In the arid and semi-arid lands of northern Kenya, resilient trees from the Commiphora and Boswellia species dot the landscape, yielding precious gum resins that have been treasured for centuries. The Ewaso Ng’iro North River Basin Development Authority (ENNDA) has established a state-of-the-art processing factory in Wajir to unlock the potential of these natural resources.
The Wajir Gums and Resins Processing Factory stands as a testament to ENNDA’s vision of improving livelihoods, creating wealth and employment opportunities, and promoting environmental conservation through value addition. Situated on a sprawling 1,000 by 500-meter plot, the facility is equipped with cutting-edge machinery, including an essential oil steam distillation plant, a solvent extraction processing plant, and a host of supporting infrastructure.
The factory’s lifeblood is the precious sap harvested from the Commiphora myrrh, Boswellia neglecta (frankincense), and Commiphora holtziana (opoponax) trees. These gum resins, once considered neglected resources, now hold immense promise for socio-economic transformation in the region.
ENNDA recognizes the importance of sustainable harvesting practices and has established collection centers with quality control laboratories across gum resin-producing areas. Collectors are trained in proper techniques, and prices are determined based on the resins’ grade, ensuring fair compensation and incentivizing quality.
The factory’s products, including essential oils from myrrh, frankincense, and opoponax, find their way into the global market, catering to the food, cosmetic, and pharmaceutical industries. With their unique fragrances and therapeutic properties, these natural ingredients are highly sought after, particularly in Europe, where demand for frankincense and myrrh continues to grow.
ENNDA’s commitment to sustainability extends beyond the factory walls. The Authority plans to establish demonstration plantations and pilot projects to promote responsible cultivation and regeneration of these precious tree species. By organizing collectors into cooperatives, ENNDA aims to empower local communities and foster a sustainable gum resin industry.
pastoralist communities have long relied on their herds for survival. However, the relentless onslaught of climate change has increasingly imperiled this way of life, as prolonged droughts and dwindling pastures threaten the very existence of these nomadic people. Amidst this dire situation, the Ewaso Ng’iro North River Basin Development Authority (ENNDA) has established a beacon of hope – the Wajir Gums and Resins Processing Factory.
This state-of-the-art facility is more than just a processing plant; it represents a lifeline for the region’s pastoralist communities, many of whom have been forced to seek alternative sources of income as their herds dwindle. The factory harnesses the potential of the resilient Commiphora and Boswellia tree species that dot the arid landscape, yielding precious gum resins that have been treasured for centuries.
ENNDA recognizes that the key to sustainable development lies in empowering local communities. To this end, the Authority has established a network of collection centers across gum resin-producing areas, where pastoralists can sell their harvested resins at fair prices determined by stringent quality control measures. This not only provides a much-needed source of income but also fosters a sense of ownership and pride in the region’s natural resources.
