Potential of Bamboo in House Building Sector in

Kenya

Arch. Sylvia M. Essendi (B.Arch, M.A Env. Policy) Technical University of Kenya

&

Jacob K. Kibwage, PhD.The Cooperative University College of Kenya-

JKUAT

WHY BAMBOO FOR HOUSING? Growth rate is three times faster

than eucalyptus and it conserves water

High annual yields of about 17 tons per acre in a well managed plantation

Bamboo matures in 4-7 years compared to other trees that take over 15 years

Due to its lightweight, high elasticity and great resistance to rapture, bamboo is ideal for numerous construction uses

It is cheaper than steel and concrete

When well treated, it is durable upto 50 years

MASENO UNIVERSITY BAMBOO HOUSES

MASENO BAMBOO HOUSES Two house demos exist These are:

1. Engineered bamboo house 2. Non- Engineered bamboo house

The two types of houses employed different construction techniques:

ENGINEERED BAMBOO HOUSE - MASENO

Engineere bamboo is a bamboo product designed to function as timber

This was mainly imported from China

The construction process comprised a bamboo framed structure which was then plastered and painted

The verandah was polished to promote durability

ENGINEERED BAMBOO HOUSE - MASENO

The house is used as an office

NON- ENGINEERED BAMBOO HOUSE- MASENO

NON- ENGINEERED BAMBOO HOUSE- MASENO

In this house, bamboo from Kakamega Forest was used

Mature bamboo culms of between 3-5 years were selected for harvesting since they had low amounts of starch

A total of 10 youths were recruited as construction workers from the Kisumu slum areas and were trained by two bamboo housing experts

NON- ENGINEERED BAMBOO HOUSE- MASENO

The selection and harvesting process

The bamboo culms were harvested and treated within the forest using a Boron – Borax solution

Treatment of bamboo culms is essential in order to reduce attack from biological agents e.g. insects

Preservation of bamboo was achieved using a 5% Borax solution, which was pH neutral.

The pH neutral solution was made using equal amounts of Boric Acid (2.5%) and Borax Oxide (2.5%), both in powder form, and dissolving them in warm water.

NON- ENGINEERED BAMBOO HOUSE- MASENO

NON- ENGINEERED BAMBOO HOUSE- MASENO

The concentration of both chemical agents dissolved in water was 50kg per M3 (i.e. 5kg per 100 L of water)

NON- ENGINEERED BAMBOO HOUSE- MASENO

Roof- Corrugated iron sheets

Ceiling- flattened bamboo

Roof truss( structure)- whole culm bamboo

Columns- whole culm bamboo

The house is used as a student center

NON- ENGINEERED BAMBOO HOUSE- MASENO

NON- ENGINEERED BAMBOO HOUSE- MASENO

Bamboo is as durable as any other construction material such as timber, for as long as it’s weaknesses are considered during the design process.

More demo houses, this is the only way to demystify bamboo- train more people

Address policy gaps

5 YEARS ON……..LESSONS

OTHER PROJECTS IN KENYA

BAMBOO HOUSING DEMO IN KISUMU, KENYA

AFRICA BAMBOO CENTRE IN KISUMU

FAIRLY IMPROVED WORKMANSHIP-KABARANET TOWN

Bamboo Restaurant, near Kakamega town

BAMBOO KIOSK

USE OF DIFFERENT BAMBOO DESIGNS- NEAR KAKAMEGA TOWN

Residential and Farm Fencing – Thika, Nairobi

Bamboo Ladders

THE FUTURE………………..

BRITAM TOWERS - NAIROBI

TRADITIONAL HOUSES IN KENYA CAN BE BUILT BY BAMBOO

IMPROVE WORKMANSHIP

CHRISTIAN CHURCH BAMBOO BUILDING IN KURIA

IMPROVE WORKMANSHIP

BAMBOO CONSTRUCTION TOOLS

USE OF BAMBOO IN SCAFFOLDING

Thank You

&

Karibu Sana!!!!