KENYA OPENS 2026 IUFRO JOINT CONFERENCE ON SMALL-SCALE FORESTRY AND TRADITIONAL KNOWLEDGE

On July 21, 2026  Kenya  reaffirmed its commitment to sustainable forestry and climate action as the Principal Secretary for Forestry, Mr. Gitonga Mugambi, officially opened the 2026 International Union of Forest Research Organizations (IUFRO) Joint Conference on Small-Scale Forestry and Forestry History and Traditional Knowledge at the Kenya Forestry Research Institute (KEFRI) headquarters in Muguga, Nairobi.

The Principal Secretary, accompanied by Secretary for Forest Development Mr. George Tarus and Secretary for Administration Mr. Patrick Meso, were received by the KEFRI leadership led by Chief Executive Officer Dr. Jane Njuguna.

The conference, held under the theme "The Supply of Forest Products and Services from Small-Scale Forests, Agroforestry, Farms and Community Lands,"has brought together researchers, policymakers, forestry practitioners, development partners and other stakeholders from across the globe to exchange knowledge and explore practical solutions for sustainable forest management.

Speaking during the opening ceremony, Mr. Mugambi emphasized the vital role that smallholder farmers and community managed forests play in supporting rural livelihoods, strengthening climate resilience, conserving biodiversity and driving inclusive economic growth. He noted that Kenya has put in place robust policy and legal frameworks including the Forest Conservation and Management (Amendment) Act, 2026, the National Forest Policy 2023 and the National Agroforestry and Commercial Forestry Strategies (2025–2035) to accelerate sustainable forest management and support the implementation of the Presidential 15 Billion Trees Growing Programme.

The Principal Secretary further underscored the importance of blending indigenous and traditional knowledge with modern science and innovation to enhance forest conservation and landscape restoration. He said the conference provides a valuable opportunity for participants to strengthen partnerships, share experiences, and develop innovative approaches that will improve the management and productivity of small-scale forests.

Mr. Mugambi also highlighted that the conference is a significant milestone in Kenya's preparations to host the 27th IUFRO World Congress in 2029, marking the first time the prestigious global forestry event will be held on the African continent.

He called on delegates to use the conference as a platform to foster collaboration, promote innovation and share knowledge that will advance sustainable forest management, improve livelihoods and contribute to global climate action before officially declaring the conference open.

The conference is expected to generate valuable insights and partnerships that will strengthen the contribution of small-scale forestry, agroforestry and community led conservation to Kenya's sustainable development agenda and the global fight against climate change.