Kenya is stepping up investment in forestry, with approximately KES 29.6 billion in external financing being mobilised to support forest restoration, landscape development and the expansion of commercial forestry across the country.

The financing includes about KES 25.9 billion from the World Bank and KES 3.7 billion from the Green Climate Fund. The money will support forest restoration and sustainable land management while helping Kenya develop a stronger commercial forestry sector.

The focus is also shifting towards making forestry a bigger part of the economy. Through the National Commercial Forestry Strategy 2025–2035, Kenya is promoting commercial tree growing, agroforestry, wood processing and other businesses built around forest resources.

That expansion could open opportunities for farmers and businesses throughout the value chain, from seedling production and tree nurseries to harvesting, transport, timber processing, furniture manufacturing and construction. Small-scale tree growers could also benefit from stronger markets for their trees and wood products.

The investment supports Kenya’s target of growing 15 billion trees by 2032 and restoring 10.6 million hectares of degraded landscapes. The aim is to combine environmental restoration with productive activities that can generate income and employment.

A larger forestry industry could also help Kenya produce more wood products locally instead of relying heavily on imports. This would create room for more local processing and manufacturing while giving farmers, young people and businesses more ways to participate in the sector.

With more investment flowing into tree growing, processing and related businesses, Kenya can expand rural incomes, create jobs, attract private investment and build a stronger domestic wood-products industry.