Kenya State of Environment Report 2019-2021:Environment and Natural Resource Governance

Abstract

Kenya's land area of 582,646 Km2 is endowed with fascinating environmental landscapes and diverse natural capital assets comprising flora, fauna, water, and minerals. These country's natural assets are critical foundations for sustainable development for the country. For instance, the country's unique geographical features, heritage sites, and diverse wildlife species are essential tourism products that support the country's economic growth. Further, the natural resources are key drivers of Kenya's development policies, such as the big four agenda and the Vision 2030. For example, environmental and natural resources are critical sources of food, raw materials for the manufacturing sector and offer safeguards for managing risks associated with the spread of zoonotic diseases. Recently, it has been estimated that natural resources contribute about 42% of the country's Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and support about 70% of the country's population's livelihoods. These valuable natural assets, however, face significant conservation challenges. For instance, Kenya has been classified as a water-scarce country. These water resources are reported to be declining (water resources available in 2010 was 586 m3 per capita per year against the global benchmark of 1000m3). More so, wildlife species that once spread across landscapes have declined in numbers, with some Red-listed as threatened by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN). The country forest cover remains below the constitutional threshold of 10% tree cover while land degradation remains widespread. Recognizing the value of the environment and natural resources in the economic development of the country and the challenges these resources face, the Government of Kenya, in collaboration with local and international stakeholders' places environment and natural resources governance as a national priority. As a result, over the years, as a sign of commitment to strengthening environmental and natural resources governance for enhancing conservation of these resources, Kenya has developed several relevant policies, enacted a range of relevant legal frameworks, and established institutions meant to advance the conservation of the environment and natural resources in the country.