This is a list of all research programmes done by the Kenya Forestry Research Institute (KEFRI). KEFRI is a state corporation which was established in 1986 to undertake research in forestry and Allied Natural Resources. KEFRI head offices are located in Muguga, off the Nairobi-Nakuru highway.
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KEFRI has six main eco-regional research programmes. The research programmes are carried out in regional centres located in Maseno, Londiani, Muguga, Kitui, Gede and Karura. Here is a list of all the research programmes.
1. Forest Products Research Programme
The programme’s mission is to undertake forestry research in harvesting, handling, processing and value addition of wood and non-wood forest products. The programme’s centre is situated in Karura Forest.
2. Central Highlands Eco-region Research Programme
It is generally mandated to undertake forestry research mainly within Mt.Kenya forest and Aberdare forest eco-systems. The programme covers Kiambu, Nairobi, Murang’a, Nyeri, Nyandarua, Kirinyaga, Embu, Tharaka Nithi, Meru and Laikipia counties. The programme’s head centre is located in Muguga, with another sub-centre in Nyeri. The programme aims at developing forestry technologies for the purposes of forest productivity and improvement, biodiversity and environmental management.
3. Drylands Eco-region Research Programme
The programme’s head centre is located in Kitui, with two other sub-centres in Kibwezi and Garissa. The research programme implements its activities in various thematic areas which include; Forest productivity and improvement, Biodiversity and environment management, Forest products development, Socio-economics, Policy and governance, Technical support services.
4. Rift Valley Eco-region Research Programme
It focuses on research in forestry and allied natural resources, mainly on water towers, woodlands and farmlands. The programme’s head centre is located in Londiani, with other sub-centres in Turkana, Lodwar and Baringo town. The programme’s thematic areas include; Forest products development, Socio-economics, Policy and governance, Technical support services.
5. Lake Victoria Basin Eco-region Research Programme
The programme’s key mandate is to undertake forestry research within the Lake Victoria basin. The programme’s head centre is located in Maseno, with other sub-centres in Kakamega, Kuja River, Ramogi and Migori. The research mainly covers 10 counties which include; Kisumu, Kakamega, Bungoma, Busia, Siaya, Vihiga, Homabay, Nyamira, Kisii and Migori.
6. Coast Eco-region Research Programme
The programme’s head office is located in Gede, Arabuko Sokoke forest in Kilifi County. Its key mandate is to conduct research in forestry and allied natural resources in the Coastal region. The research activity covers Kilifi, Mombasa, Lamu, Taita Taveta, Kwale and Tana River counties. The programme addresses challenges in natural forestry eco-systems like kayas, lowland mountain, mangrove forests, coastal dryland forests, farm forestry and forest plantations.
