- Media Centre: Green Points
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NEMA launch its 10th Green Point
NEMA launched its 10th Green Point in Siaya County on 26th October 2021.
A Green Point is a building that aims at interpreting the green and blue economy concept in the Kenyan context.
The design and functions of a green Point adopt green building technologies reducing ecological footprint and demonstrating environmental best practices.
“The Green Point concept combines a more decentralized approach to NEMAs role in environmental awareness, enforcement and compliance to environmental standards at national and County levels,” Mamo B. Mamo. The DG was represented by Director Corporate Services, Kennedy Ochuka.
NEMA Chairman John Konchellah who was the Chief Guest and represented the Environment and Forestry CS Keriako Tobiko noted that the established of Green Points has brought forth services to the people and stimulated green growth.
Other Green Points are in 9 Counties including; HomaBay, Isiolo, Embu, Taita Taveta, Kajiado, Kilifi, Elgeyo-Marakwet, Samburu and Lamu.
These centers are fully functional to demonstrate green technologies and environmental friendly innovations.
The Green Points are available to the public for learning as they act as exhibition and libraries centers for environmental best practices. The CS underscored that the centers will act as a one stop shop where information and materials on environment are available for public consumption.
The Green Points have incorporated aspects of green technologies such as rainwater harvesting, waste water recycling, low energy consumption, solar power, and solid waste segregation among other green building features.
The Green Points acts as reference libraries to improve and expand the advisory role of NEMA in Counties especially on issues related to promotion of sound environmental management.
They also create a platform where County Government, County Ministries, Departments, private sector, civil societies, research institutions and academia, local communities and schools converge for knowledge sharing and exchange of ideas, information and education on environmental best practices to stimulate green growth.
The long awaited NEMA Green Point office in Isiolo was finally inaugurated in a colourful occasion on December 16 in Isiolo County.
According to United Nations Environment Programme, Green Economy is an initiative resulting in improved human well-being and social equaty, while significantly reducing environmental risks and ecological scarcities.
Speaking at the launch NEMA Director General Geoffrey Wahungu thanked everyone for their attendance and the Danish government for their partnering in funding the construction of the Green Point office.
Through the Danida programme Wahungu said that, “It has been possible to adjust to emerging challenges in the environmental landscape in Kenya”.
Wahungu also added that it’s out of this and other programmes that realization of NEMA’s strategic objectives has been possible as well as the institutions continued upward curve.
Wahungu was quick to note that the issue of green economy has brought attention both internationally and at the local scene, “it’s within this mandate that the Authority is undertaking a number of critical interventions in this area, among them the development of economic instrument guidelines geared towards changing public behaviour for a more sustainable and consumption pattern,” he said.
In matters to do with private sector partnership, Prof. Wahungu said the Authority has engaged the private sector players to address a number of issues, among them energy audits of manufacturing plants.
“It is our belief that structured engagements with the private sector will be a critical component in addressing Sustainable Development challenges in Kenya,” said Wahungu.
Isiolo County is earmarked as one of the key cities for the establishment of a Resort City and a one on the LAPSSET project of the government. These, the director general said are very critical for the Authority, as there is need to give direction on the types of investments that are green.
The Green point was well received in Isiolo Town with the Governor of Isiolo, Mr. Godana Doyo saying that the Green point is a unique initiative and thanked NEMA for considering Isiolo county for a green point. He said that the building is a land mark in Isiolo town and has been built up with ecofriendly materials. He said the county government of Isiolo will work closely with NEMA. The speech was read on his behalf by the County Executive for Tourism and Trade, Ms. Amina Omar. On behalf of the Governor, she said that the county government will work with NEMA in conjunction with the private sector, to promote environmental best practices and also contribute to sustainable development.
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In 2015 the following green point related milestones were realized;
The Homabay Green point was finalized ata cost of approximately 15 Million with funding support from the danida Natural Resource Management Programme. This was the 3rd Green point to come on stream after Taita Taveta and Isiolo. It is located on a scenic spot opposite the Homa-bay governor’s office, a short distance from the shores of Lake Victoria, Africa’s largest fresh water lake (and the world’s 2nd freshwater lake by surface area).
- Engaging in massive roof water harvesting for storage in underground tanks
- Utilization of solar power to run most of the utilities
- Use of natural lighting during day time hours
- Recycling of used water
The Centre was formally inaugurated by Denmark’s ambassador to Kenya, His Excellency Geert Aagard Andersen on 15th January 2015. In attendance were NEMA management, the county cabinet of Homabay inlcuding the executive in charge of environment, county technical officers, other government agencies (including Kenya Wildlife Service, and the Kenya Forest Service), local NGOs and learning institutions.
The fully furnished green point in now operational and has hosted a number of events including;
1. Kenya Investment Authority (Ken-Invest) – NEMA, green initiative workshop held in February 2015. This workshop brought together stakeholders in the county to learn about the green investment guidelines that have been jointly formulated by NEMA and the Kenya Investment Authority. The said guidelines are meant to spur investments in green practices including technologies.
2. Kimira Oluch Stakeholders forum held in March 2015. Kimira Oluch is an irrigation project based in Homabay and Rachuonyo North sub Counties under the ministry of Environment and Natural Resources. The forum brought together stakeholders from both upstream and downstream of the project to discuss various environmental/agricultural successes brought about by the project interventions.
3. GIZ energy improvement stakeholders’ workshop in April 2015. GIZ has been working with several stakeholders in Homabay to promote energy saving technologies including rocket stoves. The project helps in capacity building and financing to promote energy conservation. The forum thus brought together players in the energy sector and local community groups to discuss ways of implementation and scaling up of the projects.
4. Kenya Forest Service meeting with players in the forestry sector that culminated in the County Tree Planting Day 2015.
Testimonial by Homa bay CDE; John Maniafu
“Green points have changed the face of NEMA, in Homabay County and the neighboring counties, the Green point has been hailed as “the best office” in the County sending a strong message to all players of the intent and resolve of NEMA to address environmental issues in Kenya. The office has also given an opportunity to various stakeholders to use the facility for meetings, workshops and conferences. To the private sector, it is a symbol of modern economy and a leaf to borrow to champion green growth and green initiatives”.
