• Before the 2010 Constitution ushered in devolved governance, forest management in Kenya was largely centralized, with minimal community involvement and several structural challenges. Despite their reliance on forest resources, local communities had limited decision-making power.

The Kenya Forest Service (KFS) is participating in the 2025 Devolution Conference, hosted by the County Government of Homa Bay and officially opened by President William Ruto on August 13, 2025. The conference aims to strengthen linkages among various stakeholders in forest management and conservation.

As part of its engagement, the Service hosted a side event and made presentations on its ongoing efforts to enhance forest conservation in collaboration with county governments and other partners.

According to KFS, following the promulgation of the 2010 Constitution, the Service embarked on a backstopping and capacity development exercise to support counties in taking up devolved forestry functions. “The Service has already signed Transition Implementation Plans (TIPs) with over 80% of the counties,” it said in a statement.

TIPs are part of the broader FOLAREP 2023–2027 framework, which includes restoration assessments, stakeholder capacity building, and monitoring systems.

Devolution has significantly optimized how conservation is conducted at the county level. Thanks to devolved governance, communities are now actively involved in conservation efforts.

Before the 2010 Constitution ushered in devolved governance, forest management in Kenya was largely centralized, with minimal community involvement and several structural challenges. Despite their reliance on forest resources, local communities had limited decision-making power.

The enactment of the Forests Act in 2005 marked a turning point. It established the Kenya Forest Service and introduced Participatory Forest Management (PFM), encouraging collaboration with private sector actors and community forest associations.

Today, at the county level, KFS plays a vital role in managing, conserving, and protecting forest resources while actively engaging communities and supporting sustainable development.

The Service also conducts awareness drives to educate the public on the importance of forest conservation, including through platforms like agricultural shows.

During a meeting with the Chief Executive Officer of the Agricultural Society of Kenya (ASK) on August 8, 2025, the Chief Conservator of Forests Mr. Alex Lemarkoko reaffirmed the Service’s commitment to continuing its partnership with the Agricultural Society of Kenya.

He emphasized the importance of this collaboration in engaging the public on conservation matters, particularly the 15 Billion Tree Growing Campaign.

 “The Service has a long-standing partnership with ASK in educating the public on forestry conservation practices and technologies during regional ASK Shows across the country,” he said.

Kenya’s ambitious 15 Billion Tree Planting Campaign by 2032 is a landmark national effort to combat climate change, restore degraded landscapes, and boost environmental sustainability.

Devolved conservation is particularly visible in this initiative, which recognizes communities as custodians of landscapes. Counties are actively involved in managing community lands and urban greening efforts.

Citizen engagement is a cornerstone of the campaign. Kenyans are encouraged to plant trees equivalent to their age annually, about 30 trees per person per year. Through this inclusive approach, the campaign aims to foster a culture of environmental stewardship and ensure that forest restoration becomes a shared national responsibility.