ADVOKS GLOBAL · KENYA
Forest Conservation and Management Act
29C. Functions of the Secretary
Edition: 2026-06-16 · In force
29C. Functions of the Secretary
(1)The Secretary of Forest Regulation shall—(a)advise the Cabinet Secretary on the development of national standards, codes, procedures and guidelines for participatory forest management, forest utilisation and forestry, forest products and services, and traceability systems for forest produce;(b)issue regulatory guidelines to persons and entities within the forestry sector, and make recommendations to county governments and other public bodies on forestry matters;(c)monitor, inspect and audit compliance with this Act and the applicable standards in forest management and protection;(d)advise and make recommendations to the Cabinet Secretary, the Service, county governments and other agencies on enforcement actions, suspension, variation or revocation of licences;(e)establish and coordinate a national forest compliance and enforcement framework in consultation with relevant agencies;(f)register, license and regulate forest certification experts, timber graders, and such other professionals as may be prescribed by any written law;(g)develop professional standards and codes of conduct for licensed professionals under this Act;(h)ensure linkage of the national forestry registry with national systems, including carbon registry mechanisms under the Climate Change Act;(i)develop reporting requirements for actors in the forestry sector;(j)receive, review and analyse reports relating to forest-related activities;(k)advise the Cabinet Secretary on regulatory risks, compliance status and corrective measures within the forestry sector;(l)develop and monitor strategies for achieving and maintaining at least ten per cent tree and forest cover;(m)monitor and provide regulatory oversight on ecosystem service payments, benefit-sharing mechanisms and other climate related forestry initiatives;(n)establish and maintain the National Safeguards Information System;(o)receive and investigate complaints made to it by any individual or entity with respect to any matter concerning forestry management and make recommendations to relevant authorities;(p)prepare and publish annual reports on the state of regulation in the forestry sector and submit to the Cabinet Secretary for tabling before Parliament; and(q)perform such other functions as may be assigned by the Cabinet Secretary or provided under this Act or any other written law.(2)The Secretary of Forest Regulation or a duly authorized officer may—(a)issue compliance notices requiring remedial action for purposes of compliance with this Act;(b)require any person or entity to produce records, data or information necessary for regulatory oversight;(c)at all reasonable times enter and inspect any forestry activities in any premises or installations;(d)conduct audits and investigations to confirm compliance with this Act and applicable standards;(e)impose administrative sanctions to forest certification experts, timber graders, and such other professionals licensed by the Secretary;(f)recommend to the relevant authority the suspension, variation or revocation of licenses, permits or approvals;(g)refer any matter for prosecution to the relevant authority with respect to any offences committed under this Act; and(h)perform such other acts as may be necessary for the effective discharge of the functions of the Directorate.