Experience with the growing of eucalyptus in Kenya.

Abstract

There are slightly over one hundred species of Eucalyptus in Kenya. About 80 species are represented in KEFRI's arboretum at Muguga. The earliest introduction was between 1903 and 1908 and in early years, plantations were established to provide firewood for the railway line to Nairobi and Uganda(FAO, 1981). Eucalypts are among the most popular trees in Kenya because of their rapid growth, ease of management and their many uses for fuelwood, poles, posts, timber, pulpwood, peeler logs and protection of the soil. Old eucalyptus trees are now popular for furniture making. The main species planted in the country are Eucalyptus sa/igna and Eucalyptus grandis in humid areas at altitudes of 1,500m to 2,000m. Other widely grown species are Eucalyptus g/obu/us in cooler areas at altitudes over 2,000m and Eucalyptus cama/du/ensis in semi-arid areas. Species planted to a lesser extent are Eucalyptus macu/ata and Eucalyptus panicu/ata in dry sites in the highlands. Eucalyptus regnans and Eucalyptus fastigata grow well at elevations of above 2300m. The recently introduced hybrids of £ grandis and £ cama/du/ensis have shown promise in areas receiving rainfall of 750 - 1,000mm and elevations of up to 1,700m. The area under eucalypts in the country is not exactly known, but this is probably around 50,000 hectares. The main growing areas are in forest reserves and tea estates in Kericho and Nandi districts. In farmlands, eucalypts are widely planted in high potential areas of Central, Rift Valley, Nyanza and Western provinces.