Kenya’s ministry of environment plans to enforce stricter controls on charcoal production by proposing legislation aimed at regulating charcoal production across the country.

Through a notice released on Tuesday, the ministry unveiled proposed legislation that mandates licensing for all charcoal producers, a move that aims to address the environmental concerns associated with charcoal production, which, despite its vital role in providing energy for many households, has contributed to widespread deforestation and ecological damage.

Environment Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale unveiled the new proposal mandating the registration and licensing of all commercial charcoal producers across the country, requiring them to obtain permits before engaging in charcoal production, geared towards formalising and regulating an industry that has often operated informally.

According to the outlined regulations, engaging in commercial charcoal production without a valid license, issued by the producer’s respective county government, will be prohibited.

Applicants must also demonstrate the use of efficient charcoal production technology and develop a comprehensive conservation and management plan for their proposed production site.

The new regulations also prohibit charcoal production in ecologically fragile areas, biodiversity hotspots, areas that pose a threat to endangered species and locations of cultural significance, a measure that underscores the government’s commitment to safeguarding the nation’s natural heritage and ensuring that charcoal production does not contribute to further environmental degradation.

Furthermore, the proposed regulations will also impose strict guidelines on packaging and labelling, requiring charcoal producers to sort and package their product in approved materials, including synthetic fibre sacks, paper, gunny bags or plastic film sacks.

Each bag or sack must be clearly labelled with detailed information, including the producer’s name and address, the specific area and county of production, the weight of the charcoal, the tree species used in its production, and the technology employed in its creation.

These detailed labelling requirements enhance transparency and traceability within the charcoal market, ensuring consumers have access to vital information about the product they are purchasing and promoting accountability within the industry. A permit system will also be introduced for the transportation of charcoal, aiming to enhance control and traceability within the industry.

Individuals and businesses transporting charcoal will be required to possess a valid movement permit, which will also be issued by their respective County Governments to ensure that all transported charcoal originates from licensed and compliant producers.

Production and transportation of charcoal without an approved conservation and management plan will therefore constitute an offense punishable by law.

Ensuring compliance with the new regulations will be the responsibility of forest officers, who will conduct regular surveillance and inspections of all stakeholders in the charcoal industry, including producers, transporters, traders, importers, and exporters.

The proposed law makes it an offense to hinder a forest officer performing their duties. Those convicted will be penalized as outlined in section 67(1) of the Act.

These measures aim to establish a clear framework for regulating the industry and ensuring sustainable practices at the local level.

•  A Tell / KNA report / By Hellen Lunalo

Image of a charcoal producer. Credit: Courtesy of the Ministry of Environment and Forestry