Sessional Paper No. 09 of 2005 on Forest Policy

Abstract

The Forest Sector plays vital roles in the livelihood of the Kenyan population through provision of invaluable forest related goods and services. The most significant contribution is in the energy supply for domestic and industrial processes, provision of timber for construction and trees for regulation of water flow. It is estimated that 80% of the population use biomass energy while urban development and hydro energy rely heavily on water. Forests will continue to provide essential goods and services such as timber, poles, fuel-wood, food, medicines, fodder and other non-wood forest products. Forest resources and forestry development activities also contribute significantly to the national economy by supplying raw materials for industrial use and creating substantial employment opportunities and livelihoods. As important as our forests are.to the national economy, their sustainable development and management continues to be hampered by a number of factors, including inadequate financial resources and the lack of an enabling policy and legislation. In addition, the increasing population and poverty continue to exert pressure on the country's forest resources. This pressure is witnessed in the current rampant illegal logging, illegal charcoal making and encroachment for agriculture and settlement. These challenges have undermined the Government's efforts in achieving sustainable forest management.