Kenya Forest sounds warning over fake movement permits
By Cynthia Lodite, September 30, 2025The Kenya Forest Service has issued a stern warning to Kenyans against using fake permits to move forest materials such as timber and logs.
In a statement on Tuesday, September 30, 2025, the authority confirmed that, indeed, fake permits have been circulating, while warning Kenyans that such fake permits could lead to arrest and impounding of the materials.
“Kenya Forest Service warns the public to beware of fake forest goods movement permits, which could lead to arrest and impounding of the materials,” KFS said.
According to KFS, 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.
“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,” KFS said.
Fake certificates
Likewise, the Authority has further cautioned Kenyans about receiving fake certificates while firmly stating that one needs to present a Certificate of Origin that indicates the source of the materials.
“While here, one needs to present a Certificate of Origin that indicates the source of the materials,” KFS said.
In addition, the KFS has revealed that the Forest Officers will verify the source of the materials before issuing the movement permit.
In addition, the authority has called on members of the public to report any case of fake movement permits to the nearest KFS offices for further investigations
“KFS Forest Officers will verify the source of the materials before issuing the movement permit. The public is advised to report any case of fake movement permits to the nearest KFS offices for further investigations,” KFS noted.
Kenya Forest Service
The Kenya Forest Service (KFS), at the beginning of the year, had issued a statement warning Kenyans of fraudsters pretending to be officials inquiring about the progress of forest plantations for harvesting.
In a statement shared on Wednesday, January 22, 2025, KFS noted that the said fraudster uses the number 0721440278 and identifies as a senior KFS staff.
“Kenya Forest Service wishes to warn the public to beware of fraudsters pretending to make calls enquiring on the progress of forest plantations harvesting. These cons are using the number 0721440278 and identifying themselves as senior KFS staff,” KFS said in a statement.