|
|
In the recently concluded Nairobi International Trade Fair which took place from September 26 to October 2 at Jamhuri Park, KEFRI confirmed its ISO 14001:2004 Environmental Management System (EMS) certification after being awarded first position for the best stand demonstrating applications of environmental and quality standards. Left: Some KEFRI Staff Members that participated in the Trade Fair pose for a group photo with the trophy for the first position in the category. Below Left: The trophy and pictorial view of the demonstrations of of Bamboo and other products and services that were on display at the KEFRI stand at the International Trade Fair. |
|
|
His Excellency the President Hon. Mwai Kibaki awarded the trophy to KEFRI during the official
opening ceremony held on September 30th, 2011. The Perpetual Trophy donated by the Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) was won for the first time by Kagima Farmers Cooperative Society in 1981. Both the Kilalani and Abogeta Farmers Cooperative Societies have won the trophy twice while Kenya Prisons amongst other institutions have held it once. In addition, KEFRI received certificates for third positions in the categories of the best stand in Research and Development Projects, as well as being the best Agricultural Based Statutory Board. Products Trade fairs have become a good platform for marketing agricultural goods and services as well as technologies. Under the theme 'Driving Agribusiness in Attaining Food Sufficiency and Vision 2030'. KEFRI's exhibitions included wood and non-wood products and innovations geared towards improving livelihoods and driving Kenya's commerce and agricultural sector. |
 |
Innovation and technologies ranging from processing tree seeds, products from fruits of
indigenous tree species like the Baobab and Tamarindus indica, herbal products and fancy items made from value added timber waste attracted huge attention from visitors who toured the stand. Quality tree seeds are the foundation both in increasing and achieving 10 per cent forest cover by year 2030. Kenya Forestry Seed Programme displayed affordable packaged tree seeds. Farmers and other stakeholders in tree production were encouraged to buy certified tree seeds which not only increase production but also mature early and produce disease tolerant products. The public were also made aware of availability of tree seeds from stockists distributed countrywide. KEFRI is involved in research on threatened tree species such as Osyris lanceolata. Several techniques of vegetative propagation for tree improvement, domestication and production of quality planting materials were displayed. |
|
Introduction of fast growing trees species like Bamboo is inevitable in reaching the projected forest cover by 2030. Bamboo is a fast growing
resource, matures within three years and thus an ideal wood alternative. It is useful in soil erosion control, conservation of water catchments areas, aesthetics, making furniture's and assorted fancy items. All these were part of KEFRI's demonstration. The Nairobi Agricultural Show began in 1901 when the Agricultural and Horticultural society was founded in the city. The show became the Nairobi International Trade Fair in the year 2000 in order to give an opportunity to local and international exhibitors to promote their agricultural products and services. In the year 2008 KEFRI acquired a stand of its own and has since participated in the Trade Fair winning certificates in various judgmental categories. |
|
|
|
KENYA FORESTRY RESEARCH INSTITUTE P.O Box 20412 - 00200 Nairobi Tel: +254-724-259781/2, +254-722-157414 Wireless +254-2010651/2 Fax 254-20-2386353 |
| Copyright @ Kenya Forestry Research Institute, 2011 | All rights reserved. |