PS State Departent of Environment Mr. Charles Sunkuli (C),  NEMA Board Chair Mr. John Konchellah (L) and NEMA Dg Prof Geoffrey Wahungu during the launch

In pursuit of development, the environment has become more vulnerable to both natural and human induced changes. Water systems are under threat from pollution and encroachment emanating from human related activities, forests is facing serious degradation as a result of expansion of settlements and agriculture. It is imperative, therefore, that these changes are monitored on a continuous basis and interventions that address such negative impacts on the environment are put in place. Environmental Action planning is intended to provide guidance on solutions to some of these concerns through a systematic planning process.

The Environmental Management and Co-ordination (Amendment) Act, 2015, (EMCA Cap 387) provides for the integration of environmental concerns into national and county policies, plans and programmes through the formulation of:

• County Environmental Action Plan (CEAP) within one year of the commencement of Act and every five years thereafter
• National Environment Action Plan (NEAP) within two years of’ the commencement of the Act and every six years thereafter
• The Environmental Action plans are meant to co-ordinate and harmonize the environmental policies, plans, programmes and decisions of the national and county governments in order to-
• Minimize the duplication of procedures and functions; and promote consistency in the exercise of functions that may affect the environment.
• Secure the protection of the environment across the country; and
• Prevent unreasonable actions by any person, state organ or public entity in respect of the environment that are prejudicial to the economic or health interests of other counties or the country.

The PS State Department of Environment, Mr. Charles Sunkuli presents a copy of the EAP Preparation guidelines to the CEC member  for Environment, Nyamira County Hon. Reuben Sinange

Section 40 (5) of EMCA, Cap 387 requires the Cabinet Secretary, on the recommendation of NEMA, to issue guidelines and prescribe measures for the preparation of Environmental Action Plan. The purpose of the guidelines is to provide a standard way of engagement with the stakeholders, generating data, analyzing data, teasing out the major environmental issues and planning for necessary interventions. The guidelines also provide the generic sectors of environment for consideration during the development of Environment Action Plans.

It is expected that the guidelines will facilitate development of action plans which will integrate social, economic and environmental issues with an aim to reduce poverty, enhance equity and generate wealth for the present and future generations. The Environmental Action plans implementation will lead to sustainable development initiatives by both the National and County Government. It also makes provision for conducting research and to build an information base for environmental monitoring and reporting through the State of Environment Reports (SOEs).

The Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources would like therefore to notify stakeholders the launch of Kenya’s Environment Action Plan (EAP) Preparation Guidelines on . The launch will be officiated by Prof. Judi Wakhungu, EGH, the Cabinet Secretary, Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources.