting their views to the committee on the Forest Conservation and Management (Amendment) Bill, 2025, which seeks to overhaul governance, improve accountability and close regulatory gaps in the forestry sector.

According to the committee, provisions on ecosystem services and carbon markets, including Reduced Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation (REDD+), are expected to unlock new economic opportunities in the sector.

The Bill also introduces dry forestry, allows citizens to own and register private forests, and proposes the creation of a director general’s office to oversee regulation and compliance.

Licensing and permits would be centralised under the Ministry of Environment, Climate Change and Forestry in a bid to streamline functions currently split between agencies such as Nema and KFS, which has caused administrative confusion.

Committee vice chairperson and Baringo South MP Charles Kamuren said the Cabinet secretary would assume responsibility for revenue collection under the new framework.

The Bill further introduces Payment for Ecosystem Services schemes to reward individuals and communities engaged in conservation efforts, with MPs noting that this would encourage greater public participation in environmental protection.

It also proposes the establishment of an environmental conservation academy to build technical capacity in the sector, alongside reforms aimed at addressing long-standing conflicts between forest rangers and neighbouring communities through regular training and improved engagement mechanisms.