Kenya Unveils 10-Year National Bamboo Strategy on World Bamboo Day
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By John Kariuki
Kenya has launched its first National Bamboo Development Strategy and Action Plan (2025–2035), marking a major milestone in efforts to position bamboo as a driver of climate resilience, green jobs, and industrial growth.
The strategy was unveiled Tuesday at the University of Kabianga, Kericho County, during World Bamboo Day celebrations led by Environment, Climate Change and Forestry Cabinet Secretary Dr. Deborah Mlongo Barasa.
“This year’s World Bamboo Day is not just a commemoration, but a turning point. With this strategy, Kenya now has a clear roadmap to unlock livelihoods, restore degraded lands, and lead in the bamboo value chain,” Dr. Barasa said.
The plan targets expansion of bamboo coverage to 150,000 hectares, establishment of a National Centre of Excellence and 20 county incubation hubs, creation of 750,000 green jobs in two years, and mobilization of KSh 15 billion for commercialization and carbon trading.
Kenya’s indigenous highland bamboo spans over 133,000 hectares, while exotic species introduced through KEFRI thrive in various zones. Bamboo is increasingly used in construction, furniture, textiles, energy, and food products, with firms such as Green Pot Enterprises and African Plantation Capital investing in plantations.
Dr. Jane Njuguna, CEO of KEFRI, and Titus Korir, Chairman of the KFS Board, joined stakeholders from research, private sector, and community groups in endorsing the strategy.
The initiative aligns with Vision 2030, the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda, and the Presidential directive to achieve 30% tree cover by 2032.
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