What is illegal to do inside a government forest
Kenya Forest Service · sources read 3 Oct 2026
In a public forest, you need a licence, permit or management agreement to cut or remove anything, graze livestock, farm, build, collect honey, light fires or bring in a chainsaw, and you may not stay inside between 7 pm and 6 am except on a recognised road or path. Breaking these rules can mean a fine of up to KSh 1 million, up to 12 months in jail, or both.
- Deadline
- Seized livestock not reclaimed within 7 days is auctioned.
- Where
- Kenya Forest Service (licences and permits); county structures, then the National Environment Tribunal, for disputes
Steps
- To use a forest lawfully, ask the Kenya Forest Service for the right authorisation: a permit, a licence or a joint management agreement.
- If your animals are seized in a forest, reclaim them within 7 days, or they will be auctioned.
- For a dispute over forest use or management, start with the lowest county government structure in your area.
- If it is not resolved, take it to the National Environment Tribunal, and appeal from there to the Environment and Land Court.
Watch out
- Deliberately setting fire to any forest, public, community or private, is a separate and heavier crime: a fine of up to KSh 2 million or up to 3 years in jail.
- Setting snares or traps, digging pits or carrying poison to catch animals in a forest is also banned without a licence or permit.
- If convicted of living in or farming forest land without a licence, a court can order you to remove your buildings and crops.
Who this covers
- Everyone in a public or provisional forest, unless they hold a licence, permit or management agreement under the forest law.
- Public forests include the forests classed as public land under Article 62(1)(g) of the Constitution.
Official sources (1)
- Forest Conservation and Management Act (Cap. 385, formerly No. 34 of 2016), Kenya Law consolidated text as at 16 June 2026 reddplus.forestry.go.ke · read 3 Oct 2026