Kenaf fiber can be obtained by decortications of the kenaf plant stem. The properties of the kenaf fiber treated by alkali (NaOH) were investigated by spectrocolorimeter, SEM, X-ray diffractometer, FT-IR and TGA. The kenaf fibers treated by alkali became darker and their Munsell color values changed from Y (yellow) to YR (yellowred) according to an increased NaOH concentration. SEM observation of the kenaf fibers showed that their crimps were developed and their surfaces were cleaned by the removal of protruding ends and impurities after alkali treatments. In the x-ray diffraction analysis, the structures of the fibers were found in the form of cellulose I when treated with a 0-16% alkali concentration and cellulose II when treated with over 20%. It was also confirmed that the crystallinity was lowered according to an increased NaOH concentration. The change of fiber compositions was investigated in FT-IR analysis. Strong band of 1,738cm-1 and asymmetrical stretching strong bands of 1,630-1,600cm-1 in spectrum (which represent pectin) were not found in the samples because the pectin was removed by the alkali treatment. Weak bands of 1,728-1,730cm-1 and peaks of 1,245-1,259cm-1 (which represent hemicellulose) and peaks of 1,592cm-1, 1,504cm-1, 1,462cm-1 and 1,429cm-1 (which are related to lignin) were not found or reduced in the samples treated with a concentration over 20%. TGA indicated that the kenaf fiber had the better hydrophilic properties by alkali treatment. The higher Tmax in TGA and the higher thermal stability when treated by alkali with the higher concentration. The fibers treated with an alkali concentration over 30% did not show any changes in Tmax.