Suzie's Beauty Tips

Save the Baobab

I am Amisha Patel, the founder of O’BAO, a baobab-based natural skincare brand in Kenya. The brand was established in 2015 with a vision to create value realization in the communities on the benefits of the baobab. We, therefore buy directly from communities and have since sensitized communities on the benefits of baobab not only economically, but also environmentally. As a brand, we endeavor to boost gender diversity in our supply-chain to build stronger communities. We are very proud of achieving the ECOCERT Organic Certification, including the EU and US organic label, for our Baobab raw materials as one of the first in Kenya. We are hoping to continue to support the communities to preserve the baobab for not only posterity, and environmental and social sustainability, but also, as a source of income for these communities.

Baobab Fruit hanging from a Baobab Tree.

Therefore, the uprooting of the baobab trees in Kilifi County which was highlighted in the Nation article dated 12th October 2022, was a source of trepidation and great concern. Some of these trees are over a thousand years old. They not only host entire ecosystems, but protect soils from erosion, are a source of income, food, and shelter for local communities and animals. Removal of whole resources could also pose a risk of biopiracy depriving communities of future economic benefits and setting a dangerous precedent for other natural resources. Additionally, in a time of climate change crisis, uprooting any tree is not the way forward for a self-preserving society.

I would like to strongly condemn any uprooting and export of whole trees or live parts thereof. I strongly urge the Kenyan government to enforce, be vigilant and protect Kenyan resources.

Baobab grows in arid and semi-arid areas where income opportunities are often scarce. By promoting socially and environmentally responsible commercialization of baobab, O’BAO generates important income opportunities for communities in these areas. It is difficult to convince a person going hungry, who is being offered KES 100,000 for a tree they see worthless, not to take the money. Therefore, I urge Kenyan people to support local brands such as O’BAO, so that we may continue to highlight the benefits of the baobab and economically support communities who are guardians of these trees. These are important steps to protect our natural resources and heritage.

As far as the uprooting of the baobab is concerned, any application for the same or export should be rejected by the people and the Kenyan government. Kenya, and by extension, other African resources should be value-added in their respective countries for maximum benefits realization. Investing in the people and country should be the goal.