Nairobi: Kenya is setting a bold path for the growth of its industrial wood sector, as government officials, industry players, and international partners convened at the 3rd Woodtech Africa International Exhibition and Conference at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC).
According to Kenya News Agency, the event hosted the inaugural Hardware Expo Africa, creating a continental platform for showcasing technology, investment opportunities, and value-chain innovations in wood and construction. Cabinet Secretary for Environment, Climate Change and Forestry, Dr. Deborah Barasa, officially opened the exhibition, emphasizing the sector’s potential to drive economic growth and environmental sustainability.
Dr. Barasa highlighted that the industrial wood sector contributes around Sh5 billion annually to Kenya’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP), yet it meets less than 10 percent of national demand, presenting a significant opportunity for investment, technology, and policy alignment. She unveiled the Industrial Wood Sector Vision 2050, aimed at transforming Kenya’s forest and wood industry, with a vision of sustainable wood replacing carbon-intensive materials in construction, packaging, and energy.
The Vision sets ambitious targets, including doubling tree cover on farms and plantations to 1.2 million hectares by 2050, increasing wood supply more than fivefold, unlocking Sh137 billion in industrial wood GDP, and creating over 85,000 jobs along the value chain from tree planting to furniture manufacturing. It also supports climate goals by storing more than 140 million tonnes of CO2 and reducing pressure on natural forests.
Dr. Barasa emphasized the interdependence between commercial forestry and the 15 billion Tree Growing Programme, which aims to increase Kenya’s tree cover to 30 percent by 2032. She noted that regulatory reforms are ongoing to provide clarity and attract investors, including finalizing eight regulations under the Forest Conservation and Management Act 2016 and developing standards for wood-based construction under COP28 commitments.
The Cabinet Secretary encouraged industry stakeholders to actively engage with the exhibition and forge partnerships that drive innovation and competitiveness. Sanyal Desai, CEO of Radeecal Communications, which organized the event in partnership with the government, welcomed participants and highlighted Kenya’s growing role as a hub for wood and construction technology.
Desai noted that the exhibition provides a platform for investment, networking, and knowledge-sharing, allowing regional and global players to explore partnerships and strengthen supply chains. The event featured panel discussions, product demonstrations, and business networking opportunities aimed at strengthening downstream value chains in construction, furniture, and energy.
Dr. Barasa also commended the State Department for Forestry, FAO, Gatsby Africa, Kenya Forest Service (KFS), Kenya Forestry Research Institute (KEFRI), Architectural Association of Kenya, and other technical partners for supporting the exhibition. She stressed that Kenya’s future in the wood sector goes beyond harvesting trees, focusing on sustainable management, climate-smart technologies, innovation, and economic transformation.
