Kenya Forest Service flags fake letters authorising veneer transportation

The Ministry of Environment, Climate Change and Forestry, alongside the Kenya Forest Service (KFS), has raised alarm over the circulation of fake letters purporting to authorise the transportation of harvested veneers across different counties.

The forged documents, which carry official logos and stamps, falsely claim to grant permits for the movement of timber products from Eldoret, Kericho, Kisii and Kisumu.

Both the Ministry and KFS have confirmed that the papers, dated September 2025, are fraudulent and should not be relied upon.

“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.

One of the letters, addressed to a company identified as Fortune Bridge Import and Export Services Limited, appears to acknowledge receipt of a request for a transportation license.

The correspondence, dated September 3, 2025, is purportedly signed by an officer from the Department of Forestry Liaison.

It stated, “We are pleased to inform you your request has been approved.”

“The Ministry will issue the transport permit to you to facilitate the movement of the harvested veneers as outlined in your application.”

The letter further instructs the company to liaise with licensing officials to collect the permit at its earliest convenience.

It is also stamped with what looks like an official seal from the Kenya Forest Service.

A second document, bearing the Kenya Forest Service letterhead and dated September 18, 2025, is addressed to the Domestic Taxes Department at the Kenya Revenue Authority.

The letter carries the subject line “No objection for transportation of harvested veneers” and claims to confirm authorisation for the company.

It further references a transport movement permit number and is stamped with the date September 18, 2025.

According to the fake communication, “The Kenya Forest Service confirms that there is no objection to Fortune Bridge Import and Export Services Limited, undertaking the transportation of already harvested veneers from Eldoret, Kericho, Kisii and Kisumu.”

The forged letter further claimed that, “The company has been duly issued with a valid transport or movement Permit (Ref. No. KFS/Z09/00973, issued 17/09/2025 in accordance with the Forest Regulations.”

Both documents are marked “FAKE” across their pages, a clear indication from the authorities that they are fraudulent.

The Kenya Forest Service has reiterated that the issuance of transport permits for timber or related forest products follows strict regulatory procedures.

For any genuine document, they said it must be verifiable through the agency’s official channels.

The emergence of fake permits raises concerns about attempts to exploit Kenya’s forestry resources through illegal logging and timber trade.

Veneer, a high-value wood product, is often subject to stringent regulations to prevent over-exploitation and environmental degradation.

The Ministry has therefore urged the public, businesses and enforcement agencies to exercise caution when presented with such documents.

It emphasised the need for verification through official contacts, noting that fraudsters often mimic government seals and signatures to mislead stakeholders.

The Kenya Forest Service has also advised that only documents issued through its authorised offices and bearing valid references that can be cross-checked in its system should be considered legitimate.

“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. While here, one needs to present a Certificate of Origin that indicates the source of the materials,” they said.

“KFS Forest Officers will verify the source of the materials before issuing the movement permit.”

Consequently, any discrepancies or suspicious paperwork should immediately be reported to the relevant authorities for investigation.

“The public is advised to report any case of fake movement permits to the nearest KFS offices for further investigations,” KFS emphasised.