History of the Forestry Society of Kenya

The Society was originally established in 1979 and registered as the Kenya Forestry Society under the Societies Act (Cap. 108) of the Laws of Kenya. It was formed to provide a professional platform for foresters to engage in knowledge sharing, contribute to national development, and support environmental conservation and sustainable forest management.

Although the Society's activities declined during the 1980s and 1990s, efforts to revive it commenced in June 2004 through the establishment of a task force led by an interim committee chaired by Mr. Emilio Mugo, spearheading the process of rebuilding the professional association.

The enactment of the Forests Act, 2005 provided formal recognition of the Society and laid the foundation for its revitalization, strengthening its role in promoting professional forestry practice and sustainable forest management.

The organization was officially renamed the Forestry Society of Kenya (FSK) in 2007, marking a renewed commitment to promoting professionalism, sustainable forest management, forestry research, policy advocacy, and capacity development within the sector.

FSK developed its first Strategic Plan (2011–2016), providing a framework for strengthening institutional governance, membership growth, professional development, advocacy, and engagement in forestry sector development.

The Society introduced and adopted a Continuous Professional Development (CPD) programme to enhance the competence, knowledge, and skills of forestry professionals and promote lifelong learning within the profession.

FSK developed its second Strategic Plan (2016–2021), focusing on strengthening professional standards, membership services, policy engagement, and partnerships. The Forest Conservation and Management Act, 2016 formally recognized FSK as a key stakeholder in forest governance and provided for the Society's representation on the Kenya Forest Service (KFS) Board.

FSK initiated the process of developing a Forestry Professionals Bill aimed at establishing a legal framework for the registration, regulation, and professional practice of forestry practitioners in Kenya, with the objective of enhancing professionalism, ethical standards, and accountability within the sector.

Through amendments to Kenya's forestry legislation, FSK's role in national forestry governance was further strengthened through recognition for representation on the Kenya Forestry Research Institute (KEFRI) Board. This expanded mandate reinforces the Society's contribution to forestry research, innovation, policy development, and sustainable forest management.