1.0 Introduction


There are about 150,000 hectares ofbamboo forests in Kenya, partly pure and partly in mixture with trees andshrubs. Bamboo in Kenya play a very important role in fencing, houseconstruction, water harvesting, cottage industries dealing with matchsticks,baskets, tooth-picks, various other handicrafts and, in agricultural farmingespecially for supporting horticultural crops.


Kenya does not have any substantial quantity of rattan to warrantin-depth discussion in the present summary. Much of the discussion willtherefore be based on bamboo. It is apparent however that use of rattan iscommon in small scale especially in the production of basketry by groupssupported externally and internally to provide employment opportunitiesespecially to disabled people.


Planned and sustainable utilizationof forests containing bamboo is feasible and no doubt would go a long way in providing self-employment and job opportunities to the rural population a part from beinginstrumental in bridging the gap between requirement and availability ofindigenous raw-material for pulp and paper industry. The later use of bamboohas however not been developed, not only in Kenya but also in the entire Africa.


The sections that follow below provide an outline of the state of bamboo in Kenya, its present role and constraints that affectits development. Existing activities are outlined and the needs for bamboodevelopment are suggested.



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About the Author:


The authoris associated with Kenya Forestry Research Institute.