Kenya secures historic IUFRO World Congress for 2029
Jane Njuguna, CEO of the Kenya Forest Research Institute (Kefri), said the country’s successful bid was driven by its research capabilities.
Kenya will host the 27th International Union of Forest Research Organizations (IUFRO) World Congress in 2029, after successfully outcompeting Canada.
This marks the first time the prestigious event will be held on the African continent, highlighting Kenya’s growing influence in global forestry research and conservation.
Jane Njuguna, CEO of the Kenya Forest Research Institute (Kefri), said the country’s successful bid was driven by its research capabilities, rich natural landscapes, and strategic position in the region.
“Kenya is well established in forestry research in the region as it has modern forestry research facilities in the region,” Njuguna said during a breakfast meeting at KICC on Wednesday.
Njuguna explained that Kenya’s diverse ecosystems, from mist-covered highland forests, dryland woodlands, mangroves, and the Chalbi desert, to iconic features like Mt Kenya and the wildebeest migration, played a major role in securing the bid. Nairobi’s capacity to host thousands of delegates at KICC was also a critical factor.
About 8,000 delegates are expected to attend the congress, bringing an estimated Sh5 billion into the Kenyan economy. The gathering will further boost Kenya’s position as a hub for forestry research, conservation, and environmental dialogue.
Environment Cabinet Secretary Deborah Barasa described the achievement as a reflection of Kenya’s commitment to sustainable forest management and biodiversity conservation.
“Kenya is an oasis of biodiversity with deep-rooted forest traditions that cherish trees and forests as pillar in culture and livelihood support,” she said.
The IUFRO Congress connects more than 15,000 forestry scientists from over 115 countries through 630 member organisations. Kenya’s current IUFRO members include Kefri, the International Centre for Research in Agroforestry (Icraf), the Centre for International Forestry Research (Cifor), African Forest Forum, the African Network for Agriculture, Agroforestry and Natural Resources Education, and the Kenya Forest Service.
The bid process began in June 2021, when IUFRO invited member organisations to submit proposals. Kenya’s bid was coordinated by Kefri, with support from local IUFRO members and public institutions, and received endorsement from the African Union Commission on behalf of Africa.
Kenya was shortlisted alongside Canada in September 2022. Both countries hosted IUFRO inspection delegations, with Kenya welcoming theirs to Nairobi in December 2022.
The teams visited proposed venues, including KICC and the University of Nairobi campuses, meeting with public institutions, private sector partners, and research organisations.
The IUFRO Board announced Kenya’s selection in June 2023. A formal handover from Sweden, host of the 26th Congress, took place during the 2024 event in Stockholm, with official documents transferred in Vienna, Austria, on May 20, 2025.
To kick-start preparations, the IUFRO Kenya Local Organising Committee is convening a stakeholder breakfast meeting.
The gathering will bring together government agencies, academic institutions, private sector players, civil society, and sponsors to celebrate the win, discuss roles, mobilise resources, and map out key milestones ahead of the 2029 congress.
Organisers said the session aims to ensure early collaboration, align stakeholder interests, and lay a strong foundation for the successful hosting of the global event.
