In a recent article published in Scientific Reports, Timothy Namaswa, David F.R.P. Burslem, Jo Smith, and their research team explored the untapped potential of Kenya’s organic waste. Their study highlights that the country’s agricultural and forestry sectors generate a significant volume of residues that could be converted into biochar for soil improvement and fuel. By analyzing data from 2021 and 2022, the researchers determined that Kenya produces between 5.02 million and 23.61 million megagrams of crop residues each year. Additionally, the forest sector contributes between 148,000 and 180,000 megagrams of residues from logging and wood processing. These findings suggest that the country possesses a robust and stable supply of feedstockFeedstock refers to the raw organic material used to produce biochar. This can include a wide range of materials, such as wood chips, agricultural residues, and animal manure. More, which remained resilient even during the disruptions caused by the global pandemic.

The spatial distribution of these materials is not uniform across the country, as most of the available biomassBiomass is a complex biological organic or non-organic solid product derived from living or recently living organism and available naturally. Various types of wastes such as animal manure, waste paper, sludge and many industrial wastes are also treated as biomass because like natural biomass these More is concentrated in the western, central, and southern regions. Eleven specific counties, including Bungoma, Kakamega, and Nakuru, were identified as having exceptionally high amounts of crop residues. However, the study points out a complex challenge for future investors and policymakers. No single county currently offers the perfect combination of high residue volume, high density, and low supply uncertainty. For instance, while some areas have vast amounts of waste, the material is spread over a large geographic area, which increases the costs of collection and transportation. Conversely, areas with high density often face higher uncertainty regarding the consistent year-to-year availability of those materials.

Maize stalks emerged as the most prevalent type of residue, appearing in significant quantities across all forty-seven counties. This ubiquity is attributed to the status of maize as a staple food and its adaptability to various Kenyan climates. Other residues, such as sugarcane bagasse and sisal pulp, are more localized to specific regions. The diversity of these materials is a strength, but it also requires production technologies to be flexible. The researchers suggest that biochar production kilns must be designed to handle different types of feedstock to maintain efficiency. Beyond crop waste, the study notes that sawdust from sawmills is a leading forest residue, often left in piles or burned openly, which leads to the loss of valuable nutrients and carbon.

The implications of this research extend to environmental sustainability and economic development. Currently, many farmers burn residues in their fields to prepare for the next planting season, a practice that contributes to air pollution and wastes organic matter. Converting this waste into biochar could provide a circular economy solution. Biochar applied to fields can restore degraded soils, which is vital for a country where agriculture supports over half of the gross domestic product. Furthermore, the researchers advocate for the use of decentralized, mobile processing units. These small-scale plants could be owned by community cooperatives, reducing the need for long-distance transport and making the technology more accessible to smallholder farmers who produce the bulk of Kenya’s crops.

To move forward, the study emphasizes the need for supportive government policies. Creating tax incentives or grants for the purchase of efficient pyrolysisPyrolysis is a thermochemical process that converts waste biomass into bio-char, bio-oil, and pyro-gas. It offers significant advantages in waste valorization, turning low-value materials into economically valuable resources. Its versatility allows for tailored products based on operational conditions, presenting itself as a cost-effective and efficient More equipment could accelerate the adoption of biochar production. The authors also recommend the development of better tracking systems for forest products to fill existing data gaps. By bridging the gap between waste generation and value-added processing, Kenya can enhance its self-sufficiency and mitigate the impacts of climate change. This comprehensive assessment serves as a blueprint not just for Kenya, but for other sub-Saharan African nations looking to transform agricultural leftovers into sustainable economic opportunities.

Source: Namaswa, T., Burslem, D. F. R. P., Smith, J., Afzal, W., Wardle, J., Oduor, N., Kubok, L., Muthike, G., & Malei, F. (2026). Availability and spatial distribution of crop and forest biomass residues for biochar production in Kenya. Scientific Reports.