The Kenya Forest Service (KFS) and the Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) have unveiled a new partnership aimed at expanding access to technical forestry education through a dedicated student funding scheme.

In a joint announcement made on July 17, the two institutions confirmed the signing of a Service Contract establishing the Kenya Forestry College Student Funding Scheme (KFC-SF).

The scheme will offer loans and bursaries to learners pursuing forestry and related courses at the Kenya Forestry College (KFC) in Londiani.

According to the statement, the fund will be administered by HELB under the guidance of a joint oversight committee comprising representatives from KFS, HELB, and KFC.

The agreement was formalized at the KFS headquarters in Karura, with PSDCCF-FCM Clement Ng’oriareng and HELB CEO Geoffrey Monari signing on behalf of their respective institutions.

Dr. Ng’oriareng termed the initiative a bold step toward building a skilled forestry workforce, while Monari praised it as a vital contribution to both education and climate resilience efforts in Kenya.

The five-year partnership is expected to strengthen the forestry sector by easing financial barriers for students and aligning training with Kenya’s broader environmental goals.

Kenya Forestry College, established under the Forest Conservation and Management Act of 2016, is the official training arm of KFS.

The college offers certificate and diploma programs, short courses, and technical skills training in areas including climate change management, agroforestry, sawmilling, carpentry, beekeeping, and paramilitary operations.

KFC has trained both local and international students from across Africa and beyond, and it continues to play a central role in developing the region’s forestry and natural resource management professionals.