The economic development of any country centre’s around its environment, natural resources and the choice of appropriate conservation and management strategies. Forest development in Kenya is dependent on the rich natural resource base especially with regard to tourism development, energy production, food security, timber production, and provision of a host of non-timber forest products that directly or indirectly contribute to the livelihoods of citizens. In addition, forests support the provision of environmental services including resilience to the impacts of climate change. However, the natural resource base is facing pressure from increased population growth and unsustainable use of forest resources.
The Wildlife Conservation and Management Act (2013) complements and amplifies other natural resource management legislations that include The Water Act (Cap 372), The Forest Act (Cap 385), The Environmental Management and Conservation Act EMCA (387), The Wetland Regulations of 2009, The Mining Act (Cap 306), The Tourism Act (Cap 383), The Firearms Act (Cap 114) and The Fisheries Act (cap 378). All these laws seek to ensure sustainable development in Kenya as provided for in the Constitution.