In a significant push to advance sustainable bamboo agroforestry in Kenya, the UNEP-IEMP team, alongside Chinese investors and media representatives, conducted a series of high-level policy consultations and field visits across Kenya in late July and early August 2025. The mission, part of the “China-Kenya Bamboo Technology Transfer” project, aimed to accelerate bamboo adoption for environmental restoration, economic growth, and climate resilience building.

During a pivotal meeting with Dr. Deborah Mlongo Barasa, Kenya’s Cabinet Secretary for Environment, Climate Change and Forestry, discussions centered on leveraging Chinese expertise to boost Kenya’s bamboo sector. Dr. Barasa emphasized bamboo’s multifaceted benefits, including: land restoration in degraded areas, carbon sequestration to combat climate change, job creation particularly for women and youth, and industrial applications for sustainable product development. She welcomed deeper Kenya-China collaboration, citing the upcoming launch of the Kenya National Bamboo Development Strategy and Action Plan (2025-2035) as a game-changer for the sector. 

Chinese delegation meeting at the Ministry of Environment of Kenya, Climate Change and Forestry 

In talks with the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS), stakeholders explored how bamboo could support the KWS Strategic Plan (2024-2028) by reducing human-wildlife conflicts through buffer zones and food supply, restoring fragile ecosystems in national parks, engaging local communities in conservation efforts, and supporting Kenya’s 15 Billion Tree Initiative.  

During the field mission in Busia County, local bamboo farmers and stakeholders gathered at the project site to meet with Chinese business delegation to explore the availability of mature bamboo resources and discuss potential challenges for investment. Farmers highlighted challenges in scaling production but expressed optimism about partnerships that could unlock the development potential. Local bamboo farmers and the Chinese business delegation also assessed bamboo-based riverbank restoration along the Nzoia River Basin, a model that could be replicated nationwide to combat soil erosion and flooding.  

Busia consultation with local stakeholders on bamboo plantation expansion 

To explore the potential of coastal bamboo plantation, a field visit was conducted to Earthlungs' bamboo agroforestry pilot site on a hilly coastline. It showcased that fast-growing bamboo species are stabilizing coastal hillsides, preventing soil erosion, and protecting mangrove ecosystems from sedimentation. The initiative demonstrates how bamboo can bolster climate resilience in vulnerable coastal regions. 

 Mombasa bamboo agroforestry pilot for coastal mangrove rehabilitation 

A Chinese CGTN film crew documented the project’s achievements, with footage set to debut during the upcoming UNFCCC COP.  

With strong policy backing, field-tested models, and growing investor interest, Kenya’s bamboo sector is poised for expansion—offering a triple win for the environment, economy, and local communities. 

 Shooting for project documentary film