Implementing Agency:
Department For International Development (DFIDEA)

Managing Institute:
Department For International Development (DFIDEA)

Contractor:
Technical Co-operation Officer

Project Code: 031-512-001	Start Date: 01-Sep-94	End Date: 01-Mar-98
Commitment: £811,000	Status: Completed	Type of Funding: Bilateral - TC

Project Background:
As a result of the foresight some 50 years ago of its foresters, Kenya has a substantial resource of plantation grown Cypress and Pine. With good husbandry, to be achieved through the project, this resource can meet the expected demand for industrial softwood well into the next century, and thereby avoid any part of that demand being sourced from the country's indigenous forests. The same measures which will bring about the required efficiency of timber use will also pave the way for increased earnings from timber sales, both in Kenya and, potentially, in the international market.

Until recently the full potential of Kenya grown Cypress and Pine was not recognised. Following some eight years of investigation Cypress has been demonstrated to have higher strength properties than in previous use. This, together with the introduction of graded timber for construction, has shown that significant savings in timber roof construction are achievable.

Project Objectives:
To help conserve the indigenous forest by more efficient and greater use of industrial plantation grown timber for construction purposes and to increase exports of stress graded timber.

Intended Outputs:
System of material efficient, hand driven, nail plate timber trussed rafters developed, and introduced into the construction industry.

Internationally up to date and acceptable technical standards for the principal constructional timbers.

Draft National Design Code for the Structural Use of Timber.

Gazettement of Kenya Bureau of Standards Design Code for the Structural Use of Timber