Kenya Forest Service (KFS) has reaffirmed its dedication to environmental conservation and sustainable forest development through its leading role in the Kenya Industrial Wood Sector Vision 2050.
The official launch, held in Nairobi, was presided over by the Principal Secretary for the State Department for Forestry, Mr. Gitonga Mugambi, and Chief Conservator of Forests Mr. Alex Lemarkoko. The event marked a significant step towards establishing a commercially viable and climate-resilient wood industry in Kenya.
KFS commitment to ecosystem restoration
He added that KFS will continue engaging stakeholders and investors to strengthen the industrial wood value chain and reduce dependence on natural forests.
Vision 2050 as a green growth strategy
The Vision 2050 document presents a comprehensive plan to increase wood supply, protect indigenous forests, and position forestry as a driver of green jobs and rural development. It encourages long-term investment, policy reforms, and modern forest technologies.
Present at the launch were Forestry Development Secretary Mr. George Tarus, KEFRI CEO Dr. Jane Njuguna, Ms. Robina Abuya from the British High Commission, and Gatsby Africa’s Mr. James Mwai, among other key public and private stakeholders.
Why the strategy matters for the environment
According to a 2023 World Resources Institute report, Kenya’s per capita wood consumption is expected to rise by over 30% by 2045. Without interventions, this could heighten pressure on natural ecosystems and fuel deforestation.
The Kenya Industrial Wood Sector Vision 2050 offers a nature-based solution by promoting sustainable tree farming, carbon sequestration, and innovation in wood processing.
KFS’s leadership in this space underscores the potential of forestry not just as an environmental asset, but as a pillar for economic resilience and climate action in Kenya’s long-term development agenda.
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