Kenya Forest Service

Overview

The Kenya Forest Service (KFS), established under the Forest Conservation and Management Act of 2016 and operationalized in 2017, is tasked with conserving, protecting, and managing public forests. KFS issues permits, supports community involvement, and enforces forestry laws. Its achievements include significant contributions to reforestation, increasing forest cover, restoring degraded ecosystems, and promoting biodiversity. Through partnerships, capacity building, and public awareness, KFS has enhanced forest protection, boosted climate change resilience, and ensured sustainable forest management, benefiting both the environment and local communities.

CEO: Alex Lemarkoko

Alex Lemarkoko, appointed Chief Conservator of Forests at the Kenya Forest Service in 2023, holds a BSc in Forestry from Moi University and an MA in International Studies from the University of Nairobi. A seasoned forester since 1991, he has held various leadership roles, including commandant of forest protection and security.

Management Team

Alex Lemarkoko

Chief Conservator of Forests

Charity Munyasia

Principal Deputy to the CCF – Directorate of Strategy, Partnerships & Resource Mobilization

Mohamed .A. Mohamed

Commandant

Lucy Kiboi

Senior Manager, Corporate Services

Stephen Mugi

Ag. Manager, Internal Audit

Anastacia Muasya

Manager ,Finance and Accounts

Zipporah Toroitich

Deputy Chief Conservator of Forests – Forest Advisory, County Liaison and Investment

Dr. Clement Ng’oriareng’

Deputy Chief Conservator of Forests – Drylands and Private Forests Development Coordination

Stephen Cheboi

Ag. Manager – Information Communication and Technology

Esther Keige

Manager Legal Services

Juliana Ochieng

Manager – Human Resources Management

Anne Muthamia

Ag. Manager – Corporate Communication

Victor Kobia

Ag. Manager – Supply Chain Management

Isaac Wekesa

Ag. Manager – Administration, Infrastructure Development & Maintenance

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Col.(Rtd) Ronald Mbaji

Head – Airwing

Laura Yego

Principal Legal Officer & Board Secretariat

Board of Governors

Titus Kipkoech Korir

Chairperson

Abdala Komesha

Rep. IG, National Police Service

Kunal Chowdhari

Rep. Timber Industry and Chairman, Finance and Resource Mobilization Committee

Jane Simita Munka

Rep. CFA

Dr. Doris Mutta

Rep. FSK. Chair, Audit Committee

Dr. George Muthike

Rep. KEFR

Isabella Kogei

Rep. PS National Treasury

Ahmed Mohammed

Rep. CoG

Evans Mutari

Rep.PS State Department of Forestry

Alex Lemarkoko

Secretary To The Board

Functions

  • Conserve, Protect, and Manage Public Forests: KFS ensures sustainable management of all public forests in accordance with the Forest Conservation and Management Act.
  • Prepare and Implement Forest Management Plans: Develop management plans for public forests and assist in creating plans for private and community forests.
  • Issue Permits and Licenses: Regulate forest resource use by issuing licenses for activities such as logging, forest product harvesting, and management.
  • Benefit Sharing Arrangements: Establish mechanisms for equitable sharing of forest benefits with local communities.
  • Capacity Building for County Governments: Assist counties in building capacity for forest management and conservation.
  • Promote Forestry Education and Training: Provide education and training to enhance sustainable forest management practices.
  • Tourism and Recreation Development: Develop programs for tourism, recreation, and ceremonial use of forests.
  • Water Catchment Management: Manage forests in water catchment areas to support soil and water conservation efforts.
  • Research and Collaboration: Partner with research institutions to improve forestry practices and apply research findings.
  • Geographic Information System (GIS) Database Maintenance: Develop and maintain a GIS database for all forests to support planning and management.

Important Links

Address & Contacts

  • P.O BOX 30513 – 00100 Nairobi – Kenya
  • (0)800721277
  • info@kenyaforestservice.org
  • Kenya Forest Service, PRXV+R4Q, Old Kiambu Rd, Nairobi