IMPLEMENTATION OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROGRAMS

The National Environment Management Authority (NEMA), was established with the objectives of
supervising and coordinating environmental activities and serves as the main national body of Kenya that
implements environmental policies in all sectors within the country. NEMA also implements its own
projects and co-implements projects with local and international organizations that includes activities
such as building resilience to climate change and adaptive capacity of vulnerable communities,
environmental management, coastal development, technical assistance, and natural resource
management.
Primary Functions of NEMA
NEMA plays a crucial role in environmental governance, focusing on several key functions essential for
sustainable development.
1. Formulation and implementation of environmental policies. NEMA is tasked with drafting and
reviewing environmental policies and legal frameworks, ensuring that these policies are effectively
integrated into national and sectoral plans. By monitoring and enforcing compliance with
environmental laws and standards, NEMA ensures that development activities align with sustainable
environmental practices. For instance, the guidelines for Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA)
developed by NEMA ensure that projects comply with environmental standards before
commencement.
2. Overseeing the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and audit processes. This involves
evaluating the potential environmental impacts of proposed projects by reviewing and approving EIA
reports submitted by developers. NEMA conducts environmental audits to monitor and evaluate the
environmental performance of ongoing projects, issuing EIA licenses and ensuring compliance with
environmental conditions. A notable example is the thorough EIAs conducted before the construction
of large infrastructure projects like the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR), which assess potential
environmental impacts and recommend mitigation measures.
3. Environmental monitoring and compliance to maintain environmental quality. This involves
regularly monitoring air, water, and soil quality to detect pollution and environmental degradation.
NEMA conducts inspections and investigations to enforce environmental laws, taking legal action
against violators. For example, in urban areas like Nairobi, NEMA monitors industrial emissions to
ensure they meet air quality standards, protecting public health and the environment.
4. Creating public awareness and education that aim to promote sustainable environmental
practices among the public. NEMA organizes workshops, seminars, and public campaigns on
environmental conservation, developing educational materials and resources for schools and
communities. Collaborating with the media, NEMA disseminates information on environmental
issues to foster a culture of conservation. Their environmental education programs in schools are
designed to instill a sense of environmental stewardship in young students, encouraging lifelong
conservation habits.
5. Sustainable land use planning. NEMA works to ensure that land development and usage across
Kenya are carried out in an environmentally sustainable manner. This involves creating and
implementing land use plans that balance ecological, economic, and social needs. NEMA assesses
and regulates land use activities to prevent degradation, promote conservation, and support
sustainable agricultural and urban development practices. For instance, NEMA collaborates with local
governments and other stakeholders to design land use frameworks that mitigate the impacts of urban
sprawl, protect natural habitats, and ensure that agricultural practices are sustainable and do not lead
to soil erosion or depletion of resources.
6. Disaster risk management. It focuses on mitigating the environmental impacts of natural and man-
made disasters. NEMA plays a proactive role in disaster preparedness by conducting risk assessments
and developing strategies to reduce vulnerability to environmental hazards such as floods, droughts,
and industrial accidents. The authority also engages in post-disaster recovery efforts, helping to
restore affected environments and communities. For example, NEMA’s involvement in the
management of flood-prone areas includes implementing early warning systems, constructing flood
defenses, and promoting community-based disaster preparedness programs. These efforts aim to
minimize the environmental and human impacts of disasters, ensuring that recovery processes support
long-term sustainability and resilience.
7. NEMA plays a pivotal role in coordination and collaboration with various stakeholders, including
government agencies, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and international bodies. By
partnering with local and international organizations, NEMA implements environmental projects and
programs, facilitating the integration of environmental considerations into different sectors.
Representing Kenya in international environmental forums and agreements, NEMA addresses global
environmental challenges such as climate change and biodiversity loss. Through collaboration with
entities like the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), NEMA ensures that Kenya
contributes to and benefits from global environmental initiatives.
Implementing Specific Environmental Programs
Implementing specific environmental programs requires a comprehensive approach that considers various
factors and steps as highlighted below:
1. Community Needs and Expectations
Understanding community needs and expectations is crucial for the success of environmental programs. It
involves engaging with the community through surveys, town hall meetings, and workshops to
understand their concerns and priorities. Programs should be developed to address specific local issues
such as water scarcity, waste management, or deforestation. In the Mau Forest restoration project, local
communities, who relied on the forest for their livelihoods, were engaged in reforestation efforts and
educated about sustainable practices.
2. Resource Availability
This includes the financial, human, and material resources needed for the implementation of the program.
Funds can be secured from government bodies, NGOs, or international organizations. Human resources
can be acquired by training local personnel and volunteers to participate in environmental programs.
There is also a need to ensure the availability of material resources such as the necessary tools and
equipment for activities like waste collection and tree planting among others. The Green Belt Movement,
founded by Wangari Maathai, effectively utilized both local and international resources to fund tree
planting activities across the country.
3. Identification of Programs/Activities
The next step is to identify specific environmental programs or activities that address the community's
needs and align with available resources. An environmental assessment is conducted to determine critical
issues. A detailed plan is then developed to outline objectives, activities, timelines, and required
resources.
4. Setting of Individual Roles and Responsibilities
Roles and responsibilities should be clearly defined for all participants to ensure accountability and
efficient execution. Specific tasks should be assigned to individuals based on their skills and expertise. It
should likewise be ensured that each team member understands their responsibilities and the importance
of their role in the program's success. In community-based conservation projects, local leaders often take
on roles such as coordinators, while community members participate as tree planters or wildlife monitors.
6. Resolving Problems/Constraints Encountered
Identify potential challenges and develop strategies to address them. This step should be achieved by;
 Regularly monitoring progress to detect potential issues early.
 Engaging stakeholders to develop solutions and adapt the program as needed.
 Seeking additional resources or support if constraints are encountered.
During the implementation of the Nairobi River Basin Project, challenges such as pollution and
encroachment were addressed through coordinated efforts involving local authorities, communities, and
NGOs.
7. Consultation with Stakeholders
Lastly, engage stakeholders throughout the program to ensure support and collaboration. Map
stakeholders by Identifying all relevant stakeholders including government agencies, local communities,
NGOs, and private sector partners. Maintain open lines of communication to keep stakeholders informed
and involved. Establish mechanisms for stakeholders to provide feedback and contribute to decision-
making.
The Lake Victoria Environmental Management Project involved extensive consultation with local fishing
communities, regional governments, and international partners to address pollution and overfishing in the
lake. By considering these factors, environmental programs in Kenya can be effectively implemented,
addressing the specific needs of communities, leveraging available resources, and ensuring sustainable
environmental management.
SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT
Sustainable development is a development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the
ability of future generations to meet their own needs. It encompasses three key dimensions: economic
development, social inclusion, and environmental sustainability. This concept aims to balance these
aspects to ensure long-term prosperity and health for both people and the planet. By promoting
sustainable practices such as recycling, reducing waste, and using renewable-energy sources, countries
can reduce their carbon footprint and mitigate the effects of changing environmental conditions.
Sustainability in the Construction Industry
Sustainability in the built environment means the incorporation of environmental, social and economic
dimensions into the built design, in order to meet the present needs of developers, designers, and end-
users, without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. For example, to
avoid a dramatic increase in energy consumption and consequently greenhouse gas emissions which
negatively affect the environment, one of the main goals for the stakeholders involved in building projects
is the reduction of building energy consumption.
Implementing sustainable development practices in the construction sector involves adopting methods
and materials that reduce negative environmental impacts, enhance economic viability, and contribute to
social well-being. However, as it stands right now the construction industry is responsible for a significant
amount of energy consumption, as well as the production of large amounts of waste. It is also one of the
sectors most vulnerable to the effects of climate change. Given these challenges, it's clear that the industry
needs to do more to promote sustainable development. This can be achieved through:
 Increasing energy efficiency in buildings
 Reducing waste production
 Using more sustainable materials
 Adopting green building practices
 Promoting sustainable transportation
 Incorporating healthier and social parameters in urban designs
Economic Development
Sustainable construction practices can enhance economic development by reducing costs through energy-
efficient designs, minimizing waste, and utilizing sustainable materials. For instance, using local materials
not only cuts transportation costs but also supports the local economy. Moreover, sustainable buildings
tend to have lower operating costs over their lifespans, providing economic benefits to owners and
tenants.
Environmental Sustainability
The construction industry is a major consumer of natural resources and a significant source of pollution.
Sustainable construction aims to minimize these environmental impacts by:
 Reducing Resource Consumption: Using recycled or renewable materials reduces the depletion
of natural resources. For example, bamboo, a rapidly renewable material, can replace traditional
timber in some applications.
 Energy Efficiency: Incorporating energy-efficient designs and technologies, such as solar panels
and LED lighting, reduces the carbon footprint of buildings.
 Waste Management: Implementing strategies to reduce, reuse, and recycle construction waste
minimizes the amount sent to landfills.
 Green Building Standards: Adhering to standards like Leadership in Energy and Environmental
Design (LEED) or the Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method
(BREEAM) ensures that buildings meet high environmental performance benchmarks.
Social Inclusion
Sustainable construction also considers the social impact of building projects. This includes:
 Health and Well-being: Designing buildings with good indoor air quality, natural lighting, and
comfortable thermal conditions enhances the well-being of occupants.
 Community Benefits: Construction projects can contribute to social sustainability by providing
employment opportunities, involving local communities in planning processes, and ensuring that
developments benefit local residents.
 Safety and Accessibility: Ensuring that buildings are safe and accessible to all, including people
with disabilities, is a key aspect of social sustainability.
Sustainable Construction in Kenya
In Kenya, the construction industry is rapidly growing, driven by urbanization, infrastructure
development, and economic expansion. Emphasizing sustainable development in this sector is crucial for
the country’s future.
Green Building Initiatives
Kenya is making strides in promoting sustainable construction through green building initiatives. The
Kenya Green Building Society (KGBS) advocates for sustainable building practices and provides training
and certification for green buildings. Projects like the Garden City Mall in Nairobi, which incorporates
solar power, water recycling systems, and energy-efficient designs, exemplify the potential for green
buildings in Kenya.
Regulatory Framework
The Kenyan government has implemented regulations and policies to encourage sustainable construction.
The National Construction Authority (NCA) promotes the adoption of sustainable construction methods
and materials. Additionally, the Building Code of Kenya incorporates guidelines for sustainable building
practices, emphasizing energy efficiency, waste management, and the use of sustainable materials.
Challenges and Opportunities
While there are significant opportunities for sustainable construction in Kenya, the industry also faces
challenges. These include high costs of sustainable materials and technologies, lack of awareness and
expertise, and limited regulatory enforcement. However, these challenges can be addressed through
government incentives, increased training and education, and collaboration between public and private
sectors.
Conclusion
Sustainable development in the construction industry is essential for balancing economic growth,
environmental protection, and social well-being. In Kenya, adopting sustainable construction practices
can lead to more resilient, efficient, and inclusive urban development. By emphasizing green building
initiatives, strengthening regulatory frameworks, and addressing challenges, Kenya can ensure that its
construction industry contributes positively to sustainable development goals.