Kenya wins bid to host 2029 global forestry research congress
According to organisers, the meeting will also foster dialogue on partnerships, resource mobilisation, and define milestones to ensure the success of the congress.
Kenya has secured the rights to host the 27th International Union of Forest Research Organisations (IUFRO) World Congress in 2029, becoming the first African country to host the event in the organisation’s 140-year history.
The announcement marked a major milestone for the country after a competitive bid against Canada.
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Kenya Forest Research Institute (KEFRI) chief executive Jane Njuguna said the win followed a strong campaign that highlighted the country’s research strengths, environmental diversity, and international positioning.
“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 held at KICC on Wednesday.
Njuguna added that several factors contributed to Kenya’s victory, including the presence of 23 United Nations agencies dealing with environment, health, and people, as well as the country’s rich and unique ecosystems.
These range from Mt Kenya, misty forests, mangroves and dryland forests to the Chalbi desert, alongside global spectacles such as the wildebeest migration. Nairobi’s ability to host thousands of delegates at KICC was also a deciding factor.
She said about 8,000 delegates are expected to attend the congress in Nairobi, with projections indicating the gathering will inject at least Sh5 billion into the economy.
Environment Cabinet Secretary Deborah Barasa, who attended the meeting, said Kenya’s win reflects its leadership in sustainable forestry and conservation.
“Kenya is an oasis of biodiversity with deep-rooted forest traditions that cherish trees and forests as pillars in culture and livelihood support,” she said.
IUFRO brings together more than 15,000 forestry scientists from over 115 countries through 630 member organisations. In Kenya, members include Kefri, the International Centre for Research in Agroforestry (ICRAF), the Centre for International Forestry Research (CIFOR), African Forest Forum, African Network for Agriculture, Agroforestry and Natural Resources Education, and the Kenya Forest Service.
The call for bids was issued in June 2021, with Kenya’s secretariat housed at Kefri and supported by local IUFRO members and government institutions. The African Union Commission also endorsed Kenya’s bid on behalf of the continent.
Kenya was shortlisted in September 2022 alongside Canada. Delegations from the IUFRO Management Committee inspected sites in both countries, with Kenya hosting its team in Nairobi in December 2022. The visits included tours of proposed venues such as KICC and the University of Nairobi.
The IUFRO board announced the decision in June 2023, and during the 26th IUFRO Congress in Stockholm in 2024, Sweden officially handed over hosting rights to Kenya. The handover of formal documents took place on May 20, 2025, in Vienna, Austria.
To begin preparations, the Local Organising Committee has convened a stakeholder breakfast meeting that will bring together government agencies, academia, private sector players, civil society, and sponsors. The session aims to announce Kenya’s win, align stakeholders on expected impacts, and set out a roadmap leading to 2029.
According to organisers, the meeting will also foster dialogue on partnerships, resource mobilisation, and define milestones to ensure the success of the congress.
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