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DEPARTMENT OF LANDS, URBAN DEVELOPMENT, ENVIRONMENT AND
CLIMATE CHANGE
P.O BOX 78 — 90300, MAKUENI.

ENVIRONMENT AND CLIMATE CHANGE POLICY


Submitted to the County Executive Committee by: -

Julius Kaloi = CECM: Lands, Urban Development, Environment and Climate Change


Signature

APPROVAL

This Makueni County Environment and Climate Change Policy is hereby approved by the County
Executive Committee during the.. (Botta. meeting held on.. Bard. oy hp RODD...


Governor/Deputy Governor


TABLE OF CONTENTS
FOREWORD...
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ....
ABBREVIATIONS AND ACRONYMS
GLOSSARY..

CHAPTER 1: BACKGROUN

1.1 Introduction...


1.2 Rationale for the Policy ..


1.3 Guiding Principles ..
1.4 Policy Statement...
1.5 Scope of the Policy


1.6 Policy Development Process...
CHAPTER 2: SITUATIONAL ANALYSIS ..
2.1 Introduction...


2.2 Legal and Institutional Framework.
2.3 Challenges...

CHAPTER 3: POLICY OBJECTIVES AND STRATEGIES eas
3.1 Introduction..


«14
3.2.1 Policy Objective 1: To strengthen the policy, legal and regulatory framework on


3.2 Policy Objectives and Strategies...


Environment and Climate Change. .14
3.2.2 Policy Objective 2: To foster collaboration and strategic partnerships .... va 15
3.2.3 Policy Objective 3: To enhance resource mobilization aw 1S.
3.2.4 Policy Objective 4: To establish mechanisms for sustainable natural resource
management... v5
3.2.5 Policy Objective 5: To strengthen disaster preparedness and management........ 16
3.2.6 Policy Objective 6: To reduce environmental pollution. 16
3.2.7 Policy Objective 7: To enhance climate change resilience .. kl
3.2.8 Policy Objective 8: To establish a framework for equitable sharing of trans-
boundary natural resources.... we 17
3.2.9 Policy Objective 9: To enhance environmental and climate change knowledge
access and transfer... ae LB


CHAPTER FOUR: IMPLEMENTATION FRAMEWORK ... aed


Institution Arrangements..


Monitoring and Evaluation.


Progress Reports... 19
Feedback Mechanisms and Stakeholder Consultation... 219
Policy Funding Mechanism... .19


Policy Review..

Implementation Matrix ..

ii


FOREWORD

The UNEP Global Environment Outlook 6 regional assessment recognizes Africa’s rich natural
capital - the diversity of flora, soil, geology, biodiversity, wildlife, water, landscapes and
habitats- which if wisely managed, hold the promise to lead the region to a future where
ecosystem integrity, as well as human health and well-being are continuously enhanced. It also
observes that the economic growth of Africa hinges on the sustainable management of its
natural capital that involves reconciling wise stewardship with human development for today’s
population and future generations. This requires both the protection and valuation of these
natural assets, as well as effectively communicating their importance. This would be effectively
done if an appropriate policy document is put in place to provide an overview of the status of
our ecosystems, its importance, the legal framework for supporting the policy and focus on
including all departments to collaborate with the local communities adjacent to natural resource
areas. It also establishes threats and challenges, proposed interventions in each thematic area,
as well as implementation measures and partnership options. Our coordinated efforts will
protect and improve our way of life, while bolstering the economy and leaving a sustainable
legacy for our posterity. Already we have taken strong action by mainstreaming climate change
in the CIDP and Vision 2025, establishing an Environment and Climate Change directorate,
that will be strengthened with the required human and institutional capacities and introducing
an action program that will further drive down emissions and setting aggressive greenhouse gas
reduction targets. We are establishing ourselves as global leaders in the fight against climate
change. By showing the important role that Counties and regions play in building a low-carbon

economy, we are influencing action around the world.


oes
LY HE

Julius Kaloi

CEC — Lands, Urban Development, Environment and Climate change.
Makueni County.

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ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

This policy was accomplished with the support of many institutions and individuals. We
appreciate our Executive leadership through the Governor, H.E Prof. Kivutha Kibwana and H.E
Deputy Governor — Adelina Mwau and all the Makueni County Executive Committee Members
(CECMs).

We are indebted to the entire staff of Department of Lands, Urban Development, Environment
and Climate Change, for conceptualizing the policy work and its importance to all stakeholders
in the county. We wish to recognize the contributions of the national government agencies,
ADA consortium through the team leaders, Victor Orindi, Nicholas Obuya and to ADSE for
our continued partnerships in climate change management. We sincerely thank the many
institutions and organizations referred to in the report and the key informants, mainly the
citizenry of Makueni Sub Counties of Mbooni, Kilome, Makueni, Kaiti, Kibwezi East and
West, chiefs, administrators and the MCAs, who provided invaluable information during the

development of this policy. To all and many other special people and friends of Makueni

County that we did not mention, we say bravo, thank you very much and may God bless you
all.


Chief Officer; Natural Resources, Environment and Climate change.

Makueni County.


EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Makueni has undergone unprecedented social, economic, political and technological changes.
These interlinked components provide the backdrop against which to view changes in the state of
the county’s environment because they serve a dual purpose as some of the most forceful drivers
of environmental change. The main human activities contributing to environmental degradation in
Makueni County include unsustainable land use, poor soil and water management practices,

deforestation, overgrazing and pollution among others.

The Makueni County Environment and Climate Change Policy aims to provide a holistic
framework to guide the coordination and management of environment and natural resources in the
County. The policy provides a framework guide for the County’s efforts to deal with the
considerable and ever-growing environmental issues and challenges. These include the need for
harmonization of sectoral policy instruments with environmental management and coordination
Act (EMCA 1999) and the Constitution of Kenya; implementation of devolved forest function at
the county level; exploitation of environmental and natural resources; rehabilitation of degraded

areas; loss of biodiversity; pollution; urbanization and waste management, among others.

The policy has four chapters. Chapter one has the background information which provides the
rationale of the policy, guiding principles and scope of the policy. Chapter two is on situational
analysis which highlights the challenges and emerging issues while chapter three covers the policy
objectives and strategies for addressing the challenges identified. Chapter four is on the
implementation framework of the policy and outlines the responsible department, policy

monitoring and evaluation, funding mechanisms and policy review.

The Policy recognizes the various vulnerable ecosystems and proposes various policy
interventions to not only mainstream sound environmental management practices in all sectors of
society throughout the county, but also recommends strong institutional and governance

framework to support the achievement of the desired objectives and goals.

The policy recognizes emerging issues that require environmental stewardship such as; trade and
environment, tourism, consumption and production patterns, industrialization, infrastructural
development, human settlements, energy use, climate change, environmental disaster

management, gender and youth. The policy addresses wide range of issues relating to


environmental health and quality, waste management, toxic and hazardous substances, noise and
water quality. Finally, the policy provides a framework for environment and climate change

information access.


ABBREVIATIONS AND ACRONYMS


ASALs Arid and Semi-Arid Lands

CEAP County Environment Action Plan

DRR Disaster Risk Reduction

EMCA Environmental Management and Coordination Act (1999)
(Amendment 2015?

GHG Greenhouse Gas

NCCAP National Climate Change Action Plan

NCCSR National Climate Change Response Strategy

NRM Natural Resources Management

MEA Multilateral Environmental Agreement

MCIDP Makueni County Integrated Development Plan

MOU Memorandum of Understanding

NEAP National Environmental Action Plan

NGOs Non-Governmental Organizations

PES Payment for Environmental Services

PFMP Participatory Forest Management Plan.

RET Renewable Energy Transfers

SEA Strategic Environmental Assessment

SDGs Sustainable Development Goals

SDM Sustainable Development Mechanisms

UNEP United Nations Environment Programme

UNFCCC United Nations Framework Convention on Climate

Change


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GLOSSARY

In this policy, unless the context otherwise requires —

” Adaptation” refers to the process of adjustment to actual or expected climate and its effects.
“Biodiversity” means the variability among living organisms from all sources including
ecosystems and the ecological complexes of which they are a part. It encompasses the
ecosystem, species and genetic diversity;

“Biopiracy” refers to the expropriation of biological resources without fair compensation or
sharing of benefits;

“Bioprospecting” refers to the exploration of biodiversity for commercially valuable genetic
and biochemical resources and research;

“Climate Change” refers to change in climate over time whether due to natural variability
or as a result of human activities;

“Community” refers to a clearly defined group of users, which may, but need not be, a clan
or ethnic community. These groups of users hold a set of clearly defined rights and
obligations;

“Conservation” means the protection, maintenance, rehabilitation, restoration and
enhancement of the environment;

“County Executive Committee Member” means the County Executive Committee Member
responsible for Environmental issues in the County;

"Ecosystem" means a dynamic complex of plant, animal, micro-organism communities and
their non-living environment interacting as a functional unit;

"Environmental Impact Assessment” means a systematic examination conducted to
determine whether or not an activity or a project will have any adverse impacts on the
environment;

"Ex-situ conservation" means conservation outside the natural ecosystem and habitat of the
biological organism;

"Genetic resources" means genetic material of actual or potential value;

“Greenhouse gas” refers to a gas that absorbs and emits radiant energy within the thermal
infra-red range.

“Greenhouse effect” refers to the natural warming of the earth that results when gases in the

atmosphere trap heat from the sun that would otherwise escape into space;

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“Land use” means activities carried out on a given piece of land;

“Lead agency” means any government ministry, department, parastatal, state corporation or
local authority, in which any law vests functions of control or management of any element of
environment resources;

” Mitigation” refers to efforts to reduce or prevent emission of greenhouse gases;

"In-situ conservation" means conservation within the natural ecosystem and habitat of the
biological organism;

"Intergenerational equity" means that the present generation should ensure that in
exercising its right to beneficial use of the environment the health, diversity and productivity
of the environment is maintained or enhanced for the benefit of future generations;
Intra-generational equity" means that all people within the present generation have the
tight to benefit equally from the exploitation of the environment, and that they have an equal
entitlement to a clean and healthy environment;

“Invasive and alien species” means species whose introduction and spread outside their
natural past or present distribution threatens biological diversity;

“Multilateral Environmental Agreement” means international legal instruments for the
regulation of activities affecting the environment and natural resources to which Kenya is a
Party;

“Payment for Environmental Services (PES)” means market-based approach to
conservation based on the twin principles that those who benefit from environmental services
(such as users of clean water) should pay for them, and those who generate these services
should be compensated for providing them. In a PES mechanism, service providers receive
payments conditional on their providing the desired environmental services (or adopting a
practice thought to generate those services);

“Stakeholder” refers to an individual or group having a vested interest in environment and
natural resources;

“Strategic Environmental Assessment” refers to a range of analytical and participatory
approaches that aim to integrate environmental considerations into policies, plans and

programmes and evaluate the inter linkages with economic and social considerations;

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“Sustainable Use” means present use of natural resources, which does not compromise the
ability to use the same by future generations or degrade the carrying capacity of ecosystems
and habitats;

“Wetlands” means areas of marsh or water, whether natural or artificial, permanent or
temporary, static or flowing, fresh, brackish, salt, including areas of marine water the depth
of which at low tide does not exceed 6 meters. It also incorporates riparian and coastal zones

adjacent to the wetlands;


CHAPTER 1: BACKGROUN


1.1 Introduce


n

Environment has a very broad meaning. It includes the physical factors of the surroundings
of human beings including land, water, atmosphere, sound, odour, taste, social factors of
aesthetics and the biological factors of animals and plants. It includes both the natural and the

built environment.

Kenya has a wide variety of ecosystems ranging from mountains, forests, arid and semi-arid
areas, freshwater, wetlands, coastal and marine, offering myriad opportunities for human,
social and economic development. These ecosystems are natural capital which provide
important regulatory services (such as forests and mountains serving to regulate water flow,
sustain biodiversity), provisional services (such as forests providing timber and fuelwood),
cultural services (such as aesthetic, recreational or spiritual values and uses), and supporting

services (such as soil formation, nutrient cycling and primary production)

The survival and socio-economic wellbeing of the Makueni County residents, just as is the
case with other Kenyans, is ultimately joined with the environment. Most Makueni residents
depend directly or indirectly on environmental goods and services. In addition, the County’s
environmental resources contribute directly and indirectly to the County economy through
revenue generation and wealth creation in such productive sectors as agriculture, livestock,

water, energy, forestry, tourism, trade and industry.

This makes environment an essential feature of Makueni County’s development plans.
Environmental imperatives were initially captured through the periodic development
planning cycles. Whole sections or chapters of the successive County Annual Development
Plans have dealt with the environment. But modern environment management and planning
in Kenya can be traced to the Rio Earth Summit of 1992, which helped a great deal in raising
understanding of the link between environment and development. Following the Summit,
Kenya initiated the National Environmental Action Plan (NEAP, 1994) process. It
recommended the need for a national policy and law on the environment. With the current
constitutional dispensation, there is the development of County Environment Action Plans
(CEAP) which contributes to the NEAP.


The National Climate Change Response Strategy (2010), National Climate Change Action
Plan (2013-2017) and the National Climate Change Act of 2016, the Sessional Paper No. 3
of 2016 on Climate Change Framework Policy 2018, Nationally Determined Contribution,
National Adaptation Plan (2015-2030), Green Economy Strategy and Implementation Plan
(2016-2030). All the above plans, acts, policies recognize Climate Change as a global and
emerging issue which needs to be addressed and they have been used as building blocks for
preparation of this policy. Furthermore, extensive consultations with stakeholders including
sectoral heads at the County, communities and civil society provided valuable inputs to this

policy document.

The National policy process culminated into the Sessional Paper No. 6 of 1999 entitled
“Environment and Development.” The legislative process gave forth to the Environment
Management and Coordination Act (EMCA) (Act No. 8 of 1999) as Kenya’s first framework
environmental law. Both the Policy and Act added to a large number of existing sectoral laws and
policies dealing with various facets of the environment, such as water, forests, minerals and many
others. This has created a diffuse system of environmental laws and policies, some of which are
not in harmony — making them ill-suited to aid the pursuit of sustainable development objectives
as set out in the Vision 2030 and Makueni County Vision 2025.

The promulgation of the 2010 Constitution marked an important chapter in Kenya
environmental policy development. Hailed as a green Constitution; it embodies elaborate
provisions with considerable implications for sustainable development. These range from
environmental principles and implications of multilateral environmental agreements (MEAs)
to the right to clean and healthy environment enshrined in the Bill of Rights. Chapter V is
entirely dedicated to land and environment. It also embodies a host of social and economic

rights of an environmental character, such as the right to water, food and shelter.

This Makueni County Environmental and Climate Change Policy aims to provide a holistic
framework to guide the management of the environment, natural resources and address the issues
that Makueni County faces due to changing climate. It further ensures that the linkage between the
environment and poverty reduction is integrated in all County government processes and

institutions in order to facilitate and realize sustainable development at all levels. Furthermore, in

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view of Makueni’s high vulnerability to adverse impacts of climate change, extreme events,

adaptation and mitigation efforts are part of this policy document. The vulnerabi


ies of various
sectors to climate change have been highlighted and appropriate adaptation and mitigation
measures spelled out. This policy actions addresses challenges in sectors such as water, agriculture,

health, forestry and biodiversity, energy, tourism, education, trade and various fragile ecosystems.

1.2 Rationale for the Policy

Sound management of the environment and climate change are vital elements that underpins each
aspects of sustainable social economic development in Makueni County. These should be
integrated not only by investments in natural capital in the realm of agriculture, fisheries, forest
and water, but also in the investment in energy and resource efficiency, manufacturing, waste
management building and urban design, and the transportation sector in the County.
Mainstreaming the management of the environment and climate change into the County’s sectoral
plans and priorities will contribute immensely to the long-term sustainable and inclusive growth

and development of the County and enables poverty reduction in communities.

This policy therefore recognises the social and economic importance of protecting the environment
and responding appropriately to climate change and the need to make this subject part of the
strategic decision-making processes within Makueni County. It provides a framework for proper
management while also providing inter-linkages between the County Government and other key
players in this critical area and earmarks the following priority areas: forest, fresh water and
wetlands ecosystems, hills, arid and semiarid ecosystems, grassland ecosystems, land, soils and
biodiversity for urgent attention. In the overall, the Makueni County Environmental and Climate
Change policy aims to translate the broad social and economic development by addressing the

identified challenges through appropriate frameworks and sustainable solutions.


1.3 Guiding Principles

Makueni County Environmental and Climate Change Policy shall be implemented in

accordance with the following guiding principles:

ii.


vi.

vii.

viii.

A Right to a Clean and Healthy Environment: Every person in Kenya has
aright to a clean and healthy environment and a duty to safeguard and enhance
the environment.

A Right to Development: The right to development will be exercised taking
into consideration the economic, social and environmental needs.

Ecosystem Approach: An integrated ecosystem approach to conserving and
utilizing environmental resources will be adopted and enhanced to ensure that
all ecosystems are managed in an integrated manner while also providing a
range of benefits to people.

Total Economic Value: The benefits that ecosystems generate will be
integrated into the county accounting system, programmes and projects.

The Principle of Sustainable Use: Environmental resources will be utilized
in a manner that does not compromise the quality and value of the resource,
or decrease the carrying capacity of supporting ecosystems.

Inter- and Intra-Generational Equity and Equality: The management of
the environment and natural resources will be based on long term views where
present generations make choices that benefit them without compromising the
ability of future generations to meet their own needs.

Public Participation and Inclusivity Principle: A coordinated and
participatory approach to environmental protection and management will be
enhanced to ensure that the relevant government agencies, county
government, private sector, civil society and communities are involved in
planning, implementation and decision-making processes.

The Principle of Subsidiarity: The management of the environment and
natural resources will be through decentralization and devolution of authority

and responsibilities at the lowest level possible.


ix. The Precautionary Principle: Where there are credible threats of serious or
irreversible damage to key environmental resources, lack of full scientific
certainty will not be used as a reason for postponing cost-effective measures
to prevent environmental degradation.

x. The Polluter Pays Principle: The polluters of environmental and natural
resources shall bear the full environmental and social costs of their activities.

xi. User pay principle: whoever uses, pays full cost of services they consume.

xii. Inter County Relations and Cooperation: Cross border environmental
agreements and regional instruments will be domesticated and implemented
for better environmental management of intra-county shared resources.

xiii. Good Governance: rule of law, effective institutions, transparency and
accountability, respect for human rights and the meaningful participation of
citizens will be integrated in environmental management.

xiv. Eco- innovation: New production processes that are likely to prevent risks to

the environment

1.4 Policy Statement

This policy provides a framework for mainstreaming the management and coordination of
environmental and climate change efforts across all sectors by promoting investments in natural
capital in agriculture, fisheries, forest and water, energy and resource efficiency, manufacturing,
waste management, building and urban design, and the transportation sector in the County. It
speaks to the broad needs of this area of focus and engenders a holistic sector-wide approach in
responding to challenges identified herein. It is postulated that full implementation of this policy

shall result into inclusive economic growth and sustainable development within Makueni County.

1.5 Scope of the Policy

This Policy is a framework guide for the management and coordination of environment and climate
change in Makueni County and it does this in accordance with the provisions of the Constitution
of Kenya, international laws, relevant national legislations, Vision 2030, Makueni County Vision

2025 and Makueni CIDP 2018-2022, among other key principles. The policy provides a vision for

5


the County in so far as environment and climate change is concerned and anchors on sections 2
and 3 of Part 2 of the Fourth Schedule of the Constitution on environmental conservation, pollution

and waste management.

1.6 Policy Development Process

This policy was developed through a consultative process involving all departments of Makueni
County Government, stakeholders, investors as well as the public. The Policy has been subjected
to extensive stakeholder consultation and confirmed to reflect their views in the various validation

meetings.


CHAPTER 2: SITUATIONAL ANALYSIS

2.1 Introduction

Makueni County occupies a geographical area of 8,008.9 Km2. It borders several counties
which include Kajiado to the West, Taita Taveta to the South, Kitui to the East and Machakos
to the North. It lies between Latitude 10 35’ and 30 00’ South and Longitude 37010’ and 380
30’East MCIDP (2018 - 2022). There are six sub-counties in Makueni County namely;
Makueni, Kibwezi west, Kibwezi East, Kilome, Kaiti and Mbooni. The County has three
ecological zones; the Upper Makueni consisting of Kaiti, Kilome and Mbooni sub-counties;
mid land Makueni that consists of Makueni sub-county; lower Makueni consisting of Kibwezi
West and Kibwezi East Sub-Counties. The County enjoys a wide variety of ecosystems

ranging from hills, forests, arid and semi-arid areas, fresh water, and wetlands.

Makueni has undergone unprecedented social, economic, environmental, political and
technological changes since independence. These interlinked components provide the
backdrop against which to view changes in the state of the County’s environment because
they serve a dual purpose as some of the most forceful drivers of that environmental change.
The main human activities contributing to environmental degradation in Makueni County
include: unsustainable agricultural land use, poor soil and water management practices,

deforestation, unsustainable livestock farming practices and pollution.

These activities contribute a great deal to degradation of the County’s natural resources such
as land, fresh waters, forests and biodiversity thus threatening the livelihoods of many people.
They undermine the carbon sink function of the environment which operates through such
processes as nutrient recycling, decomposition and the natural purification and filtering of air
and water. In addition, change in climatic conditions has been associated with intense,
frequent and extremely unpredictable climate events which have led to reduced forest cover,
depletion of water sources, loss of biodiversity, prevalence of diseases and pests, reversed

gender roles and unpredictable rain patterns.

Environmental degradation in Makueni is partly responsible for rising costs of water treatment,
food imports and medical treatment. These are not only increasing human also draining the

County’s economic resources. The expansion of agriculture into marginal areas and clearance of


natural habitats such as forests and wetlands have been major driving forces behind land
degradation throughout the County and the Country at large. The loss of biological resources

translates into loss of economic potential and options for commercial development in the future

Governance and Administration

There are several sectoral policies and laws relating to the environment which are not harmonized
with both the EMCA, 1999 as revised in 2015 and the Constitution of Kenya. These policies have
significant implications for the environment. It is imperative that policy instrument in these sectors
are harmonized with the EMCA and the Constitution and requirements made that they be subjected
to strategic environmental assessment in order to promote sustainable development. This is

specifically to devolve roles and functions to be handled by counties.

The national government institutions like the Kenya Forest Service (KFS) seem to operate in a
space that is not dictated upon by the Constitution and the law. Their operations have not been
appreciative of the devolved functions through shared nature of the Environment function.
However, KFS has largely been overbearing instead of offering institutional support to the County
Government institutions. Also, at the County level, there has not been adequate establishment and
operationalization of the entities that would have been vital in making the performance of the

county responsibilities and functions in the context of the environment a success.

Several policies particularly in the agricultural, trade and industrial sectors provide concessions
and incentives without the requisite safeguards, causing negative environmental impacts. There
are a number of agreements on land reclamation and concessions on management of forests like

Kibwezi and Kiima Kiu forests.

Weak enforcement of laws and policies remains a major issue due to inadequate capacity. The
problem is further compounded by the fact that the regulatory framework underpinning the county
activities in this regard has inherent weaknesses that undermine county enforcement of the
responsibilities in that regard. Kenya has for a long time adopted sectoral rather than integrated
and ecosystem approaches to the management of natural resources. The county needs to change

this because the key economic sectors are interlinked while environment matters are cross cutting.


Climate Change

Climate change poses significant environmental implications for Makueni County. Some of

its adverse impacts are already being observed, as evidenced by reduced supply of water from

many springs in the county. People and the environment are increasingly suffering from the

effects of frequent and intensified natural disasters such as floods, landslides and prolonged

droughts. Makueni County is vulnerable to climate change. Increased frequency and intensity

of extreme climate events continue to undermine the county’s sustainable development.

The notable climate change threats to Makueni County indicate that:

i

ii.

iii.

iv.


ix.

Climate change has badly affected the Arid and Semi-arid Lands (ASALs). The
deteriorating water quality and quantity, loss of biodiversity and declining agricultural
productivity due to climate change, are no longer potential threats but rather threats that
have already struck and caused the region repeated misery;

These extreme climate change impacts are already visible and are associated with climate
events such as flooding and droughts all of which are projected to be more intense,
frequent and unpredictable;

Increased siltation of water sources caused by frequent flash floods;

Increased temperature resulting in water-stressed conditions, particularly in drier areas,
leading to reduced agricultural productivity;

Decrease in the already scanty forest cover due to climatic conditions adversely affecting
species diversity and consequent ecosystem services;

Threat to fresh water ecosystems due to pollution;

Increased conflicts between upper riparian and lower riparian regions on sharing of the
water resources;

Increased health risks due to climate change related diseases

Climate change induced migration leading to adverse effects on the population such as

reversed gender roles et cetera;

These threats are a cause for survival concerns for Makueni County; particularly in terms of the

county’s water, food and energy security considerations.


Natural Resources

The value of environmental resources is hardly reflected in pricing of marketed goods and
services. Environmental and natural resources are largely considered “public goods”. This is
symptomatic of market failure. Integrating environmental considerations into the behaviour
of enterprises and consumers would reflect a change in consumption and production patterns.
Prioritization of environment and natural resources remains low among policy makers partly
due to inadequate appreciation of the total economic value of the sector. Thus, there is less

public investment in the sector.

The following issues ought to be carefully considered in the context of exploitation of

environmental and natural resources, and they are: extraction, protection/conservation,

investments, pricing, benefits to Makueni and value addition, and guidelines on how to manage

the foregoing.

Conflicts over control and management of shared/trans-boundary resources are common. For

example, River Athi experiences perennial conflicts concerning access to its water resources. For

this reason, natural resources under conflict call for a framework of a harmonized and common

approach to the conservation and management of such shared/trans-boundary resources.

Biodiversity plays a fundamental role in underpinning ecosystems and the services they
provide. The most important causes of loss of biodiversity include habitat destruction,
overgrazing, deforestation, pollution, unsustainable harvesting of natural resources, biopiracy
and introduction of invasive and alien species. Available data suggests that despite a variety
of initiatives, the county’s biodiversity continues to decline. We are witnessing decline in

flora and fauna.

Invasive and alien species are a major threat to the environment. They threaten indigenous
species through the effects of predation, alteration of habitat or disruption of ecosystem

processes.

Land Use and Management

There are several degraded areas in Makueni County that require rehabilitation. Examples of such

areas include abandoned quarries and mines, wetlands, riverbanks, deforested areas, borrow pits

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and hilltops. With respect to private land, it is the desire of the county to devise ways of compelling

land owners to manage their lands in a manner that appreciates proper environmental management.
Waste Management

Increasing levels of urbanization are caused by natural growth of the urban population and
migration of the rural population towards urban centres. Urbanization often leads to
destruction of sensitive ecosystems. In addition, inadequate waste collection and waste
management cause urban pollution and poor health. Thus, many urban environmental
problems are the result of poor management, planning and absence of coherent urban policies

rather than of urbanization itself.

Pollution continues to have a negative impact on the county’s environment. The introduction
of pollutants into air, water and land, intentionally or accidentally, negatively affects people’s

health and wellbeing as well as the environment.

i. Air: Quality of air is undermined by activities like construction, quarries (mines),
vehicular emissions,
ii. Noise: Commercial and Social activities, Matatu noise, excessive vibrations from
mines and quarries.
iii. | Water: Discharge of effluent — discharge of industrial waste from upstream sources —
cross county issues, Oil spillage, solid waste, agrochemicals, poor agricultural
practices that occasion consequences like siltation.

iv. Land: asbestos dumping in Makueni

Environmental Data and Information

Inadequate, inconsistent and unreliable data is a challenge for integrated planning and
management of the environment and undertaking comprehensive economic valuation. The
challenge also undermines public participation in decision making processes because citizens
cannot access timely and accurate information on the environment and climate change. Sound
environmental management must be based on openness and participation at all levels.
Therefore, it is imperative that sustainable environmental education and public awareness is

promoted.

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Poverty

The rising poverty levels have impacted negatively on the environment. Poverty is a major cause
and consequence of environmental degradation and resources depletion because of lack of
alternatives. The poor who represent most of the county’s total population rely heavily on

environment and natural resources for their livelihoods

Energy

The energy consumption in the county is on the increase. However, the utilization of
renewable energy sources apart from hydro-electricity is still relatively low. In addition,
majority of the residents rely on charcoal and firewood as the main source of energy, which

in turn undermines the county environmental conservation efforts.

2.2 Legal and Institutional Framework

This policy derives its legal and governance context from the provisions of the Constitution
of Kenya, the national statutes on environment, climate change and land. It also based on
Vision 2030 and the various international conventions, treaties and protocols to which Kenya
is a state party. In addition, the Makueni County Vision 2025, Makueni County Spatial Plan
and Makueni CIDP 2018-2022 are emphatic on the important role played by sound
management and coordination of the environment and climate change in fostering social

economic development and ensuring inclusive growth of the County.

2.3 Challenges
The environment and climatic situation in Makueni County are affected by several

challenges; namely:

1) Inadequate policy, legal, regulatory and institutional framework

2) Inadequate resources (funding, human resource and equipment)

3) Poor coordination of actors in environment and climate change management
4) Encroachment on fragile ecosystems and county forests

5) Weak disaster preparedness and management.

6) Environmental pollution.

7) Over-exploitation of environmental and natural resources:

8) Poor land use and management

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9) Loss of biodiversity

10) Weak implementation framework on concessions and incentives
11) Inadequate waste management system

12) Costly alternative sources of renewable energy

13) Weak climate change resilience mechanisms

14) Inadequate framework for equitable sharing of natural sources

15) Limited knowledge and information on sustainable environmental management.

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CHAPTER 3: POLICY OBJECTIVES AND STRATEGIES

3.1 Introduction

This chapter outlines the policy objectives, directions and strategies for responding to
environmental and climate change concerns identified in the preceding sections of this policy
document. It places primacy on the betterment of quality life through sustainable development and
mainstreaming climate change in the economically and socially vulnerable sectors in Makueni
County towards climate change resilience and green development pathways. These objectives,
directions and strategies provide more specific guidance on how the overall goals and statements

of this policy will be attained.

3.2 Policy Objectives and Strategies

This policy framework addresses challenges such as inadequate policy, legal, regulatory and
institutional framework, inadequate resources (funding, human resource and equipment), over-
exploitation of environmental and natural resources, poor land use and management, loss of
biodiversity, inadequate leverage on technology, inadequate disaster preparedness and
management, urban environmental pollution and such like challenges. The framework will also
guide the establishment of proper governance systems for sound coordination and management of

environment and climate change within Makueni County.

3.2.1 Policy Objective 1: To strengthen the policy, legal and regulatory framework on

Environment and Climate Change.

This policy recognises that the establishment of a sound policy, legal and regulatory framework to

guide the environment and climate change sector is foundational in enhancing its development.

Policy Direction

The County Government of Makueni shall establish a policy, legal and regulatory framework to

fast track the development of the Makueni County environment and climate change sector.
Strategies:
(i) Adopt the policy;

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(ii) Enact appropriate laws and regulations; and

(iii) Establish institutions and structures.
3.2.2 Policy Objective 2: To foster collaboration and strategic partnerships
Policy Direction

The County Government of Makueni shall promote collaboration and partnerships in order to
foster comprehensive multi-sectoral approach to realising this objective and address crosscutting

issues.
Strategies:

(i) Stakeholder mapping and engagement
(ii) Effective communication
(iii) Awareness and sensitization

(iv) Partnership creation/MoUs
3.2.3 Policy Objective 3: To enhance resource mobilization
Policy Direction

The County Government of Makueni shall establish adequate measures to ensure adequate

resource capitation of the sector.
Strategies:

(i) Lobby for adequate budgetary allocation;
(ii) Mobilise resources from development partners;
(iii) Recruit and capacity build staff; and

(iv) Purchase equipment.

3.2.4 Policy Objective 4: To establish mechanisms for sustainable natural resource

management

Policy Direction

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The County Government of Makueni shall establish mechanisms for sustainable natural resource

management.
Strategies:

(i) Identify, map, survey and zone fragile ecosystems and county forests
(ii) Establish guidelines on natural resource conservation and utilization
(iii) Enforce framework for payment of ecosystem services
(iv) Establish incentives for alternative sources of livelihoods for citizenry

(v) Preserve genetic diversity

(vi) Develop a strategy to contain, control and mitigate alien and invasive species
(vii) County forest participatory plans.
(viii) Establish a County tree planting day

3.2.5 Policy Objective 5: To strengthen disaster preparedness and management
Policy Direction
The County Government shall strengthen disaster preparedness and management in Makueni.

Strategies:

(i) Adopt the Makueni County Disaster Management and Special Programmes Policy and
the appropriate guidelines.

(ii) Partner with disaster risk management section
3.2.6 Policy Objective 6: To reduce environmental pollution
Policy Direction
The County Government shall establish mechanisms for reducing environmental pollution.
Strategies:

(i) Enforce the law

(ii) Create awareness on environment and climate change

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(iii) Adopt appropriate technology on waste management
(iv) Promote reuse, reduce and recycling (3Rs strategy)
(v) Promote adaptive planning
(vi) Adoption of renewable sources of energy
(vii) Identify mechanisms for subsidizing alternative sources of energy
(viii) Capacity build actors in waste management value chain

(ix) Promote waste commercialization
3.2.7 Policy Objective 7: To enhance climate change resilience
Policy Direction

The County Government shall establish mechanisms for enhancing climate change resilience in
the county.

Strategies:

(i) Mainstream climate change in county sectors
(ii) Establish county climate change fund mechanism
(iii) Capacity build institutions to take up climate change actions

(iv) Create partnership linkages

3.2.8 Policy Objective 8: To establish a framework for equitable sharing of trans-boundary

natural resources
Policy Direction

The County Government shall establish a framework for equitable sharing of trans-boundary

natural resources with other counties.

Strategies:

(i) _ Establish commitment framework among member counties and other relevant agencies

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3.2.9 Policy Objective 9: To enhance environmental and climate change knowledge access

and transfer
Policy Direction

The County Government shall facilitate environmental and climate change knowledge access and

transfer.

Strategies:

(i) Enhance research and development

(ii) Integrate indigenous and modern knowledge
(iii) Effective communication of environmental information
(iv) Support innovation and inventions

(v) Partner with research institutions.

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CHAPTER FOUR: IMPLEMENTATION FRAMEWORK

This chapter layout the roadmap for realising the policy objectives and strategies identified herein.

Institution Arrangements

The implementation of this policy will be coordinated by the Department in charge of environment
and climate change. The department will ensure collaboration with relevant national government
and county government agencies and private sector players. The issues that require legislation will

be legislated by the County assembly.

Monitoring and Evaluation

The monitoring and evaluation framework is intended to measure the progress in the
implementation of this Policy. The framework reflects the Policy’s overarching objectives as well
as objectively verifiable indicators, actors and timelines within which each strategy is to be

achieved. This will be done in conformity with the Makueni County Government Monitoring and

Evaluation framework.
Progress Reports

The Department in charge of environment and climate change shall prepare biannual and annual
M&E reports on implementation of the Policy. The Department shall also commission a mid-term
evaluation, to be conducted by an independent agency to measure outcomes and impacts of the

Policy and inform its review. M&E reviews to be undertaken jointly with relevant stakeholders.
Feedback Mechanisms and Stakeholder Consultation

The Department in charge of environment and climate change shall hold a County Environment
and Climate Change conference annually in order to monitor progress in implementation of the

Policy and receive feedback from County Governments and other stakeholders.

Policy Funding Mechanism

The County Government will prioritize and set aside a specific annual budgetary allocation for
policy implementation. Collaboration with stakeholders and development partners will also be

sought to fund and help in the implementation and strengthening capacity

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Policy Review

This policy will provide direction in all matters pertaining to Environment and Climate Change in
the county for the next three years. Should there be areas that contradict any legislation enacted
after the approval of this policy or found inadequate to fulfil the mandate of the directorate, then
it should be reviewed and aligned to address any emerging challenges touching on environment

and climate change.

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Implementation Matrix


Objectives Strategies Indicators Actors Timelines
Objective 1: To strengthen |- Adopt the policy -Policy adopted. ECM in charge of To be developed
the policy, legal and |- Enact appropriate laws and | -Makueni County Environment & Climate within 1 year of the
regulatory framework on | regulations; and Environmental Act and Change. adoption of the
Environment and Climate |- Establish institutions and | Makueni County Climate Director in charge of legal | policy.
Change. structures. Change Act services

-Sector specific laws, Makueni county Assembly

regulations and guidelines | Director in charge of HR
Objective 2: To foster List of stakeholders ECM in charge of Appropriate
collaboration and strategic > Staketiolder tapping and MOUs Environment & Climate measures to be

iiliaaia instituted within 1

partnerships.

- Effective communication.
- Awareness and sensitization.

- Partnership creation.

Minutes, reports,
attendance lists

Report acknowledgements

Change.
Director Liaison

Director communication

year of the
adoption of the
policy.


Objective 3: To enhance

resource mobilization.


- Lobby for adequate funding;

- Recruitment of staff; and capacity

building

- Purchase of equipment.


Increased allocation budget
No of news staff recruited
No of staff trained

No of equipment purchased


ECM in charge of
Environment & Climate
Change.

Director in charge of
Human Resource

ECM in charge of Finance


Appropriate
measures to be
instituted within 2
year of the
adoption of the

policy.


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Objective 4: To establish | - Identify, map, survey and zone | Maps ECM in charge of Appropriate
mechanisms for sustainable | fragile ecosystems and county Environment & Climate measures to be
natural resource | forests. Established guidelines Change. instituted within 1
management. - Establish guidelines on natural ECM in charge of year of the
resource conservation _—_and | Revenue collected Environment & Climate adoption of the
utilization. Change. policy.
- Enforce framework for payment | Incentives established ECM in charge of
of ecosystem services. Environment & Climate
- Establish incentives for alternative | Developed strategies Change
sources of livelihoods for | Developed plans ECM in charge of Finance
citizenry. Designated day County assembly
- Preserve genetic diversity. Director in charge Liaison
- Develop a strategy to contain, services
control and mitigate alien and
invasive species.
- County forest participatory plans.
- Establish County tree planting day
Objective 5: To strengthen | - Adopt the Makueni County Implementation reports ECM in charge of Appropriate
disaster preparedness and | Disaster Risk Reduction policy Meetings environment and climate measures taken

management.


and the appropriate guidelines.


resolutions/reports/minutes


change.


within 2 years of


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- Partner with disaster risk Director in charge of the adoption of the
management section. Special programmes policy.
Objective 6: To reduce | - Enforce the law Assessment Reports ECM in charge of Appropriate

environmental pollution

- Create awareness

Adopt appropriate technology on
waste management

Promote reuse, reduce and

recycling (3Rs strategy)

Promote adaptive planning

Adoption of renewable sources of

energy

Identify mechanisms for
subsidizing alternative sources of

energy

Capacity build actors in waste
management value chain

Promote waste

commercialization.

MOUs with
institutions/partners
List of actors trained

List of participants

Environment & Climate
Change.

Director in charge of
Environment & Climate
Change,

Director in charge of

Energy

measures to be
instituted within 2
year of the
adoption of the
policy.


Objective 7: To enhance

climate change resilience


- Mainstream climate change in
county sectors
- Establish county climate change

fund mechanism


No of sectors
mainstreaming climate
change

Established fund


ECM in charge of
Environment & Climate

Change.


Appropriate
measures to be
instituted within 1

year of the


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- Capacity build institutions to take
up climate change actions

- Create partnership linkages

No of institutions capacity
build
MOUs

Director in charge of
Liaison

Director in charge of
Public participation

Director in charge of

adoption of the
policy.


Communication
Objective 8: To establish a | - Establish commitment framework | Established frameworks ECM in charge of Appropriate
Environment & Climate measures to be

framework for equitable

among member counties and other


sharing of trans-boundary | relevant agencies Change. instituted within 2
natural resources Director in charge of year of the
Liaison adoption of the
Director in charge of policy.
Communication
Objective 9: To enhance | - Enhance research and | Research findings ECM in charge of Appropriate
environmental and climate | development Environment & Climate measures to be
change knowledge access | - Integrate indigenous and modern | No of awareness forums Change. instituted within 1
and transfer knowledge Director in charge of Public | year of the
- Effective communication of | Reports on awareness | participations adoption of the
environmental information creation and uptake policy.
- Support innovation and inventions Director in charge of
- Partner with research institutions. | MOUs Liaison services
New technology uptake Director Communication


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