This paper explores the relationship between the formal governance structure and the
traditional governance of the Kaya forests. The Kaya forests (jima or tsaka) are relic
patches of the once contiguous coastal lowland forests of Kenya which sheltered
fortified traditional homesteads of the Mijikenda communities when they settled down in
the region. The Kayas are sacred groves at the Kenyan Coast, from which indigenous
Mijikenda communities have over many generations derived biological, cultural and
spiritual goods and services. They are traditionally governed by the kaya elders through
a traditional knowledge system. Research on customary laws and principles of the
Mijikenda reveal a traditional knowledge system that has mechanisms for ensuring
sustainable utilisation of the biological resources as well as regulate access and benefit
sharing. These include principles of equity, reciprocity and equilibrium in the
management of the resource and benefit sharing for all. Through these mechanisms
traditional institutions led by community elders managed the kaya forests as communal
property until the introduction of Central governance. The elders were the primary
custodians of the sacred forests who were respected by all within and outside the
community. This system played an important role in maintaining the integrity of the
natural forests and conservation of the biodiversity therein. However over time, various
processes have influenced the effectiveness of the traditional governance system to
conserve the forests. These include: anthropogenic factors, modernisation, religion and
formal governance institutions. In particular, introduction of the Central governance
structure has eroded the influence of the community elders to enforce customary laws
and principles that sustained the forests. This paper discusses the impact of the formal
governance system on the traditional system of governance with the view to determine
the positive elements of both systems and explore opportunities for integrating the two
systems for enhanced management of sacred forests.