Industrial wood preservation in Kenya. Present status – future prospects

IRG/WP 05-30385

R Venkatasamy

Although some 50 years old, industrial wood preservation in Kenya does not appear to have technically, scientifically, and commercially evolved and contributed to significantly extend service lives of timbers, protect health and the environment, and curb unnecessary over-exploitation of forests. The population of the country has increased by 530% over the past 50 years; regular excisions have reduced forests to less than 2% of the land area. Wastage of wood during processing, through decay, and due to ineffective chemical treatment remains high and unchecked. At present, four treating chemicals and three treatment techniques are commonly and inefficiently used by the industry. The industry started with no expertise in wood preservation or wood properties, the situation being still the same. Without research, testing, monitoring, assessments and service records, appropriate standards, specifications and legislations cannot be easily formulated. Less costly chemicals and simpler techniques of treatment have not been introduced in the country yet, especially in the rural areas, where about 80% of the population is located. The main stakeholders in trees and timber do not appear to have fully understood the necessity to effectively preserve timber with the additional objectives of conserving forests and protecting the environment. Training in decay and preservation has not been extended to architects, engineers, builders, and wood-based industries in general. It is now urgent that the industry, the producers of wood and those who use or recommend the use of timber, examine new approaches to wood preservation through the choice of safer, more effective chemicals, and cleaner, more appropriate techniques of production. Legislations, Codes of good practices, and Guidelines to minimise or prevent soil and water contamination, or risks to human health, are urgent necessities that have persisted to escape the attention of the relevant authorities in the country.


Keywords: Kenya, preservation, chemicals, techniques, development, training, standards, specifications, health, environment, legislations, prospects

Conference: 05-04-24/28 Bangalore, India


Download document (265 kb)
free for the members of IRG. Available if purchased.

Purchase this document