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{
    "id": 1492060,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/1492060/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 194,
    "type": "speech",
    "speaker_name": "Sen. Abdul Haji",
    "speaker_title": "",
    "speaker": null,
    "content": "Bill also seeks to address gaps in the current laws by introducing region specific reforestation programmes and encouraging private sector involvement through fiscal incentives. The Environment Laws (Amendment) Bill 2024 seeks to amend the following laws- (1) The Forest Conservation and Management Act of 2016, Cap 385. (2) The Climate Change Act of 2016, Cap 387A. Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir, the existing legal framework under the Forest Conservation and Management Act and the Climate Change Act is inadequate to handle the growing challenges of deforestation and climate change. The Environment Laws (Amendment) Bill 2024 seeks to address these gaps by ensuring that tree-planting programmes are tailored to Kenya’s diverse environmental conditions. The Bill seeks to introduce- (1) Mandatory replanting of felled trees. (2) Establishes nurseries in every county. (3) Incentivises private sector participation. The Bill also seeks to ensure that Kenya can meet its carbon sequestration targets and fulfil international climate obligations by focusing on reforestation and forest protection. The Environment Laws (Amendment) Bill (Senate Bills No.23 of 2024) introduces the following key amendments on the Forest Conservation and Management Act. Clause 2 seeks to amend Section 8 to expand the functions of the Kenya Forest Service (KFS) to include promoting afforestation and reforestation in arid and semi-arid regions and establishing tree nurseries in each county. Clause 3 seeks to amend Section 21 to require county governments to promote tree- planting on public land and ensure trees felled for county projects are replanted or relocated under the direction of the KFS. Clause 4 seeks to insert a new section, Section 40A, which requires individuals who fall trees to replace them under the direction of the KFS. It also introduces penalties for individuals who fail to replace trees that are felled. Non-compliance may lead to fines for up to Kshs5 million or imprisonment for a term not exceeding three years. Clause 5 seeks to amend Section 54 to provide tax incentives for private entities engaged in tree-planting programmes. This includes income tax deduction and other physical benefits. Clause 6 seeks to amend Section 55 to require the observation of a national tree- planting week annually, from March 15th to 21st, during which the national and county governments will be tasked with organising tree-planting activities in collaboration with public institutions and private entities. Clause 7 seeks to amend Section 57 to require entities with timber licenses to replant harvested trees as directed by the KFS, ensuring sustainable forest management. Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir, the following are the amendments to the Climate Change Act: Clause 8 seeks to amend Section 8 to require the Cabinet Secretary in charge of climate change matters to set and formulate strategies to achieve annual carbon sequestration targets for the country. The electronic version of the Senate Hansard Report is for information purposes only.A certified version of this Report can be obtained from the Director, Hansard and Audio Services,Senate."
}