Cellulolytic activity of bacteria from the gut of termites (Macrotermes michaelseni) from Eldoret and Kakamega

Cellulose degrading bacteria in termites are important plant degraders as they play an essential role digesting cellulose for termites. This study aimed to identify (Macrotermites michaelseni) collected from Kakamega and Kapsabet region. Six were aseptically crushed Eppendorf tube containing distilled water. To distinguish non-cellulose isolates, the homogenates inoculated on nutrient agar carboxymethyl media. As a result, 14 isolates 3 showed cellulolytic activity media based existence of clear zone around their colony out 24 obtained both The highest index was 5.8, while lowest 1.5. These findings suggest that harbor cellulose-degrading can be used degradation.   Key words: Cellulose, bacteria, termites, Macrotermes.