The Kenya Forest Service (KFS) has raised alarm over the growing use of fake movement permits in the transportation and sale of forest products, warning traders and transporters that those found using them risk arrest and confiscation of their goods.
In a statement released on Tuesday, September 30, 2025, the agency cautioned drivers and business operators involved in the movement of timber, logs, poles and charcoal, saying there had been a notable increase in fraudulent permits circulating in the sector.
KFS also shared images of some of the forged documents being presented as genuine authorizations to move forest products.
“Kenya Forest Service warns the public to beware of fake forest goods movement permits, which could lead to apprehension and impounding of the materials,” the statement read in part.
The agency clarified that genuine movement permits can only be issued at the office of the County Forest Conservator after a thorough verification process.
“Anyone who requires a movement permit for forest goods such as timber logs, poles, and charcoal, among others, needs to visit the respective County Forest Conservator's office,” it stated.
Applicants are required to present a valid Certificate of Origin to confirm the source of the forest products before a permit is processed. KFS officials must authenticate the certificate to ensure the materials have been legally sourced.
KFS urged members of the public to report any cases involving fake movement permits to the nearest KFS office to enable investigations and legal action against culprits.
The warning comes against the backdrop of changes to permit fees announced in July 2024. At the time, KFS revised the charges for transporting both local and imported forest products under new regulations.
The agency stated that the standard movement permit would continue to cost Sh2,000, with an additional Value Added Tax (VAT) of Sh320. However, for imported timber, the cost of a single transport permit rose sharply from Sh2,000 to Sh25,570.
The revised structure also included a Sh20,000 consignment fee, with VAT charged at 16 per cent, amounting to Sh3,200. Transporters were required to pay a Sh50 service transaction fee, while those ferrying charcoal would be charged Sh30 per bag, plus VAT.
In addition, they were to pay a Sh50 eCitizen fee for each transaction. Non-wood forest products would attract a Sh2 fee per item, plus VAT and the eCitizen transaction fee.
All payments for the permits and related charges were to be made through the eCitizen platform as part of efforts to streamline services and curb illegal practices in the sector.