Kenya invests in Bamboo for a sustainable economic transition
Kenya has taken a significant step towards sustainable development, gazetting bamboo as a cash crop in 2020. This move enables commercial cultivation, private investment, and value addition, positioning bamboo at the forefront of efforts for climate-smart development and economic transformation.
Counties such as Murang'a, Bungoma, Kericho, and Elgeyo Marakwet are leading the way, piloting bamboo plantations for commercial and conservation purposes. These initiatives aim to stabilise riverbanks, prevent soil erosion, restore degraded land, and support biodiversity in Kenya's water towers.
The global bamboo industry is worth over USD 72 billion annually, with more than 10,000 documented uses. In Kenya, more than 20 exotic species of bamboo have been introduced, with 12 thriving across diverse agro-ecological zones.
The government views bamboo as a strategic resource for ecological restoration and economic transformation. The Bamboo Strategy includes eight priority areas, including scaling up commercialization, establishing bamboo hubs and market centres, promoting bamboo in construction and energy, supporting research and innovation, and developing carbon credit and export schemes.
Private investors are exploring bamboo-based construction materials and furniture, while community groups are producing bamboo crafts, animal feed, and biochar. The Ministry of Environment, Climate Change and Forestry has stated that bamboo will support small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs), create rural jobs, and supply affordable, sustainable materials for housing and manufacturing.
The government also plans to mainstream bamboo in county development plans and work with international partners to position Kenya as a regional bamboo hub. Kenya hosts approximately 133,000 hectares of indigenous bamboo, primarily Oldeania alpina, in various ecosystems.
The International Bamboo and Rattan Organisation (INBAR) recognises bamboo as a key species for climate mitigation and adaptation. Bamboo is considered a "climate powerhouse" as it can absorb between 5 and 24 tons of carbon per hectare annually.
As the country gears up to celebrate World Bamboo Day 2025 on September 18 with the theme "Bamboo for Planet, People and Climate Solutions," investing in bamboo is seen as investing in Kenya's future. The government also plans to mobilise financing through a proposed Bamboo Fund to support these initiatives.
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