In a bold move to combat climate change and restore its rapidly degrading landscapes, the Kenyan government has set an ambitious target to increase the country’s forest cover from 12.13% to 30% by the year 2032. At the heart of this initiative lies an unlikely hero — bamboo.
Though often mistaken for a tree, bamboo is technically a grass and is considered the fastest-growing woody plant in the world. Its ability to grow up to 100 feet in three years and reach maturity for harvesting within five makes it a game-changer for both the environment and local economies.
“We’re encouraging every Kenyan to plant at least 50 trees — including bamboo — on their farms, in cities, and on degraded landscapes,” a government official stated.
In Kiambu County, tea farmers have already begun adopting bamboo as an alternative income stream. Njoki Wainaina, a local farmer, highlighted how bamboo helped cushion many families during a period when tea prices plummeted.
“When tea prices dropped, bamboo came as a lifeline,” Wainaina said. “Within five years, a single bamboo plant can yield over 20 culms, offering economic returns far greater than exotic trees like cedar or blue gum.”
Bamboo’s benefits extend beyond just income. Its expansive root system helps prevent soil erosion, especially when planted along rivers, and improves water quality by filtering pollutants. The Kenya Forest Research Institute (KEFRI) also revealed that bamboo can sequester 30% more carbon dioxide than traditional broadleaf trees.
“Bamboo is an environmental superpower,” said Nellie Oduor, a wood scientist at KEFRI. “It’s ten times faster in growth compared to indigenous species and ideal for land restoration, especially degraded soils, riverbanks, and gullies.”
Organizations like Back to Basics, led by environmentalist Aisha Karanja, are leveraging bamboo for community development. Women’s groups craft and sell bamboo-based products — from baskets to furniture — turning the plant into a source of empowerment.
“Nothing goes to waste with bamboo,” said Karanja. “It feeds, shelters, empowers, and heals both people and the planet.”
To prevent invasiveness, KEFRI advises proper spacing of bamboo — five meters by five meters — which also creates room for integrating native tree species in the same area.
With 5.1 million hectares targeted for restoration, Kenya’s bamboo initiative is set to play a pivotal role in the country’s green transformation, combining sustainability, livelihood support, and climate resilience.
