The Isiolo County Government, through the Department of Water, Environment and Natural Resources, today joined the National Government and key stakeholders in launching the Gum Arabic and Resins Association (GARA) Strategic Plan 2026–2030 in Isiolo.
The event brought together representatives from the Kenya Forestry Research Institute (KEFRI), the Kenya Forest Service (KFS), Millennium Water Alliance, GARA members and participants from Isiolo, Samburu, Marsabit and Turkana counties, where gum arabic and natural resins are among the region’s key natural resources.
The launch featured a panel discussion on positioning Kenya’s gum and resins sector for growth and competitiveness. Speaking during the event on behalf of the County Executive Committee Member for Water, Environment and Natural Resources, Isiolo County Executive Committee Member for Trade, Dr. Lawrence Mwongela, welcomed participants and described the strategic plan as a significant milestone in unlocking the economic potential of gum and resins in the country’s arid and semi-arid lands.
“The launch of this strategic plan will go a long way in promoting sustainable livelihoods and strengthening climate resilience in Isiolo County and other ASAL counties. From now onwards, gum and resins will become an important value chain, creating employment opportunities and improving household incomes,” said Dr. Mwongela.
He added that the inclusion of gum and resins among Kenya’s recognized agricultural value chains would enable producers in arid regions to benefit from government support just like farmers involved in coffee, tea and other priority commodities.
Dr. Mwongela further reaffirmed the county government’s commitment to supporting the sector through budget allocation, establishment of demonstration centres, promotion of cooperative societies and community sensitization to increase production and meet the growing market demand.
He also pledged continued collaboration with KEFRI and the Kenya Forest Service in research, conservation of gum-producing trees and public awareness on sustainable management of natural resources.
Representing the Millennium Water Alliance Kenya Country Director, Ms. June Samo Ngugi, Programme Director at Millennium Water Alliance, said the GARA Strategic Plan provides a shared vision and practical roadmap for transforming Kenya’s gum and resins industry.
“A strategy provides more than a vision—it provides direction, a shared purpose and a roadmap for achieving lasting impact. Today’s launch marks the beginning of a new chapter for Kenya’s gum and resins industry,” she said.
Ms. Ngugi noted that Millennium Water Alliance supported the development of the strategy through the RAPID+ Programme, funded by the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC).
She said the partnership with GARA reflects a shared commitment to strengthening resilient livelihoods across Kenya’s drylands through sustainable economic opportunities based on locally available natural resources.
GARA Board Member Abdi Somo, who hails from Isiolo County, said the county has enormous untapped potential in gum and resin production. He noted that products such as Gum Arabic, Hagar, Frankincense and Gum Tach remain underutilized despite their high commercial value.
“With the implementation of this strategic plan, we expect these products to be fully exploited, creating more employment opportunities, improving household incomes and increasing revenue for Isiolo County and other ASAL regions,” said Abdi Somo.
The five-year GARA Strategic Plan is expected to strengthen the gum and resins value chain by promoting sustainable production, enhancing market access, supporting research and encouraging public-private partnerships aimed at improving livelihoods and building climate resilience across Kenya’s drylands.
