Kenya Forestry Research Institute
The Kenya Forestry Research Institute (KEFRI) was established as a State Corporation in 1986 under the Science and Technology Act Chapter 250 of the Laws of Kenya to focus on forestry research. The Act was repealed by the Science, Technology and Innovation Act No. 28 of 2013. Kenya Forestry Research Institute is also mandated under the Forest Conservation and Management Act, 2016 to undertake forestry research.
Vision
A world class centre of excellence in forestry and allied natural resources research for sustainable development
Mission
To conduct research and provide information and technologies for sustainable development of forestry and allied natural resources for socio-economic development
Mandate
Conduct research in forestry and allied natural resources
Disseminate research findings to stakeholders;
Build capacity of stakeholders; and
Establish partnerships and cooperate with other research organizations and institutions of higher learning in joint research and training.
Strategic Objectives
The KEFRI Strategic Plan 2018-2022 will strive to achieve seven (7) strategic objectives which are to:
To generate technologies for establishment and management of forest plantations, trees on-farms and enhance production of superior germplasm for priority tree species for different agro-ecological zones
To generate rehabilitation technologies for adaptation to climate change, sustainable forest landscapes, woodlands, wetlands and riparian eco-systems
To develop technologies for efficient processing and utilization of wood and non-wood forest products
To formulate forestry policies for sustainable forest management and improved livelihoods
To disseminate forestry research technologies and enhance institutional research and development capacity
To strengthen institutional capacity for research and development
To enhance corporate communication and publicity
Forest Productivity and Improvement (FPI).
Forest Productivity and Improvement (FPI) Research Theme focuses on generating technologies for establishment of plantations, trees on farms and sustainable management of all types of forests. The Theme undertakes research in tree improvement, conservation of forest genetic resources; integration of high value trees on farms, and production of high quality tree germplasm. In addition, the Theme undertakes research and advisory services in Integrated Pest Management and management of parasitic plants.
The theme addresses challenges facing forestry through the following sub-themes:
Germplasm production and conservation
Silviculture
Tree breeding
Domestication and diversification of tree species
Forest biotechnology
Diversification of tree species
Forest health management
Forest plantation resource assessment
Forest Biodiversity and Environment Management (FBEM).
Forest Biodiversity and Environment Management (FBEM) Research Theme focuses on development of technologies for rehabilitation, sustainable management, and utilization of all types of forests in water towers, wetlands and riparian ecosystems. The Theme aims to develop technologies for conservation, restoration and sustainable use of terrestrial and inland freshwater ecosystems and their services. The Theme also incorporates approaches for mitigation and adaptation to climate change. Research activities under this Theme generate information necessary to integrate ecosystem and biodiversity values into national and local planning.
The theme addresses challenges facing forestry through the following sub-themes:
Biodiversity conservation and sustainable use
Forest rehabilitation and restoration of natural forests and woodlands
Conservation and management of wetlands and riparian ecosystems
Forest hydrology and watershed management
Sustainable management of natural forests and woodlands
Climate change mitigation and adaptation research
Natural forest resource assessment
Forest Products Development (FPD)
Forest Products Development (FPD) Research Theme contributes to sustainable forest management through development and promotion of efficient technologies for harvesting, processing and utilization of forest resources. The Theme contributes to improved livelihoods of Kenyan communities through development of wood and Non-Wood Forest Products (NWFP) as alternative sources of income. The Theme evaluates new ways of using wood in construction, bio-materials, bio-chemicals, bio-plastics, energy products and food additives.
The Theme addresses challenges facing wood resources and NWFP through the following Sub-themes:
Forest harvesting and logging operations
Forest product processing and efficient utilization
Forest products development, incubation and linkage to industry/Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs)
Development and promotion of efficient technologies for bio-energy processing and utilization
Characterization and standardization of wood and non-wood products
Identification, development and commercialization of products from natural resources
Capacity building on efficient forest products development and utilization technologies
Notice: Please contact international@erc-assoc.org if you represent this Research Institution and have identified any required additions or modifications to the above information.