Kenya turns to forestry as new engine for jobs, wealth and green growth
Kenya is attempting to transition its forestry sector from conservation-focused to a commercially viable industry to drive economic growth and job creation. Backed by significant international climate funding, the government aims to integrate tree-growing into the national economic system.
Why it matters
Developing nations are seeking ways to align environmental restoration with sustainable economic development to attract private capital.
Chief Conservator of Forest Alex Lemarkoko plants a tree/FILE Kenya is seeking to shift forestry from mainly a conservation activity to a source of investment, jobs, and economic growth, backed by new climate funding, commercial tree-growing plans, and forest restoration projects.
This follows the country's approval of $229 million (Sh29.6 billion) in new external finance for forest- and landscape-based economic development.
According to the Forest & Climate Leaders’ Partnership (FCLP) 2026 Forest Finance Roadmap, the funding includes $200 million (Sh25.87 billion) from the World Bank and $29.2 million (Sh3.7 billion) from the Green Climate Fund for Kenya’s Lake Region.
However, experts now argue that the bigger economic question is no longer simply how much money is being committed to forests, but whether Kenya can turn restoration, commercial tree growing and sustainable forestry into a bankable industry capable of generating jobs, supporting farmers, supplying manufacturers and attracting long-term private capital.
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