Editor's note: On June 30^th, a mid-term review event for the “Ecosystem Restoration for Enhancing Livelihoods and Addressing Climate Change: China-Kenya Cooperation on Bamboo Technology Transfer” project was held in the Bunyala area of Kenya's Nzoia River Basin. This event brought together key project stakeholders to assess progress, share experiences, and discuss lessons learned toward achieving the project targets. The China Global Television Network (CGTN) featured the project’s successes and impacts in its news coverage.

The project targets the lower reach of the Nzoia River Basin, one of Kenya’s most flood-affected regions. By implementing bamboo agroforestry, the initiative aims to improve flood regulation, stabilize riverbanks, and enhance local livelihoods.

A 3-kilometer multi-species bamboo plantation, alongside vetiver grass, Sesbania Sesbans, and other crops, is transforming abandoned riparian land into resilient ecosystems. This initiative not only supports food supply and industrial development but also created a sustainable foundation for the local economy.

The project has also established a community-level nursery and built a demonstration bamboo house, empowering local communities to engage in restoration efforts and work towards a climate-resilient future. Additionally, it fosters South-South cooperation between China and Kenya through knowledge and technology transfer, benefiting over 450 local members.

Funded by the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) via the Sino-Africa Joint Research Center (SAJOREC), the project is implemented by CAS's Institute of Geographic Sciences and Natural Resources Research, in collaboration with institutions including the United Nations Environment Programme - International Ecosystem Management Partnership (UNEP-IEMP), building on existing efforts in the region.