The Kenya Forestry Research Institute (KEFRI) embraced strategic planning in 1989 to guide its research and development operations. Development of this seventh (7th) Strategic Plan 2022-2027 involved a review of the 6th KEFRI Strategic Plan 2018-2022. This Plan is in line with: the Constitution of Kenya, 2010; Kenya Vision 2030; National Forest Programme (NFP, 2016-2030); Forest Conservation and Management Act (FMCA, 2016); draft National Forest Policy (2016); Climate Change (Amendment) Act, 2023 and the Ministry of Environment, Climate Change and Forestry Strategic Plan 2023-2027. The plan takes special recognition of the need to develop appropriate technologies for livelihood improvement and climate resilience to realize the goals of the Bottom Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA); and Kenya Green Economy Strategy and Implementation Plan 2016-2030. The plan has laid emphasis on the Institute’s national mandate of contributing to 15 Billion Tree Growing Strategy to achieve 30% tree cover by 2032 by providing quality tree seeds.
In formulating this strategic plan, an assessment of both external and internal operating environments was undertaken. This involved analyzing Strengths, Challenges, Opportunities and Threats (SCOT) of the Institute to determine the possible roles of Policy, Political, Economic, Social, Technological, Legal, Environmental and Governance (P-PESTLEG) factors on the plan. A stakeholder analysis was also conducted and cross-cutting institutional issues, which might affect KEFRI’s effectiveness in realizing its Mission were identified. Results of the SCOT, P-PESTLEG and stakeholder analysis facilitated the revision of KEFRI’s Vision and Mandate.
The KEFRI Mandate, Vision and Mission statements and Core Values to guide implementation of the 7th Strategic Plan are:
Conduct research and development in forestry and allied natural resources;
Disseminate research findings;
Build capacity of stakeholders in forestry and allied natural resources; and
Establish partnerships and cooperate with other research organizations and institutions of higher learning in joint research and training.
A research centre of excellence in forestry and allied natural resources for sustainable development.
To conduct research in forestry and allied natural resources for sustainable development through innovations, capacity building and technology transfer.
The Institute’s core values which will guide implementation of this Strategic Plan are:
Excellence: Committed to high standards of professionalism;
Creativity and Innovation: Promote, support and implement new ideas, methods and products;
Integrity: Uphold honesty, high moral standards and intolerance to corruption;
Teamwork: Build cordial working relations and team spirit;
Inclusivity: Equal access to opportunities and resources;
Networking: Strive to attain sustainable networks and partnerships;
Customer Focus: Oriented to customer needs and satisfaction
The implementation of this Strategic Plan will be guided by five (5) Strategic Research and Development Themes that include:
Forest Productivity, Health and Tree Improvement (FPHTI);
Forest Biodiversity, Climate Change, and Environment Management (FBCCEM);
Forest Products and Entrepreneurship Development (FPED);
Socio-economics, Policy and Governance (SPG);
Forest Research Support Services (FRSS);
The five technical thematic areas will be supported by the following departments in order to effectively and efficiently deliver KEFRI's mandate. These are:
Corporate Affairs and Quality Assurance;
Corporate Services Directorate;
KEFRI will adopt the Balanced Score Card (BSC) approach to guide, measure and report on the status of execution of this Strategic Plan. A Corporate Implementation Matrix was developed and will form the basis for preparation of annual work-plans.
Management and coordination of Research and Development activities will be undertaken at various levels that include: The Board of Directors; Executive Committee, National Forestry Research Advisory Committee, and the Eco-regional Research Consultative Committees.
The Institute has established a risk management process that will be used to identify, analyze, evaluate and mitigate the risks that are likely to be encountered during implementation of this Strategic Plan. The anticipated risks could be strategic, operational, financial and technological.
In order to implement the 7th Strategic Plan, financial, human and physical resources will be required. Financial requirements for the 2022/2023 FY are estimated at KES 3,015.8 billion that is projected to grow to KES 9,962.3 billion by 2026/2027 FY. This budget will be financed through Government of Kenya annual allocation, internally generated funds and external funding from development partner grants as well as Public-Private Partnerships.
Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) will be undertaken to track the implementation of the Plan. The M & E process will be used to measure accomplishments and detect deviations, and also where there may be need for adjustment for appropriate and timely action. Monitoring and Evaluation tools will include; annual implementation matrix review, annual performance contracts and work-plans, annual budget and quarterly expenditure reviews, and annual staff appraisals. A mid term review of the strategic plan will be undertaken.