Kenyans who rely on charcoal for cooking may soon be forced to spend more on fuel after the government introduced new regulations for charcoal producers.

Through the Ministry of Environment, the government announced on Tuesday, 4 March, a proposed piece of legislation aimed at controlling charcoal production in the country, including the issuance of licences.

In the latest proposal, Environment Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale outlined plans for the registration and licensing of all commercial charcoal producers as part of efforts to enhance environmental conservation.

Under the proposed law, no person will be allowed to engage in the commercial production of charcoal without a valid charcoal production licence issued by their respective county government.