A novel kapok fiber-based sorbent for oil absorption was successfully prepared by the modification of kapok fiber with acetic anhydride using pyridine as a catalyst. The acetylated kapok fiber was characterized by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and scanning electron microscope (SEM). The effects of volume ratio of pyridine to acetic anhydride, reaction temperature and time on the oil absorbency were investigated. The highest oil absorbency of as-prepared acetylated kapok fiber was 44.0 g/g, 52.5 g/g, and 84.4 g/g for cyclohexane, toluene, and chloroform, respectively. In addition, the oil absorbency for cyclohexane, toluene, and chloroform reduces by 33.9 %, 39.0 %, and 35.7 % after recycling nine times, respectively. Therefore, the natural renewable kapok fiber could replace those of non-biodegradable oil sorbents in removing toxic organic solvents from industrial sewage.