Money Grows on Trees: How Kenyans Are Earning Millions Through Agroforestry

Most Kenyans are familiar with farming maize, tea, or coffee, but few realize that tree farming can be just as profitable, if not more. Agroforestry, the practice of growing trees for commercial and environmental purposes, is becoming one of Kenya’s most promising yet underexplored business ventures.

Tree seedlings

With Kenya’s forest cover having dropped significantly over the past decades, the government has put measures in place to conserve what’s left and encourage sustainable tree planting. Meanwhile, the demand for timber and wood products continues to rise sharply, creating a golden opportunity for smart investors willing to plan

🌲 The Untapped Potential of Tree Farming in Kenya

Timber is an essential material in many industries, from furniture and building construction to electricity poles, biomass energy, and printing. As demand grows, local supply struggles to keep up. That’s where private farmers are stepping in.

Currently, over 1,800 Kenyan farmers, each owning an average of two acres, are earning impressive income through tree farming. Together, they manage about 46,000 acres of private commercial forest plantations, proving that this is not just an environmental cause, but a serious business opportunity.

💰 How Much Can You Earn from Tree Farming?

Let’s take Eucalyptus as an example, one of the most popular species among Kenyan tree farmers due to its fast growth and high market value.

• Seedling cost: Ksh 15–25 each (depending on variety and source)

• Planting area: 3 acres (~1,000 seedlings)

• Initial cost: Around Ksh 15,000 for seedlings

• Additional costs: Labour for planting and early weeding

Within two years, Eucalyptus trees can grow up to 12 feet tall, ready for harvest. At that stage, each tree can fetch around KSh 2,000 at local timber yards.

✅ Potential revenue: 1,000 trees × Ksh 2,000 = Ksh 2 million
✅ Net profit (after expenses): Around Ksh 1.8 million

And if you’re patient enough to wait nine years for full maturity, your trees can be sold as electricity poles at Ksh 18,000 each, bringing in Ksh 18 million — or more!

The best part? After harvesting, Eucalyptus stumps regrow naturally, saving you money on seedlings and land preparation for the next cycle.

🌿 Why Tree Farming Makes Business Sense

• Low maintenance: Once trees are established, they require minimal care.

• Sustainable: Trees contribute to soil fertility, air purification, and water conservation.

• Multi-purpose: Timber, charcoal, poles, biomass fuel, furniture, and even herbal extracts.

• Regenerative: Some species regrow after harvesting, reducing replanting costs.

🌦️ Choosing the Right Tree Species for Your Land

Before you plant, it’s important to consult forestry experts to determine which tree species suits your soil type, climate, and altitude. Planting the wrong variety can lead to stunted growth or financial loss.

Your choice should be based on:

1. Purpose of planting:

   • For profit (timber, poles, firewood, fruits)

   • For conservation (soil protection, water catchment)

   • For fodder or shade

2. Environmental suitability:

   • Rainfall levels

   • Temperature

   • Soil type and fertility

3. Profit potential:

   • How fast the species matures

   • Market demand and selling price

4. Seed quality and source:

   • Always buy certified seeds from reputable sources like the Kenya Tree Seed Centre (KEFRI).

   • KEFRI offers high-quality seeds, expert guidance, and has sub-centres in Nyeri, Londiani, Kakamega, Kitale, Kibwezi, Gede, and Turkana.

🌍 Plant Trees, Grow Wealth, Save the Planet

Tree farming is more than a business, it’s a long-term investment in both your future and the planet’s health. As Kenya pushes toward restoring its forest cover, private tree farmers are poised to play a vital role while reaping substantial profits.

So, if you have idle land and a bit of patience, consider venturing into agroforestry. Because in this business, money truly grows on trees.