Bamboo the underutilized ‘gold’

By Lemerige Samuel

On 29^th November in Marigat all roads led to Kenya Forestry Research Institute (KEFRI) new offices for the official launch by the Cabinet Secretary in the Ministry of Environment,water and Natural Resources, Prof. Judy Wakhungu.

Ornaments and table made from bamboo

There were various exhibitions stalls on various products promoted by  KEFRI. A  unique one among the many was the Bamboo stall.

The Bamboo, Ltiani or Tegat(Ilchamus and Tugen) is a monocot plant in the grass family, found majorly in Londiani and Karura forest stations.

“There are about 1,450 varieties of bamboos across the world, since the constitution requires that 10% of the land be under plant cover, bamboo is suitable in controlling climate change.”  Said Mrs. Miriam Cheruiyot of Kenya National Federation of Agricultural Producers (KENFAP)

She further explained that bamboo helps in improving the climate by taking  in Carbon dioxide, about 7-12 tons per 2.5 acres and thus releasing Oxygen. The roots of the Bamboo help in controlling soil erosion especially if planted along rivers.

Necklaces made from Bamboo

 It also helps in raising the water table and the catchment areas. Bamboo helps in adding to the beauty of the land and used as vegetables by some communities in Kenya and China.

George Migom,the Workshop Manager Karura said that KEFRI was involved in Research and Entrepreneur activities.

“Bamboo is used in the production of a number of household items like folding chairs, sofa sets, laminated stripes tables, ornaments, flooring tiles, Pen holders, lamp shed and bamboo blinder.” Said Mr. Kigom

He added that the materials are durable and easy to install, he encoraged the community to embrace the use of bamboo to enhance their livelihood.

Mr. Migom said KEFRI in Karua has a three day training which helps in empowering the trainees, thus helping them disseminate the knowledge acquired in the societies where they come from.