A legal framework for Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation (REDD+) needs to address diverse and complex issues. These issues are often scattered through various legislation that deals with diverse socio-economic policy concerns. This diffusion calls for harmonization and continuous updating of legislative frameworks. Such frameworks must necessarily address economic, environmental and social issues related to REDD+ in a coherent way, in line with human rights principles1 and international environmental treaties and conventions (e.g. United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change [UNFCCC], Convention on Biological Biodiversity [CBD], and United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification [UNCCD]).2

According to Kenya’s REDD+ Readiness Preparation Proposal (R-PP), the readiness process will incorporate a strong legal framework that promotes investments and ensures clear definitions of carbon rights and effective REDD+ benefit-sharing arrangements. Well-defined land and property rights would also enable public or private payment for environmental services (PES). This recommendations report presents some of the essential issues that REDD+ legislative reforms in Kenya should immediately take into account.