The Senate has invited the public to submit their views on the Forest Conservation and Management (Amendment) Bill, 2025, a legislative package that could fundamentally reshape how the country protects its natural heritage.

The Bill, which was read for the first time in the Senate on May 5, 2026, has been referred to the Standing Committee on Land, Environment and Natural Resources for detailed scrutiny.

According to the notice by the Senate on May 5, 2026, the move triggers a mandatory period of public participation, with citizens and stakeholders given until May 11, 2026, to submit written memoranda to the Clerk of the Senate.

“The Forest Conservation and Management (Amendment) Bill, 2025 (National Assembly Bills No. 38 of 2025) was read a First Time in the Senate on Tuesday, 5th May, 2026 and thereafter stood committed to the Standing Committee on Land, Environment and Natural Resources for consideration,” part of the notice read.

“The committee is required, under standing order 145(5) of the Senate Standing Orders, to facilitate public participation on the Bill and to take into account the views and recommendations of the public when the Committee makes its report to the Senate.”

The bill

The proposed law seeks to amend the existing Forest Conservation and Management Act (Cap. 385) to align it with the Constitution and modern global conservation standards. Among its key provisions is the establishment of a Directorate of Forest Regulation to enhance oversight in the sector.

The Bill also aims to formally anchor the Kenya Forestry Research Institute within the legal framework, promote integrated management of dryland forests, and introduce a system for Payment for Ecosystem Services schemes to incentivize conservation efforts.

“Specifically, the Bill seeks to establish the Directorate of Forest Regulation, to officially anchor the Kenya Forestry Research Institute within the Act, to promote the integrated management of dryland forests and to establish a framework for Payment for Ecosystem Services Schemes,” the notice stated.

How to submit

The Senate committee has called on stakeholders, environmental experts, and members of the public to submit written memoranda detailing their views and recommendations on the Bill.

Submissions can be delivered to the Office of the Clerk at Parliament Buildings in Nairobi, sent via post, or emailed to the Senate before the deadline of Monday, May 11, 2026, at 5:00 p.m.

The Bill and its summary are available on the Parliament website for public review.

“The memoranda may be submitted to the Clerk of the Senate, P. O. Box 41842-00100, Nairobi, hand-delivered to the Office of the Clerk of the Senate, Main Parliament Buildings, Nairobi or emailed to [email protected] and copied to [email protected] to be received on or before Monday, May 11, 2026, at 5.00 p.m.,” the statement read.