Kenya Forest Service Clarifies Increasing Timber Movement Permit Fee

Kenya Forest Service (KFS) has dismissed reports that it has increased timber movement permit fees.

In a statement on Tuesday, July 30, KFS it has noted information circulating on social media on the increase of the forest produce fees.

The service pointed out that the fees applicable for locally sourced forest produce is Sh 2,320 and Sh 25,570 for imported timber movement fees.

“Please be advised of the following: Fees applicable on imported timber movement fee: KES 25,570. Fees applicable on locally sourced forest produce movement fee: KES 2,320,” the statement read in part.

KFS also highlighted that the fees were last reviewed and gazetted in 2016 and no changes have been made since.

“These fees were last reviewed and gazetted in February 2016. They are not new charges but have been in effect since that time,” KFS added.

This follows reports on social media that KFS would be charging Sh25,570 for a timber transport permit, up from Sh2000.

The claims were based on a KFS notice dated 10 July 2024 from the Malaba border post, which mentioned that the fees would be effective from July 13, 2024.

At the same time, the notice stated that the government would charge Sh30 per bag of charcoal transported, a 16 per cent VAT and a Sh50 eCitizen fee for each transaction.