Climate Change Vulnerability and Africa has contributed very little to global warming, but it will be affected severely by climate change. While the continent has a Adaptation role to play in the mitigation of , Africa’s major focus is on issues of adaptation. In order to Preparedness address the challenges of adaptation to climate change, African countries need substantial financial resources. At the same time, they require information systems, technical capacity, and in the right policies and institutions. The governance of climate change adaptation is as important as its finance.

This study gives an overview about Kenya’s efforts to address the challenges of adaptation to climate change so far. It provides information on existing policies and maps institutions and main actors in a rapidly emerging policy area influenced by a wide array of actors and interests.

The study constitutes a snapshot into the state of adaptation preparedness in East Africa, as at mid-2010. It shows what Kenya has already achieved in this regard. But it also identifies “loose ends” and problems, many of which are similar and related to issues encountered in governance and development policy debates more generally.

This volume forms part of a series of three studies (on Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda, respectively) commissioned by the Heinrich Böll Foundation’s Regional Office in , Kenya. The studies should be of interest to everybody working in the area of climate change in East Africa – to those who seek general information and orientation in the field, as well as to experts already working towards a sound response to climate change in the region.

ISBN : 9966-7172-3-4 Camco Advisory Services (K) Ltd. Stephen Mutimba, Samuel Mayieko, Peterson Olum and Regional Office for East & Horn of Africa Kristen Wanyatma Forest Rd., Parklands P.O. Box 10799-00100 GPO, Nairobi, Kenya Telephone: ++254-20-2680745, -2613992, -2613997 Fax: +254-20-3749132 2 E-mail: [email protected] 3 Web: www.boell.or.ke Climate Change Vulnerability and Adaptation Preparedness in Kenya Climate Change Vulnerability and Adaptation Preparedness in Kenya

Camco Advisory Services (K) Ltd. Stephen Mutimba, Samuel Mayieko, Peterson Olum and Kristen Wanyama

Heinrich Böll Stift ung Regional Offi ce for East and Horn of Africa Forest Road P.O. Box 10799-00100, GPO, Nairobi, Kenya Tel: +254-20-2680745, 2613992, 2613997 Email: nairobi@hbfh a.com Web: www.boell.or.ke

Heinrich Böll Stift ung Schumannstr. 8 D-10117 Berlin, Germany Tel: +49-30-28534-0 Email: [email protected] Web: www.boell.de

ISBN 9966-7172-3-4

© 2010 Heinrich Böll Stift ung, East and Horn of Africa

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced without writt en permission from the publisher, except for brief quotation in books and critical reviews. For information and permissions, write to Heinrich Böll Stift ung.

Opinions expressed are the responsibility of the individual authors and do not necessarily constitute the offi cial position of Heinrich Böll Stift ung.

Photo credits: Reach-Over Creative Ltd. Camco Preface

Camco Advisory Services (K) Ltd. is part of Camco Global, a leading international climate change and energy company providing specialist expertise and experience to help deliver sustainable Africa has contributed very litt le to global warming, but it will be aff ected severely by climate change. While development solutions. Th ese range from support on climate change and energy policies, to planning and design the continent has a role to play in the mitigation of greenhouse gas emissions, Africa’s major focus is on issues of of sustainable energy systems (for buildings or communities), to the implementation of renewable energy services adaptation. In order to address the challenges of adaptation to climate change, African countries need substantial and sustainable land use projects, and to carbon origination and qualifi cation (in both voluntary and compliance fi nancial resources. At the same time, they require information systems, technical capacity, and the right policies and markets). We have a wealth of experience in Africa, working with governments, multilateral institutions such as the institutions. Th e governance of climate change adaptation is as important as its fi nance. World Bank, UNEP, UNDP, the private sector, non-governmental institutions and others where we have successfully delivered a number of climate change/energy projects. Th ese include, among others past/completed projects such Th e provision of fi nancing for adaptation has become a major issue in international climate policy. While the as the National Climate Change Response Strategy (NCCRS) (Kenya); the World Bank’s Lighting Africa (Kenya UNFCCC COP 15 in Copenhagen, in December 2009, did not arrive at bidding agreements, the “Copenhagen phase); the Kagera Community Carbon (Tanzania); as well as ongoing projects like REDD+ in Tanzania and Kenya; Accord” promises substantial fi nance in the years to come. At the same time, African countries have begun to establish Rwanda Sustainable Charcoal; and NCCRS (Zambia), among others. and extend systems, institutions and policies designed to deal with climate change adaptation. Th is study gives an overview about Kenya’s eff orts to address the challenges of adaptation to climate change so far. It provides information on existing policies and maps institutions and main actors in a rapidly emerging policy area that is infl uenced by a numerous actors and interests. eTh study constitutes a snapshot into the state of adaptation preparedness in East Africa, as at mid-2010. It shows what Kenya has already achieved in this regard. But it also identifi es problems, many of which are similar and related to issues encountered in governance and development policy debates more generally. Th e studies should be of interest to everybody working in the area of climate change in East Africa – to those who seek general information and orientation in the fi eld, as well as to experts already working towards a sound response to climate change in the region.

Axel Harneit-Sievers Director, Heinrich Böll Foundation, Nairobi, Kenya Regional Offi ce for East Afr ica and the Horn of Afr ica.

8 9 Heinrich Böll Foundation 2010 --Climate Change Vulnerability and Adaptation Preparedness in Kenya------Climate Change Vulnerability and Adaptation Preparedness in Kenya-- Contents

i Executive Summary 12 1 Introduction 21 2 Background: country profi le and vulnerability analysis 23 2.1 Country profi le 23 2.2 Climate change impacts and vulnerability analysis 24 2.3 Impacts of climate change and vulnerability of natural resources 24 2.4 Impacts of climate change on the Kenya’s economy 26 2.5 Social infr astructure 30 2.6 Gender and climate change 32 2.7 Perspectives on impact and vulnerability 33 3 Climate Change Adaptation Policy Analysis 34 3.1 Kenya’s environmental policy context 34 3.2 Policies relevant to climate change 35 3.3 Appropriate policy/legal fr amework 39 3.4 Policy perspective? 40 4 Climate change adaptation institutional and actors’ analysis 41 4.1 Government ministries 41 4.2 Government parastatals 44 4.3 Th e National Assembly of Kenya 44 4.4 International NGOs, including UN and related bodies 45 4.5 Regional NGOs and co-operations 46 4.6 National NGOs and CBOs 46 4.7 Donors and development partners 46 4.8 Private sector 47 4.9 Civil society organizations 47 4.10 Others 47 4.11 Institutional perspective 47 5 Public awareness of climate change 49 6 Regional and international actions 53 7 Conclusions and recommendations 57 8 References 59

10 11 Heinrich Böll Foundation 2010 --Climate Change Vulnerability and Adaptation Preparedness in Kenya------Climate Change Vulnerability and Adaptation Preparedness in Kenya-- due to , i.e. desertifi cation, and scramble increase women’s responsibilities in the domestic scene, combat the impacts of climate change, a strong policy over diminishing resources (e.g. droughts that push in many paid and unpaid workplaces in the formal and has got to be enacted fi rst before legislation. It does not pastoralists to drive their animals to farmlands), among informal sectors and in the community during the stages bode well for the country that there is a Parliamentary others. of preparation and mitigation (pre disaster), as well as Motion to discuss a climate change law before a policy Further, climate change has also been noted to present in the reconstruction stage (post-disaster). In the post- has been developed. Th e lessons we have learnt with the Executive challenges to the country that are beyond its control, disaster stage there may also be high levels of violence implementation of EMCA, 1999 without a proper policy e.g. the issue of carbon footprints/food miles that is against women. Further, men frequently emigrate in should not be repeated. Summary likely to impact negatively on the country’s horticultural search of work during a post-disaster stage, leaving a gross Th ere are a substantial number of institutions in industry. Primarily, fresh produce consumers in Europe part of the processes of response and reconstruction in Kenya currently working on climate change issues. where most of the fresh produce of Kenya is exported women’s hands. Th ese include Government ministries and institutions are increasingly demanding products with lower carbon such as the Ministry of Environment and Mineral footprints. Kenya’s preparedness to deal with climate Resources (MEMR), Ministry of Forestry and Wildlife A principal determinant of carbon-footprints is the change impacts (MoF&W), the National Environmental Management distance (air-miles) that products have to cover between Following vulnerability assessment, an analysis of Kenya’s Authority (NEMA), the Climate Change Coordination the production point (Kenya in this case) and the point preparedness to deal with the observed and potential Unit (CCCU) at the Prime Minister’s Offi ce (PMO), of sale (Europe in this case). Th e longer the distance, the (projected) climate risks/threats has been performed. and several government parastatals and departments; larger the footprints, although there are some factors Th e following factors have been considered: international Non-Governmental Organisations Th is Heinrich Böll Foundation’s study was commissioned considered too, e.g. the resource intensive nature of the Th e current climate change governance (policy, (NGOs), United Nations (UN) and related bodies; to look into Kenya’s vulnerability to climate change • production process. Nevertheless, there are fears that legal and organisational/institutional) framework, regional NGOs and corporations; national NGOs and impacts and its preparedness to deal with those impacts. Kenya’s fresh produce could suff er immensely from Th e level of climate change awareness in Kenya, and Community Based Organisations (CBOs); development Th e study was commissioned and completed between • measures in Europe to reduce carbon footprints of fresh Th e political framework that could be helpful in partners; the private sector; civil society organisations; March and April, 2010. • produce. Already, some retail chains such as Marks and advancing climate change agenda. and research and academic institutions. Spencer have reportedly started importing fresh produce But the eff orts of these organisations towards addressing Vulnerability assessment from North Africa because of the close proximity of Th e results of the analysis are described below: climate change have so far not been coordinated, leading Vulnerability assessment consisted of analysing both North Africa to Europe. Th e tourism industry is also to among others, duplication of eff orts. Th ere is therefore past and projected climate change impacts on diff erent another important sector to the country’s economy Policies, legislation and institutions an urgent need to establish a mechanism that would sectors, namely natural (ecological); economic; social that could feel the greatest repercussions of the carbon- So far the country cannot be said to have made adequate coordinate climate change activities in the country. Th e and physical infrastructure. Th e analysis showed that footprints debate. eff ort to formulate policies and legislations to address just completed National Climate Change Response climate change has and will severely impact the country. Th e economic impact of these climate change climate change. Th e only policy that has signifi cant Strategy (NCCRS) has proposed the creation of a Th e country’s economic and livelihood systems are highly threats to the country is enormous. A recent study by climate change provisions is the yet to be approved draft dedicated Climate Change Secretariat at the Ministry of dependent on natural resources, which are very sensitive the Stockholm Environment Institute (SEI) on the National Environmental Policy. Even then the policy Environment and Mineral Resources to oversee and to any slight changes in climatic conditions. Th is makes Economics of climate change in Kenya revealed that the cannot be said to have strong provisions on climate coordinate the country’s climate change activities. the country very vulnerable to climate change. future economic costs of the impacts of climate change change adaptation and mitigation. Its main and probably It is therefore mandatory to put in place policies and An example of the country’s vulnerability to climate on market and non-market sectors might be close to 3% the strongest provision is a proposal that Kenya develops institutions that will address and prepare the country to change is the spread of climate-sensitive diseases such of GDP per year by 2030 and potentially much higher a climate change response strategy. Th is has since been handle the projected impacts of climate change. Strong as to new, higher altitude zones (e.g., Kericho, than this (more than 5% of GDP per year) by 2050. implemented. Th e other environmental policies are institutions are essential not only in the implementation Nairobi) where the disease is not known to be endemic. Vulnerability assessment has also covered gender equally weak -- the energy policy, the forest policy of the just completed NCCRS but also in the formulation Other impacts deduced include increasingly intense and disparities, where it has been argued that in many parts and the ASAL policy, all lean towards environmental and implementation of policies that directly address frequent episodes, successive seasons of crop of the world including Kenya, women constitute the management, yet climate change is a concern that is climate change concerns such as adaptation and failure, dwindling energy resources (drying biomass, sub- population most vulnerable to climate change and beyond environmental management. Although the mitigation. optimal electricity production capacity during droughts), climate variability due to certain inequitable conditions formulation of the National Climate Change Response increased fl ood episodes with detrimental impacts on and situations (vulnerability factors) that place them at Strategy is a positive step towards addressing climate Climate change awareness the physical infrastructure (roads, telecommunication, risk. Empirical evidence shows that they suff er a greater change, there is need for strong policies that address Climate change awareness is low countrywide, railways, ports) and on social sett ings (e.g. mortality and impact in a disaster or emergency. Economic losses have mitigation and adaptation, giving guidelines on particularly, among the rural folk, who also happen displacement by landslides, mudslides and submergence a disproportionate eff ect on economically vulnerable integration and mainstreaming of these into our sectors to be the most vulnerable to the adverse impacts of of homes), increased climate-induced migrations (e.g. women. Changes in the workload suggest that disasters and institutions. In order to eff ectively and effi ciently rural-urban migration), diminishing pasturelands

12 13 Heinrich Böll Foundation 2010 --Climate Change Vulnerability and Adaptation Preparedness in Kenya------Executive Summary------However, there is need for more high-profi le Kenyan technology, effi cient motor industries could link up personalities to get involved in climate change matt ers. In with appropriate global systems, obtain funding for particular, well-known personalities in the entertainment, adaptation and mitigation and government will surely climate change because of their high dependency on sports and media industries (“celebrities”) could be follow. However, having said that, the government gets climate-sensitive natural resources and high poverty eff ective agents for communicating climate change and its mandate to govern all resources from the people, it rates. Th is calls for enhanced climate change awareness should be used as such. Th ere is also need to make sure is only logical that in the light of climate change threat, in a simplifi ed language nda manner understandable to that Kenya’s position on climate change is debated among the pressure for demand of good governance of resources diff erent groups (women and youth, disabled, farmers stakeholders in order to get a broader and shared view of should be doubled and relentlessly pursued. and pastoralists, etc) so that they can be bett er prepared her position. to deal with the problem. Further, it is important to create In conclusion, for the country to be said to be ready awareness programmes that target those with some to absorb and use eff ectively additional adaptation knowledge of climate change to help them take advantage funding, there is need for adequate climate change of the opportunities that climate change brings. Th is policy and legislation to be put in place. Th ese should will involve for instance, bringing the att ention of the be accompanied by a good implementation framework business community to the existence of mechanisms that ensures that funds are directed to vulnerable such as the Clean Development Mechanism and the sectors, and are accounted for in a transparent manner. Reduced Emissions from and Forest Th is is partly because although the country has put Degradation Plus (REDD+) and further explaining how in place environmental policies and legislation, the these mechanisms work. Th ese new areas could be of implementation is poor. A climate change policy and law vital benefi ts to a developing country such as Kenya. could face similar fate. Th ere is increasing concern and debate in Kenya Political framework around problems of governance and corruption, which So far, only a handful of high-profi le personalities ought to be tackled by new institutions. Kenya’s overall have been (are) engaged in climate change issues. perception (by both locals and internationals) is that it Th ese include the Prime Minister of Kenya, Hon Raila is corrupt and therefore funding will not reach intended Odinga (especially since his ascension to his current projects. Some donor agencies are seriously looking to position; credited with eff orts to restore the Mau channel their funding through other non-state actors Forests, diplomatic approach to international issues such as the private sector. Despite massive corruption including climate change, climate change one of his and ineffi ciency in government, the country has been top priorities as evidenced in his speeches locally and making development strides driven by a hard working on his visits abroad and further in the creation of the private sector, civil society, NGOs and individuals. Climate Change Coordination Unit (CCCU) in his Luckily for Kenya, non-state actors, especially private offi ce); Professor Wangari Maathai (internationally sector and individual enterprises have not only always recognised environmentalist, winner of the 2004 Nobel been ahead of government but provided leadership to the Peace Prize, author of a number of commentaries and extent that the government has followed. For instance, books on environment and climate change); Hon. John renewable energy has always been championed by private Michuki, current minister, MEMR (especially since his sector, it is only in 2004 and 2006 that the government appointment to the ministry, overseen the development developed policies and legislation respectively. of the aforementioned NCCRS); and Professor Richard Renewable energy industries were able to link with global Odingo, a professor of Hydrology/Climatology at the systems (both private sector and foreign governments) to University of Nairobi (was a co-vice chair of the IPCC avail solar, turbines, etc to the people. Government Working Group 2 (WGII) in 1992; co-vice chair of the jumped in when it realized that there is money to be WGIII in 1994 and co-vice chair of the whole of the made and the world is going green! IPCC since 1997. He has in fact, been involved with the Climate change could go the same way. Private sector organization since its inception in 1988). through land use activities such as REDD, sustainable biomass development for agro-industries, clean energy/

14 15 Heinrich Böll Foundation 2010 --Climate Change Vulnerability and Adaptation Preparedness in Kenya------Executive Summary------Acronyms

ACTS African Centre for Technology Studies ICPAC IGAD Climate Prediction and Application Centre AFREPREN African Renewable Energy Policy Research Network IDRC International Development Research Centre AMCEN Africa Ministerial Conference on Environment IEG International Environmental Governance ANAFE Africa Network for Agriculture, Agro-Forestry and Natural Resources Education IFAD International Food and Agricultural Development Organization ASAL Arid and Semi-Arid Areas IGAD Intergovernmental Authority for Development ATPS African Technology Policy Studies IISD International Institute for Sustainable Development AU African Union ILRI International Livestock Research Institute CBO Community-Based Organization IMCE Inter-Ministerial Committ ee on Environment CC Climate Change IPCC - WG II Inter-governmental Panel on Climate Change – Working Group Two CCA & ER Bill Climate Change Adaptation and Emission Reduction Bill IPCC - WG III Inter-governmental Panel on Climate Change- Working Group Th ree CCCU Climate Change Coordination Unit IPCC Inter-governmental Panel on Climate Change CDM Clean Development Mechanism IPPs Independent Power Producers CO2 Carbon Dioxide IUCN International Union for Conservation of Nature COP Conference of the Parties JICA Japanese International Cooperative Agency CORDIO Coastal Oceans Research and Development – Indian Ocean KA M Kenya Association of Manufacturers CriSTAL Community-based Risk Screening Tool – Adaptation & Livelihoods KA RI Kenya Agricultural Research Institute CSTI Centre for Science and Technology Innovations KCCWG Kenya Climate Change working group CV Climate variability KEFRI Kenya Forestry Research Institute DNA Designated National Authority KenGen Kenya Electricity Generation Company DoE Directorate of Environment KFS Kenya Forest Service DSRS Department of Resource Survey and Remote Sensing KFWG Kenya Forest Working Group EABL East African Breweries Limited KIRDI Kenya Industrial Research and Development Institute EMCA Environmental Management and Coordination Act KMC Kenya Meat Commission ENSO El Niño-Southern Oscillation KMD Kenya Meteorological Department ERC Energy Regulatory Commission KMFRI Kenya Marine & Fisheries Research Institute ERS Economic Recovery Strategy for Wealth creation KNCPC Kenya National Cleaner Production Centre EU European Union KTDA Kenya Tea Development Agency FAN Forest Action Network KTN Kenya Television Network FAO Food and Agricultural Organization KWS Kenya Wildlife service FINNIDA Finnish International Development Agency LDCs Least Developed Countries GBM Green Belt Movement LULUCF Land use land use change and forestry GDC Geothermal Development Company MDGs Millennium Development Goals GDP Gross Domestic Product MEMR Ministry of Environment and Mineral Resources GHG Green House Gases MENR Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources GoK Government of Kenya MoE Ministry of Energy GWh Gigawatt hour MoF & W Ministry of Forestry and Wildlife HBF Heinrich Böll Foundation ICIPE International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology

16 17 Heinrich Böll Foundation 2010 --Climate Change Vulnerability and Adaptation Preparedness in Kenya------Climate Change Vulnerability and Adaptation Preparedness in Kenya-- MoP Ministerial of Parties REDD Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation MPs Members of Parliament RM Risk Management MT Metric Tonne RVF Rift Valley Fever MTEF Medium Term Expenditure Framework SIDA Swedish International Development Agency MW Megawatt UN United Nations NAF National Adaptation Facility UNDP United Nations Development Programme NAPA National Adaptation Programmes of Action UNEP-GEF United Nations Environment Programme-Global Environment Facility NASCOP Th e National AIDS/STD Control Programme UNESCO United Nations Education, Scientifi c and Cultural Organization NCCACC National Climate Change Activities Coordination Committ ee UNFCCC United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change NCCFP National Climate Change Focal Point UN-Habitat United Nations Human Sett lements Programme NCCRS National Climate Change Response Strategy UNIDO United Nations International Development Organization NCPCs National Cleaner Production Centres USAID United States Agency for International Development NCs National Communications WAF – AHI World Agroforestry Centre – African Highlands Initiative NCSA National Capacity Needs Self-Assessment WB World Bank NDP National Development Plan WEDO Women and Environment Development Organization NE North Eastern Province WWF Worldwide Fund for Nature NEAP National Environment Action Plan NEMA National Environment and Management Agency NEP National Environment Plan NEPAD New Partnership for Africa’s Development NES National Environment Secretariat NGO Non-governmental Organization NOC National Disaster Operations Centre NPGD National Policy on Gender and Development NRE New and Renewable Energy NRM Natural Resource Management OP Offi ce of the President PACJA Pan African Climate Justice Alliance PANERECC Parliamentary Network on Renewable Energy and Climate Change PC-ECPW Parliamentary Committ ee on Energy Communication and Public Works PEV Post-election Violence PM Prime Minister PS Permanent Secretary PVs Photovoltaics RDE Research Development & Education

18 19 Heinrich Böll Foundation 2010 --Climate Change Vulnerability and Adaptation Preparedness in Kenya------Climate Change Vulnerability and Adaptation Preparedness in Kenya-- African countries therefore have a genuine cause for demanding new and additional adaptation funds. Further, the African negotiating bloc has always demanded that such funds be anchored on a fi nancial instrument dedicated to adaptation, e.g. the recently One: created Adaptation Mechanism under the Copenhagen Accord. While details on how and how much funds will Introduction be made available for adaptation fi nance as well as the arrangements by which these funds will be administered are still emerging, it is clear that in order to make a strong point in negotiating for adaptation fi nance, African countries will have to prove that they are able to utilise adaptation funding effi ciently and transparently, and for the purpose it was intended. Th erefore the need for adaptation preparedness (climate change awareness, clear information on what programmes and projects The study need funding, adequate capacity, i.e., well-trained climate Th is study was undertaken as part of the project “Climate change personnel, strong policies and institutions, etc) is Change Vulnerability and Adaptation Preparedness crucial. in Eastern Africa” of the Heinrich Böll Foundation African countries are required to report their (HBF). Th e project itself is part of the foundation’s vulnerabilities to the impacts of climate change and work on . Th e study focused on adaptation needs under the United Nations Framework Kenya’s vulnerability to and the state of her adaptation Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) through preparedness for climate change impacts. National Communications. Many African countries have Th e aim of the project is to evaluate, by way of case made commendable strides with regard to preparing studies, the level and state of preparedness for climate National Communications. Kenya for example, submitt ed change adaptation in Kenya as a way of justifying the need to the UNFCCC its fi rst National Communication in for new and additional fi nancial support for adaptation by 2002, and is in the process of preparing the second. state and non-state climate change actors. In addition to the National Communications (NCs), least developed countries (LDCs) are required to develop The study’s rationale National Adaptation Programmes of Action (NAPAs) Despite its insignifi cant contribution to global warming, detailing their vulnerabilities to climate change impacts Africa is one of the regions most vulnerable to the and the actions they envisage taking to ameliorate these adverse impacts of climate change. Th e continent’s impacts. Kenya is not classifi ed as an LDC and therefore high vulnerability stems from many factors that does not have a NAPA, (though in the yet to be published have continually plagued it including poverty, weak National Climate Change Response Strategy (NCCRS), institutions, poor infrastructure, lack of information, a National Adaptation Facility (NAF) has been created). poor access to fi nancial resources, low management However, there are concerns that adaptation capabilities, armed confl icts, poor governance as well as preparedness in many African countries, despite many lack of or inadequate policies to respond to the impacts of of them having NAPAs and NCs, is still inadequate. In climate change. To add to these, many African countries particular, NAPAs are said to be not easily implementable are situated where extremes of climate variation such as because they only list priority adaptation needs (in the drought and unpredictable rainfall patt erns, coupled with form of programmes/projects) of a country but do not famine and related humanitarian disasters, are already take into account the policy framework that governs being experienced. Climate change is expected to add adaptation (i.e. mainstreaming of adaptation into national to these extremes, with the poorest communities least equipped to cope.

20 21 Heinrich Böll Foundation 2010 --Climate Change Vulnerability and Adaptation Preparedness in Kenya------Introduction toClimate Change Vulnerability and Adaptation Preparedness in Kenya-- Limitations part of the country is Lake Turkana. On the western A main limitation of this study was the inadequacy of time Two: part of the country is Lake Victoria. Other major Rift and resources to help gauge public awareness of climate Valley lakes include Lake Naivasha and Lake Nakuru. plans, etc.). Consequently, adaptation programmes change. An ideal approach to understanding the public’s Th e rivers Tana and Athi fl ow in the south-eastern part and projects in many African countries are currently level of awareness of climate change (or any issue for that Background: of the country while Nzoia, Yala and Gori, fl ow across the implemented as discreet (stand-alone) activities making matt er) would be to carry out an opinion poll or survey. country before draining into Lake Victoria. Ewaso Ng’iro them less eff ective. Th e time and resources allocated for this study could not Country Profi le River is found in the north-eastern part of the country. Th is Heinrich Böll Foundation (East and Horn of allow such a survey to be carried out. Consequently, the A few remnants of rainforests are found in the east of Africa) commissioned study has att empted to shed light study team opted to gauge public awareness of climate the country, including the Kakamega Forest and the Mau on the state and level of preparedness for adaptation to change based on the media coverage of the subject, and Vulnerability Forest. climate change in Kenya. which was complemented by the team’s own observation Kenya is divided into seven agro-ecological zones during past climate change workshops in which the team Analysis ranging from humid to very arid. Less than 20% of the Objectives of the study has participated, in particular, the process of developing land is suitable for cultivation, of which only 12% is Th e overall objective of this study is to analyse and report Kenya’s National Climate Change Response Strategy classifi ed as high potential (adequate rainfall) agricultural on Kenya’s level of preparedness - in terms of adaptation (NCCRS). land and about 8% is medium potential land. Th e rest of policies and measures, institutional framework - that are the land is arid or semi-arid. Furthermore, only 60% of the high potential land is devoted for crop farming and in place to respond to the adverse impacts of climate 2.1 Country profi le intensive livestock production while the rest is used change. Th e specifi c objectives of the study are outlined Kenya is located on the eastern part of the African for food and cash crop production, leaving the rest for below: continent. It lies across the equator at latitude of 4° North grazing and as protected. • to assess the impacts of and vulnerability to climate to 4° South and Longitude 34° East to 41° East. Th e change in Kenya country is bordered by Sudan and Ethiopia in the north. Climate • to identify what climate change adaptation policies, Somalia lies to the east of the country while Indian Ocean Kenya’s climate is fairly warm throughout most of the plans, and strategies exist in Kenya, their genesis and borders the country in the south-eastern part. To the country. Most of the country has a tropical climate. appropriateness in relation to current knowledge of southwest of the country lies Tanzania while to the west Exceptions to this are the coastal belt and the northern vulnerabilities at the national level lies Lake Victoria and Uganda. Th e country has a total parts, which are generally arid and hot. It is hot and • to analyse who the main institutional actors area of 582,650sq km including 13,400sq km of inland humid at the coast, temperate inland and very dry in the involved in climate change adaptation policy are, and a 536km coastline. and whether they have adequate capacity and north and northeast parts of the country. Th e average annual rainfall at the coast is 1200mm and effi cacy to implement adaptation policies Geographical characteristics the average daily temperature ranges from 27°C - 31°C. • to assess the level of general public awareness Kenya’s geography is diverse and varied. Th e coast is a Nairobi, the capital city, has an altitude of 1,661m and has of climate change, in particular, climate change low-lying area and extremely fertile. It has a coral reef a temperature range of 14°C - 25°C. Eldoret is found in the adaptation, and supported by a dry coastal plain that is covered by thorny Rift Valley at an altitude of 3,085m, with a temperature • to investigate and report on the role/s played by state bushes and savannah. Th e terrain of the country gradually range of 10°C - 24°C. Lodwar, also in the Rift Valley but and non-state actors from Kenya in international changes from the low-lying coastal plains to the Kenyan near the northern-most extremity is at an altitude of 506m climate change negotiations. highlands. Th e highest point of the country lies in Mount above seal level, with a temperature range of 24°C - 35°C. Kenya, which is 5,199m high. Th ere are 2 rainy seasons; the long occur from April The study methodology Th e Great Rift Valley is located in the central and to June and short rains from October to December. Th e Th e study methodology consisted of literature review, western part of the country and basically dissects the rainfall is sometimes heavy and when it does come it oft en desk review and analysis of secondary data. Sources of Kenyan highlands into east and west. Th e highlands have falls in the aft ernoons and evenings. Th e hott est period is information included the Government of Kenya reports a cool climate and are known for their fertile soil, forming from February to March and coldest in July to August. (development plans, policies, MTEF etc.), international one of the major agricultural regions of the country. Th e majority of the country receives less than adequate reports (UN, World Bank, and International NGOs) and However, about 80% of the land area is Arid and Semi rainfall needed to support crop cultivation. Over two- other relevant documents and scientifi c reports. Arid. A large number of swamps are in the Loraine Plain, thirds of the country receives less than 500mm of rainfall situated in the north-eastern part of the country. per year and 79% has less then 700mm annually. Only Th ere are also a number of lakes and rivers; most of the lakes are located in the Rift Valley. On the northern

22 23 Heinrich Böll Foundation 2010 --Climate Change Vulnerability and Adaptation Preparedness in Kenya------Background: country profi le and vulnerability analysis------2.2 Climate change impacts and vulnerability falling way below the global recommended cover of 10%. Rangelands and wildlife resources analysis Th is is largely att ributed to human activities such as illegal Rangelands form nearly 88% of Kenya’s land mass. With Kenya is vulnerable to climate change. Vulnera-bility is logging, unsustainable charcoal production and clearing estimated 10 million pastoralists and agro-pastoralist 11% of the country receives more than 1000mm per defi ned as the extent to which a natural or social system of forests to create land for farming and sett lement. Th e living in the rangelands, these lands are known to year. Th e mean annual rainfall shows a wide spatial is susceptible to sustaining damage from climate change. distribution of forests in Kenya is determined by rainfall, support approximately 34% of the country’s population. variation, ranging from about 200mm in the driest areas Vulnerability is a function of the sensitivity of a system one of the most aff ected climatic elements, and this Rangelands also form the largest habitat for wildlife – in northwestern and eastern parts of Kenya to the wett er to changes in climate (the degree to which a system will means the survival of Kenya’s forest resources is likely one of the country’s key tourist att ractions. About 75% areas with rainfall of 1200-2000 mm in areas bordering respond to a given change in climate, including benefi cial to be severely aff ected by climate change resulting in of the country’s wildlife is found in rangelands. Th rough Lake Victoria and Central Highlands east of the Rift and harmful eff ects), adaptive capacity (the degree to reduced biodiversity and capacity to deliver important tourism, wildlife is one of the country’s major foreign Valley. As a result, the Central Highlands, parts of Rift which adjustments in practices, processes, or structures forest goods and services. exchange earners. However, the capacity for these lands Valley, the Lake Victoria region and the coastal area boast can moderate or off set the potential for damage or take Th e impact of climate change will aff ect the growth, to sustain human and wildlife habitation is gradually the most intensive agriculture and greatest concentration advantage of opportunities created by a given change composition and regeneration capacity of forests due declining. Th is is due to extreme events such as of people. Pastoral farming dominates the remaining in climate), and the degree of exposure of the system to att acks by invasive species, altered patt erns, duration intense and prolonged droughts and severe fl ooding, all drier regions of Kenya. to climatic hazards. Under this framework, a highly and amount of precipitation, and extended range of associated to climate change. Th e majority of pastoralists vulnerable system would be a system that is very sensitive pests and pathogens, that will aff ect some tree species. are poor and their practice is climate dependent, Economy to modest changes in climate, where the sensitivity Invasions have already been witnessed with Prosopis therefore their adaptive capacity is low making them Although Kenya’s economic performance has exceeded includes the potential for substantial harmful eff ects, julifl ora (‘mathenge’) taking site dominance of important highly vulnerable to climate change. that of most other African nations, the benefi ts of this and for which the ability to adapt is severely constrained. ecosystems in Baringo, Tana River, Garissa and other Th e impacts of climate change on Kenya’s rangelands growth have been seriously diluted by a variety of factors. Following this defi nition, this chapter examines the semi arid areas of the country. In addition, excessive include: Change in pasture productivity e.g. in North Poor governance and corruption, increasing economic impacts of climate change on Kenya’s major sectors and growth of some tree species has been observed including Eastern Province, extremely strong and fl ash inequality, and environmental deterioration partly systems, and their ability to cope, so as to establish the the excessive growth of Acacia refi ciens (acacia) aft er fl oods are eroding and washing away grass seeds caused by high surging population, and erratic weather country’s vulnerability to climate change. the 1997 El-niño in North-Eastern Province (NEP) therefore inhibiting grass growth even in good rains. patt erns have negatively aff ected the country’s economic A recent study by the Stockholm Environment that suppressed the growth of various species that Th is aff ects grasslands resulting into e.g., loss of habitats performance. Th e country’s key economic sectors include Institute on the Economics of climate change in Kenya form grasslands for wildlife and livestock. Changes in for wildlife, carbon dioxide fertilization, leading to agriculture, tourism, livestock/pastoralism, horticulture, revealed that the future economic costs of the impacts of temperature will lead to a shift of vegetation to higher higher plant productivity, in particular, the proliferation fi sheries, and forest products. eTh agricultural sector climate change on market and non-market sectors might elevations while some species could become extinct. of invasive species, disruption of natural ecosystems by contributed 26% to the country’s GDP and a further be to close to 3% of GDP per year by 2030 and potentially Indeed, across the country, some tree species including causing species’ ranges to shift , altering predator-prey 27% through linkages with other sectors while the much higher than this (more than 5% of GDP per year) Melia volkensii, Terminalia spinosa, Delonix elata, and interactions, decoupling animals from food sources or tourism and fi sheries sectors contributed 10% and 0.5% by 2050 (Stockholm Environment Institute 2009). Th e Hyphenea corriaceae in North Eastern Province, and reducing habitat, and droughts that aff ect grasslands, respectively in 2006. In the period leading to 2003, the following section is a bott om up analysis of the impacts Psychotria species in the Taita Hills, Coast Province, causing massive deaths of livestock and wildlife, and an estimated value of the production of forest products was of climate change on Kenya’s natural resources and major are either extinct or their numbers have tremendously increase in human-human and wildlife-human confl icts. Ksh. 2 billion per annum, which was equal to about 10% sectors of the economy. dwindled. In addition, the projected rise in temperatures Th ese cases have been reported in areas around the of the country’s agricultural Gross Domestic Product and long periods of drought will lead to more frequent lower Tana Delta, Laikipia, and Lagdera. In the Lagdera then (Mbugua 2003). Horticulture, the fastest growing 2.3 Impacts of climate change and vulnerability and more intense fi res. Forest fi res have in the recent case (2005) for instance, warthogs att acked and killed in the agricultural sector, generates over US$ 300 million of natural resource s past aff ected Kenya’s major forests including the Mt. goats and sheep in order to drink their intestinal fl uids in foreign exchange earnings. Th e capital value of the Kenya Forest. Indeed, Kenya has, over the past 20 years, following the drying up of their watering points. 46% (or 15.2 million heads) of Kenya’s livestock kept by Forests lost more than 5,700 ha of forests per year to forest fi res, pastoralists is approximately US$ 860 million. Tourism is Forests not only serve as water catchment resources and wreaking phenomenal economic damage that is yet to be Coastal / marine ecosystems highly dependent on wildlife and the country’s wilderness carbon sinks, but also provide food, fuel, fodder, quantifi ed. Th e Kenyan coastline is characterized by a rich diversity is also a very important industry ranking among the top pasture and medicinal material for an estimated 80% Despite the various measures being put in place to of fl ora and fauna, including fi sh, coral reefs and mangrove three foreign income earners, together with export of tea of about 1 million of households living within a stretch conserve forests, they are still under threat from surging forests. Kenyan coral reefs are well distributed around and horticultural products. of 3km from forest boundaries (Ministry of Energy communities in pursuit of land for cultivation, energy, most of the oceanic islands. Th ey buff er the coastline 2002). In addition most of the households in informal and construction material. Th is is in part due to the high against the impacts of waves and the full force of sett lements depend on wood fuel as the main source of cost of or total lack of alternatives. Th is high dependency and . Th e rise in atmospheric temperature has energy for cooking and heating. Th e country’s forest cover on forest resources makes the country’s majority poor resulted in the melting of glaciers and polar ice with has declined over the years to as low as less than 2% cover more vulnerable to any slight climatic changes that will aff ect the forest resource.

24 25 Heinrich Böll Foundation 2010 --Climate Change Vulnerability and Adaptation Preparedness in Kenya------Background: country profi le and vulnerability analysis------

Th e low level of development means that water supply Agriculture including horticulture crop husbandry and conducive horticulture export 3 storage per capita has declined dramatically from 11.4m is important for rural livelihoods, environment, as well as increased markets for fruits and 3 in 1969 to about 4.3m in 1999—simply because of food, and the national economy (earning 60% of fl owers in Europe. However, climate change is not likely consequence on sea levels and temperatures. Th e likely population growth. foreign exchange and 24% of GDP) as well as providing to bode well for the industry. However, the country possesses suffi cient water employment for 80% of the population. Agriculture is Th e impacts of climate change on horticulture are consequence of this on Kenya is the submergence of coast line, resulting in the displacement of coastal resources to meet demand. A recent study has estimated generally the fi rst economic sector to be aff ected by climate in two fold, the direct impacts and indirect impacts. that, based on current water use effi ciencies, the predicted extremes through drought whereby a lack of soil moisture Directly, the industry is going to be greatly aff ected due wetland, erosion of shorelines, increased salinity, and 3 intrusion of saline into coastal aquifers. In general, coastal aggregate demand will rise to 5,552 Mm per year in has an immediate impact on crop output, and then later to reduced water availability for irrigation purpose, due 2020. Th is would still be within the country’s safe yield by fl oods. Already the unpredictability of Kenya’s year- to the frequent droughts. For instance horticultural farms development is exposed to considerable risk as the sea 3 level is projected to rise by 0.17 - 0.59m over the next (8,447 Mm per yr), although the cost of supplying each to-year productivity causes substantial problems for in Laikipia and Kieni Districts are reeling from reduced century. Salt water intrusion into ground water resources additional increment of water is likely to rise steeply as poor subsistence farmers, as fed crops are lost during water supply as a result of reduced water volumes in and salt wedge estuaries are phenomena that have been readily accessible sources are progressively tapped. unusually dry or wet seasons. A poorly performing rivers originating from and the Aberdares. observed already in some places such as Lamu. Th e country’s water resources are unevenly distributed agricultural sector put the country’s at risk. Horticulture in the coast is expected to suff er, due to Coral reef bleaching which is a phenomenon linked in both time and space in fi ve drainage basins namely Kenya has in the recent past reported successive seasons that will result in the inundation of coastal to warming seas is being experienced along the Kenyan Lake Victoria, Rift Valley, Athi River, Tana River, of crop failure, increasing the country’s food insecurity. agricultural land. Income losses from three crops grown coast. A study report by UNEP (2002) revealed that 59% and Ewaso Ng’iro. Th e severe weather events like Th e country’s famine cycles have reduced from 20 years along the Kenyan Coast – mangoes, cashew nuts and of the world’s destroyed coral reefs were located in the frequent and prolonged droughts and fl oods, which (1964-1984), to 12 years (1984-1996), to 2 years (2004- coconuts – could be as high as US$ 472.8 million for a 1 Indian Ocean, and these included coral reefs in the Kenyan have been att ributed to climate change, will severely 2006) and to yearly 2007/2008/2009, necessitating the m sea level rise. coast (CORDIO 2008). Further, predicted eff ects of aff ect freshwater availability. Major rivers including the Government’s distribution of 528,341.77 metric tonnes Indirectly, the returns from horticulture are likely to climate change on mangroves include both more extreme Tana, Athi, Sondu Miriu, Ewaso Ngiro and Mara have (MT) of assorted foodstuff s worth Ksh. 20 billion over be further aff ected by increasing pressure from European droughts and fl ooding. In 1997/8 and 2006, massive experienced severe reduced volumes during droughts the last fi ve years to feed a population of between 3.5 markets and consumers seeking to reduce their fresh sedimentation due to erosion of terrigenous sediments and many seasonal ones have completely dried up. Th e million and 4.5 million people annually. Th e Ministry of produce ‘food miles’, i.e. the amount of GHG emissions following extremely heavy rainfall caused mangrove Eastern, North Eastern and Rift valley have been severely Agriculture’s ‘Economic Review of 2009’ indicated that associated with the production and consumption of fresh dieback in many areas along the Kenyan coast. Mwache aff ected. carry fertilizer and pesticide residues the production of other major crops like tea, sugarcane produce. Creek, a peri-urban mangrove forest in Mombasa was the into water bodies, resulting in eutrophication which has and wheat had also declined. Th is could reduce Kenya’s Th e horticulture industry is under threat from most aff ected, losing close to 500 ha of mangrove forest detrimental impacts on water quality and aquatic life. foreign exchange earnings in the long term, given that increasingly carbon conscious western consumers who (CORDIO 2008). Th is trend is likely to jeopardize the Th e availability of water is oft en a key factor in a commodity like tea is the country’s principal export now prefer fresh produce from their own countries livelihoods of local people depending on the mangroves determining the patt erns of human sett lement and the product. Th e ripple eff ect of this scenario to Kenya’s to those imported from abroad. However life cycle especially for fi sheries,wood products and coastal value of land for agricultural and livestock production. economy is frightening when one considers the pertinent assessment of produce from Kenya has shown to be less protection, and temperature changes and further sea Within arid and semi-arid lands (ASALs), the food role that foreign exchange plays in international trade and carbon intensive than those produced in Europe. Th is level rise will only accelerate these trends. Th is make the security of pastoral and farm households improves investment. information needs to be communicated continually and Kenyan coast be one of the most vulnerable to sea level considerably during the wet years. Improved grazing In the recent past, the horticulture industry has been widely. rise in the world, with the most vulnerable aspects being fundamentals in several pastoral areas has resulted in growing fast and steadily recording an average of 15% developments on low-lying areas including agriculture, favorable livestock body conditions, increased calving to 20% annual growth. It is ranked among the top three Food miles: are fresh produce from Kenya less infrastructure and tourism. rates, and improved milk output—together bringing foreign exchange earners together with tea and tourism. carbon intensive? market improvements in pastoralist food security. Th e industry has greatly contributed to the country’s Food miles refer to the distance food is transported fr om the Water resources economy, creating employment opportunities for rural time of production until it reaches the consumer. Th is has Kenya is classifi ed by the U.N. as a chronically water-scarce 2.4 Impacts of climate change on Kenya’s people. Th e industry directly employs about 4.5 million been a factor when assessing the environmental impact of country, with poor replenishment rate. Th e country’s economy people countrywide with another 3.5 million benefi ting food especially global warming. Th e concept of “food miles” natural endowment of freshwater is highly limited, with Kenya is a natural resource and agriculture based indirectly thought trade and other activities1. Apart from presents an argument to buy goods which have travelled the an annual renewable freshwater supply of about 647m3 economy. Th e key economic sectors include: Agriculture, fl oriculture which is a highly specialized and capital shortest distance fr om farm to table, and to discriminate per capita significantly below the 1,000m3 per capita tourism, livestock, horticulture, fi sheries and forest intensive, the horticulture industry a largely smallholders against long-haul transportation, especially air-fr eighted set as the marker for water scarcity. Th e current level of products, all if which are highly vulnerable to climate industry. Th e industry generates over US$ 300 million goods (MacGregor and Vorley 2007). It is argued that development of water resources in Kenya is very low. change as discussed below: in foreign exchange earnings from the sale of fruits, long-distance transport of food is associated with additional Only 15 percent of the safe yield of renewable freshwater vegetables and fl owers (PKF Consulting 2005). This resources has been developed currently (Mogaka 2006). growth was largely att ributed to good weather, improved 1 Kenya Horticulture Council (www.fpeak.org)

26 27 Heinrich Böll Foundation 2010 --Climate Change Vulnerability and Adaptation Preparedness in Kenya------Background: country profi le and vulnerability analysis------cycle. Researchers say that a more complete environmental Arid Lands (ASAL) Environment Action Plan is an into human sett lement in pursuit of water and food. assessment of food that consumers buy needs to take into important milestone for this high-risk area. Th e Ministry According to the KWS, drought has pushed lions closer account how the food has been produced and what energy is of Livestock is also taking productive measures in to waterholes bordering human sett lements while the emissions of greenhouse gases due to increased transportation used in its production. A recent DEFRA case study indicated monitoring market trends and supporting subsidized latt er are increasing at very high rates towards parks; coupled with greater packaging. In light of growing that tomatoes grown in Spain and transported to the United sales to encourage continued market activity during thereby stoking up human-wildlife confl icts. international concern over the speed and scale of climate Kingdom may have a lower carbon footprint in terms of droughts. However, in the main, many of these district Other tourist att ractions such as the snow cap of change, and with pressure on developed countries to act, the energy effi ciency than tomatoes grown in heated greenhouses activities are uncoordinated, short lived and orientated Mt. Kenya, the coastal rainforest and fragile marine concept of “food miles” has captured public att ention in many the . Th is means that if the entire life cycle is towards disaster management rather than long-term ecosystems such as the coral reef are being aff ected by countries in the North. Th e UK, Sweden and Canada have taken into account, agricultural produce fr om Kenya could adaptation programmes to enable communities to the global rise in temperatures that is aff ecting both air created labeling that draws people’s att ention to food miles be less carbon intensive than those produce closer to the withstand ongoing changes in the climate, leaving the and sea. Th e other issue, stemming out of the climate and apparently this is changing some consumers’ behaviour. consumer in the North. communities vulnerable to climate change. change debate, is the carbon dioxide produced by Such arguments are posing a great threat to the horticulture commercial aircraft s. Passenger jets have been singled industry; which in many developing countries where Livestock Tourism out as the fastest growing source of GHG emissions. Th is smallholder export horticulture is proving to be a powerful Pastoralism is the main form of livelihood for Tourism has been growing over the years with the is therefore a great issue of concern as more and more new engine for growth in rural economies. Kenya for instance communities living in Arid and Semi-arid Lands (ASALs) number of visitors increasing from 1.1 million in 2003 tourist will start to worry about their ‘carbon footprints’ has been one of the quickest to develop as a supplier of air- of the country. Th is practice has experienced the brunt to 1.8 million in 2007. In the year 2008, the tourism and any mitigation measures taken in the airline industry fr eighted fr esh vegetables fr om smallholder fi elds to consumers of climate change manifested in the form of frequent, sector in Kenya recorded one of its worst performances could signifi cantly hurt the country’s tourism sector. in Europe. Th e industry has created over 4 million direct and intense and long lasting droughts. For instance the ever in real terms. Th e dismal performance was mainly indirect employments. Th erefore, for the smallholder farmers country experienced three major and more pronounced occasioned by the post election violence (PEV) and the Energy and infrastructure who have invested so much to meet the standards demanded droughts in the 1990s. Th e drought of 1991/92 had subsequent travel bans from the source markets. As a For Kenya to att ain the stated Millennium Development for export, the danger that their produce could become an much destruction; with up to 70% loss in livestock herds, consequence, tourism earnings decreased by 19.2% from Goals, access to modern energy such as electricity, is vital. environmental pariah is deeply worrying (McKie 2008). and high rates of of up to 50%. As a result Ksh 65.2 billion in 2007 to Ksh 52.7 billion in 2008. A comprehensive study completed in 2002 indicated In many cases, agricultural produce including horticulture, about 1.5 million people in the ASALs were dependent Since Kenya’s tourism depends in a large part on the that biomass is the main type of energy consumed by originate fr om developing countries struggling with poverty. on relief food. Th e 2006 to 2009 droughts are testament country’s wilderness and wildlife and the fact that these households in Kenya, accounting for 68% of the total Th erefore introducing food miles will only hurt the economies to the devastation that climate change could cause to the resources are highly susceptible to climate change, PEV national primary energy supply. Th e biomass energy of developing countries and this goes against the precepts of livestock sector. In 2009, most pastoralist lost more than must have been a short respite. Wildlife both in national supply and demand imbalance is exerting considerable the developed countries trying to fi ght poverty in developing half of their herds to drought. Eff orts to minimize the parks and game reserves depend on either natural rivers pressure on the remaining forest and vegetation stocks, countries. It has been an emotive issues as illustrated below: losses by selling livestock to the Kenya Meat Commission feeding the national parks or man made wells and dams thereby accelerating the processes of land degradation. (KMC) were futile, as most of the herds were lost on for its survival. However, many of these rivers have In addition, the production of biomass energy poses a ‘Th e concept of food miles is unhelpful and stupid. transit while many more were lost in KMC’s premises’. reduced in water volume while others have completely threat to competing land use systems such as agriculture, It doesn’t inform about anything except the distance In addition, outbreaks of diseases like the Rift dried-up. Cases of wildlife deaths have increased in the forestry and human sett lements among others (Ministry travelled,’ Dr Adrian Williams, of the National Valley Fever (RVF) and a myriad of others (Wildlife recent past, with the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) of Energy 2002). Climate change will lead to drying up Resources Management Centre at Cranfi eld Conservation Society 2008), have been linked to climate reporting the death of 14 elephants in 2007, 28 in 2008 and decline in productive biomass, thus aff ecting the University, on an interview with Th e Observer change. Th e outbreak of RVF is known to occur during and 37 in 2009 due to ‘extraordinary and prolonged dry supply of biomass fuel and wood. Newspaper (McKie 2008). periods of high humidity that follow abnormally long seasons.’ Lately, the reduction in the volume of the Mara Petroleum products account for 22%, the bulk of which rains especially those associated with El Niño-Southern River, due to climatic variations and the destruction of is used for transport, manufacturing and commercial In addition, researchers have been arguing that there are Oscillation (ENSO) events. Th is has great toll on livestock the Mau catchment, has had a toll on the eighth wonder sectors. many other aspects of the agricultural processing and the production as the industry loses the local and export of the world – the spectacular migration of hundreds Electricity, by virtue of its versatility in application is food supply chain that also contribute to greenhouse gas market. Currently, Kenya has been batt ling a ban on the of wildebeests between the Serengeti National Park crucial for economic growth, and access to electricity is emissions which are not taken into account by simple “food export of meat to the European Union (EU) market until in Tanzania and the Maasai Mara Reserve in Kenya associated with high quality of life. It accounts for 9% of miles” measurements. For instance the labeling, by some 2010 for its failure to control RVF and foot and mouth across the Mara River. Th is puts the countries tourism the total energy mix (MoE). Kenya’s electricity supply supermarkets in the UK, of beans fr om Kenya with a sticker disease, and this has led to loss of income. In fulfi lment of sector at risk as the number of wildlife declines due to largely depends on hydro sources, which account for over that has an image of a plane on it to indicate that carbon the EU precondition to lift ing the ban, the Government, reduced drinking water and the increasing inhabitable half of the total eff ective capacity (1332.2 MW) while dioxide fr om aviation fuel was emitt ed in importing such a through the Ministry of Livestock Development, has wilderness. Some areas have experience human-wildlife geothermal sources account for 12.2%, with the remaining commodity does not take into account the entire production initiated a programme to create disease free zones. confl icts, resulting not only from human encroachment 29.7% predominantly from petroleum oil based thermal Within pastoralist communities the Arid and Semi into wildlife habitats but also due to wildlife straying

28 29 Heinrich Böll Foundation 2010 --Climate Change Vulnerability and Adaptation Preparedness in Kenya------Background: country profi le and vulnerability analysis------being a key gateway in and out of the East African calamitous implications for Kenya’s overstretched and Population displacement and migration from climate region. Th e rising water levels in the oceans, all as a under resourced public health sector. Th is is likely to disaster-prone areas (e.g. drought prone northern Kenya, result of melting ice in the Polar Regions, and rising sea aff ect the country’s economy as the government will be and sea-level rise in the coastal region) are expected to generation (MoE). Kenya’s solar energy provision is temperature – caused by global warming, will not only required to spend more and more in the health sector. increase. It is expected that most of those on the move from also increasing quite fast2. Currently, solar photovoltaic aff ect the operation of the harbour but also destroy the rural areas will head towards urban agglomerations where (PVs) provide 4 MW of off -grid electricity, mainly to coastal road network. With climate change extreme Human settlements and land use assistance, income opportunities and infrastructure may small household rural-based consumers. Communities weather events such as fl oods expected to increase, both Most of Kenya’s population is rural, living in scatt ered be perceived to be more accessible and readily available. especially in the central region of the country are also in severity and frequency of occurrence, this is likely to sett lements. Th e location and concentration largely Th is will create an enormous social, health, infrastructure engaged in micro-hydro power production where the aff ect the country’s road and rail network, and the design depends on the climatic and soil conditions. Highly and management challenge for cities, subjecting them to resource is available. of drainage and sewer systems. A case in point is the El productive agricultural areas that comprised the belt that unplanned population growth. According to the United Such extreme events like drought and fl oods associated Niño fl oods that disrupted several sections of the Nairobi- runs from the northwest of Nairobi to the Uganda border States Agency for International Development (USAID), to climate change have reduced the volume of river fl ow Mombasa highway and several other roads and bridges have a high population density. Cities and towns such as recurrent droughts in Kenya have already forced many trough evaporation and siltation. Th is has dramatically in the country. Th e damage caused by the eight-month Nairobi, Mombasa and Eldoret have been recording high rural residents to seek refuge in cities and towns where reduced the country’s potential over the 1997/1998 El-niño rains to the country’s transport and population growth largely due to migration from rural without any assets and litt le skill for urban income past 20 years. Despite att empts to diversify the country’s telecommunication infrastructure was estimated at US$ areas. generation, they fi nd life unbearable. electricity generation through geothermal and other 1 billion (W.M. Ngecu and E.M. Mathu, 1999). Such Land is currently the most important resource from Proper land use and sett lement are key component sources, the sector is still vulnerable as demand is events also destroy telephone and which the country generates goods and services for the in adaptation to climate change. Th erefore land policy increasing with population and scientists predict that electricity lines, and other utilities. All this will greatly people. Th e national economy is primarily agro-based. adopted by parliament in 2009 is a very important with climate change the demand for electricity is going aff ect the country’s economy. As such it is prudent to put Ninety percent of the population living in rural areas document. Th ough the policy was not formulated under to be higher, due to the expected demand for heating, measures in place to cater for such eventualities. derives its livelihood directly from land. To these people, the frame work of a changing climate, it recognizes and air conditioning and refrigeration, yet generation from land resources are the means to a livelihood determining tried to address key concerns that are fundamental hydro is declining. For instance, the 1999-2000 droughts 2.5 Social infrastructure the levels of prosperity or poverty, fulfi lling social to adaptation to climate change in Kenya. Th is land caused extended power cuts across the country. Since obligations, and also conferring social status and political policy provides an overall framework and defi nes the then, power cuts have been a yearly experience aff ecting Human health power (Kenya Land Alliance [n.d.]). Th e countries key measures required to address the critical issues of the manufacturing, agro-processing industries and A country’s healthcare system aff ects all other aspects high population growth has increased pressure on land, land administration, access to land, land use planning, small scale enterprises. A study by AFREPREN (2009) of development, starting with the productivity of the resulting in unsustainable land use. As the increased restitution of historical injustices, environmental indicates that the estimated loss of GDP due to power population. Global warming trends are likely to alter the number of people search for economic security; over- degradation, confl icts, unplanned proliferation of sector crises in 2006-2008 was estimated at about 1.45% patt erns of infectious diseases across the world – not least cultivation, expansion of cultivated land and overgrazing, informal urban sett lements, outdated legal framework, of Kenya’s GDP which translates to US$ 442 Million. in Kenya. Kenya can almost certainly expect an increase have triggered the invasion and degradation of forests, institutional framework and information management. It Between August and September 2009, KPLC was in the incidence, geographical spread and number of water and mineral resources. also addresses constitutional issues, such as compulsory forced to sanction another round of power rationing due people aff ected by such diseases as malaria, yellow fever Climate change is going to exacerbate this situation, acquisition and development control as well as tenure. to the shutt ing down of Masinga and Kiambere hydro and encephalitis. Already, there are signs that malaria for directly and indirectly aff ecting human sett lement and It recognizes the need for security of tenure for all power plants, occasioned by tremendous drop in the instance, is spreading to highland areas such as Kericho land use. Extreme climate conditions such as high wind, Kenyans (all socio-economic groups, women, pastoral volumes of these dams. Th e economic implication of this and Nairobi where it is not known to be endemic, and heavy rainfall, heat and cold can result in a wide range communities, informal sett lement residents and is yet to be quantifi ed but could even be greater than that this has been att ributed to climate change (Yanda 2006). of scenarios such as tropical storms, fl oods, landslides, other marginalized groups). Th rough the policy, the due to the 1999-2000 droughts given that the economy is A study by the Stockholm Environment Institute projects droughts and sea-level rise. Climatic catastrophes make government seeks to put land into productive use on a still reeling from the eff ects of the post election violence that by 2055, as a result of climate warming (of just over populations to be displaced (or decimated by death), sustainable basis by facilitating the implementation of key (PEV). 20C), the population at risk for malaria in rural areas over which in turn can lead to confl icts and civil unrest. principles on land use, productivity targets and guidelines Th e country’s economy and eventual industrialization 1000 metres above sea leve (which comprises 63.5% of Landslides caused by heavy storms have in the past as well as conservation. It will encourage a multi-sectoral not only depends on energy production and supply, the population of Kenya) would increase by 89%. Th e claimed many lives especially in the Kenya highlands. approach to land use, provide social, economic and other but also on a good transport and communication potential additional malaria cases that might arise could Insurance agencies and government would be incentives and put in place an enabling environment infrastructure. Th e country’s transport infrastructure have economic costs in excess of $ 80 million per year burdened with having to make reparations to individuals for investment, agriculture, livestock development and spreads from air, land to sea, with the Kilindini harbour (Stockholm Environmental Institute 2009). for property damage and loss, unemployment, clean-up, the exploitation of natural resources (Ministry of Lands Increased occurrence of fl oods due to heavy rains is and reduced socioeconomic viability of the communities 2009). 2 Currently, Kenya leads the world in household solar systems also likely to spark incidences of water borne diseases aff ected. acquisition rate, with over 30000 units sold per year (Jacobson 2004). such as cholera. All of these likely events have potentially

30 31 Heinrich Böll Foundation 2010 --Climate Change Vulnerability and Adaptation Preparedness in Kenya------Background: country profi le and vulnerability analysis------facilitate gender mainstreaming in national development. advantage of and linking the adaptation to CC and decision making processes. In addition, relations Th e commission is a strategic and positive achievement CV. Th e following are some of the key gender issues between women and men create power relations that if coordinated properly, is going to address gender that require att ention in decentralized environmental that determine how they access and control benefi ts 2.6 Gender and climate change concerns in climate issues, given that women play a vital management; derived from natural resource management. As Women are more strongly aff ected by the eff ects of climate role in natural resource use and management. 1. Inadequate policies to address gender in such, if not addressed, some cultural norms will change and climate variabilty because they are more decentralized environmental management. undermine natural resource management and overall prone to the eff ects of climate change. Climate variability Impact of climate change and variability on 2. Low budgetary allocations for decentralized development eff orts. is dependent on issues such as wealth, technological vulnerable women environmental management and for implementing power, access to information, all of which are major Th e impacts associated to CC and CV vary from one social and gender issues. In conclusion, as a product of their social roles, women problem areas for women. Despite the importance of region to another, and within the same community as 3. Inadequate participation by women in local level perform a fundamental role in their communities in recognizing gender-related diff erences, both the United product of the magnitude and frequency of hazards decision making. Steps must be taken to ensure reducing the risk of disaster and searching for strategies Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change and and of the existing vulnerability, which can have that women are not excluded from decision-making of adaptation. Faced with the manifestations of CV and the Kyoto Protocol fail on referring the issue. Nonetheless, varying degrees within societies. Generally the poorest processes concerning natural resources and its CC, their knowledge and experience should be taken experience has shown that women generally understand populations and marginal groups are impacted the most; entitlements. In decentralized natural resource into account when planning adaptation processes for bett er the causes and local consequences of changes nevertheless, there can be a diff erential eff ect on men and management several local institutions are in place vulnerable communities. However, it is important to in the climatic conditions and have the knowledge and women as a consequence of their social roles, inequalities and a strategy needs to be put in place to determine consider that in these processes men also intervene and skills for orienting the adaptation process. It is also in the access to and control of resources, and their low how both men and women will participate in the could play decisive roles. Th erefore, it is necessary to stated that women have unique capacities as community participation in decision-making. various levels including the District Environmental promote strategies for adaptation through inclusive and leaders or managers of natural resources and that they In many parts of the world, and closer home in Kenya, Committ ees, Task forces/working groups and consultative processes that give participation to both men are underutilized in strategies for managing emergencies. women constitute the population most vulnerable thematic groups at all levels of decentralized and women exposed to risks, taking into account the needs Th eir responsibilities in households, communities and to CC and CV, due to certain inequitable conditions structures. and expectations of both, and addressing a perspective as stewards of natural resources position them well to and situations (vulnerability factors) that place them 4. Inadequate capacities in integrating gender equity of gender equity. In this sense, adaptation processes are develop strategies for adapting to changing environmental at risk. Empirical evidence shows that they suff er a concerns into decentralized environmental an opportunity for questioning and changing traditional realities (Carvajal-Escobar et. al. 2008). greater impact in a disaster or emergency; and economic management processes at local level e.g. appraisals, gender relations in society. Given the limited data losses have a disproportionate eff ect on economically planning, budgeting, Monitoring & Evaluation currently available on gender and CC and the invisibility Gender policy vulnerable women (Enarson 2000). Changes in the & developing gender sensitive indicators. Steps that women’s work still has in risk reduction and in the Th e country has made great strides not only in signing workload suggest that disasters increase women’s must be taken to strengthen capacities in the processes of adaptation, it is necessary to promote for international treaties that address gender concerns responsibilities in the domestic scene, in many paid and abovementioned areas so as to strengthen gender more and bett er documentation of experiences (best or but also in the policy side. Th e country developed and unpaid workplaces in the formal and informal sectors and mainstreaming at local level. lost practices) in this fi eld. enacted a gender policy (National Policy on Gender in the community during the stages of preparation and 5. Inequitable access to environmental resources. and Development), which provides a framework for mitigation (pre disaster), as well as in the reconstruction Women’s access to natural resources is extremely 2.7 Perspectives on impact and vulnerability the government to address genders inequalities. It stage (post-disaster). In the post-disaster stage there limited due to the traditional rules that restrict Th e above analyses show that climate change has and is also worth noting the progressive inclusion of the may also be high levels of violence against women. Men their right to resources like land, trees, water, etc. will severely impact the country. Th e country’s economic women’s agenda and their participation in decision frequently emigrate in search for work, leaving a gross Mechanism for guaranteeing equitable access to and livelihood systems are highly dependent on natural making at various levels (being achieved by affi rmative part of the processes of response and reconstruction in environmental resources, information and training, resources, which are very sensitive to any slight changed action, including the presidential directive on women’s the women’s hands. Nonetheless, their work in disasters enabling women to fi ll positions at various levels. in climatic conditions. Th is makes the country very representation in all elective positions and public offi ces). and in the adaptation processes to CC and CV is still 6. Cultural factors that inhibit women’s participation vulnerable to climate change. It is therefore mandatory In particular, women’s presence in the development highly invisible. (Carvajal-Escobar et. al. 2008). and equitable sharing of benefi ts. Kenya, like much to put in place policies and institutions that will address of National Development Plans and Strategies of Africa is a patriarchal society where women and prepare the country to handle the projected impacts (Government of Kenya 2004), both sectoral and multi- Gender in decentralized environmental have a lower status than their male counterparts. of climate change. Th e succeeding chapter outlines and sectoral where they categorically outline some gender management Th is diff erentiation is the result of the cultural and analyses current policies and institutions relevant to perspectives in approach and desegregate data by sex3. Th e inclusion of adaptation and risk management (RM) traditional value system that accords men higher climate change and proposes the need for new policies, Th is gave rise to the National Commission on Gender and in the processes of planning for development can reduce value than women. Cultural factors are signifi cant legislations and institutions. Development, with the mandate to advise Government existing risk factors and avoid social construction of new determinants of decision making and participation on gender concerns as well as coordinate, implement and ones in societies. Bearing in mind that CC introduces patt erns in natural resource management and 3 For example the National Household Survey, Th e Population new dimensions to the social construction of risk, it is may be blamed for low participation of women in Census Report, the MDG Reports, among other national documents. important to approach it with a holistic vision; taking

32 33 Heinrich Böll Foundation 2010 --Climate Change Vulnerability and Adaptation Preparedness in Kenya------Background: country profi le and vulnerability analysis------livestock, water, energy, food, land, wildlife, forest, 1. integrate environmental considerations in 2. Identify and raise awareness of opportunities industry, trade, arid and semi arid lands as well as disaster development planning, budgeting and decision- for adaptation measures through promotion of management. making processes for att aining the aspirations of appropriate technology transfer and capacity In 1999 both the Sessional Paper on Environment Vision 2030 and domestication of multilateral and building and Development and Environment Management regional environmental agreements; 3. Develop and implement under the Kyoto Three: and Coordination Bill were prepared. While the Bill 2. address the emerging environmental challenges such Protocol’s Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) was enacted by Parliament to become Environment as climate change unsustainable consumption and programmes and projects that encourage signifi cant Climate Change Management and Coordination Act of 1999 (EMCA production patt erns as well as unsustainable human levels of investment and technology transfer for 1999), the Sessional Paper was approved by the Cabinet sett lements; sustainable development but was not presented to the Parliament for debate and 3. provide a clear policy direction for eff ective 4. Develop an integrated, improved early warning and Adaptation adoption. Th us there is an environmental law without implementation of the Environmental Management response systems for climate and disaster risks with a a policy on environment. Normally national legislation and Coordination Act; clear strategy for dissemination of information to the Policy Analysis should be a refl ection of the government policy framework 4. harmonize confl icting policies in key sectors such as grassroots. from which the law is extrapolated. In colonial Kenya, water, forestry, wildlife, energy and agriculture with a 5. Build and strengthen research capacity on climate there were a number of strict policy positions which were view to enhancing cross- and inter-sectoral linkages; change and related environmental issues. of environmental signifi cance but these positions were 5. raise public awareness on environmental issues and associated with draconian approaches which were not enhance partnerships and stakeholder involvement; NEP rightly admits that climate change impacts are 3.1 Kenya’s environmental policy context popular with the Kenyan populace. 6. curb marked increase in environmental degradation increasing and will aff ect all sectors of the economy. It Th ere have been several eff orts to come up with Kenya’s legislation is diff use in nature with provisions and loss of biodiversity; and is however not clear whether the above measures will a comprehensive policy framework to guide the contained in a wide variety of sectoral statutes which have 7. decentralize and devolve environmental protection climate proof the sectors of the economy against climate management of the environment. Th e fi rst concern about yet to be amended to conform to EMCA. EMCA itself to the grassroots and enlist the participation of the change. But, the fact that the CCCU in the PM’s offi ce conservation and management of the environment was has been superseded by some more recent legislation and private sector, non-governmental organizations is ready to facilitate the implementation of the National voiced in the Sessional Paper No. 10 of 1965 on African there is an urgent need to harmonise the sectoral laws (NGOs), community based organizations (CBOs) Climate Change Strategy shows that a coordinating Socialism and its Application to Planning in Kenya which with the provisions of EMCA if Kenya hopes to realize and other non-state actors. ministry with powers to summon other ministries maybe recognized the need to conserve natural resources for all its goals of achieving poverty reduction, environmental in the offi ng, and may help harmonize climate change future generations and also expressed concern with the sustainability and sustainable development as enunciated 3.2 Policies relevant to climate change activities. quality of the environment. in the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) and National environmental policy Th e legal framework for environmental concerns Th e National Development Plans which have been Vision 2030. Th e need for a National Environment Policy Th e Draft National Environmental Policy (NEP) within Kenya is the Environmental Management and prepared from early 1970s to date have devoted specifi c arises from the identifi ed gaps in the Draft Sessional Paper 2008 treats climate change and disaster management Coordination Act No. 8 (EMCA) of 1999. However, sections to the protection and management of the on Environment and Development No. 6 of 1999 and the as an emerging environmental issue and states that the the EMCA has minimal content relating explicitly to environment. In 1982, the National Environment new environmental challenges, which have emerged since government will adopt two approaches in combating either adaptation to or mitigation of climate change. Secretariat (NES) in the then Ministry of Environment 1999. Furthermore, there is a growing acknowledgement climate change – mitigation and adaptation. Th e policy Th e EMCA institutionalizes a committ ee mandated to and Natural Resources (MENR) (now Ministry of of the urgent need to sustainably manage the fi nite natural recognizes that many of the natural disasters in Kenya are produce a National Environment Action Plan every 5 Environment and Mineral Resources) coordinated resources on which economic development and peoples’ climate related, e.g. fl oods, drought, occasional landslides, years. Yet no plans have emerged since 1994 (and even eff orts to draft a National Environment Enhancement livelihoods are anchored. increased disease episodes, etc, and that the economic then climate change was not mentioned). Th is leaves and Management Bill. In 1989, NES, through the Inter- impact of these disasters cut across the key sectors of the legitimacy of the NCCACC in serious question and ministerial Committ ee on the Environment (IMCE), Rationale and justifi cation for an environment the economy, with agricultural production, industrial the issue of climate change vastly underrepresented. initiated eff orts to formulate a Sessional Paper on the policy processing, manufacturing, tourism, infrastructure Whilst there are provisions within EMCA 1999 for the Environment. However, both eff orts did not bear fruit Th e need for a comprehensive National Environment and public health being the most impacted. Th e policy Minister for Environment to issue regulations around due to vested and sectoral interests. Policy arose from the identifi ed gaps in the Draft anticipates that with climate change, the frequency and coastal erosion or mangrove conservation – that may be Since 1992, there have been a number of initiatives Sessional Paper and new environmental challenges that intensity of extreme weather events such as fl oods and of use in adaptation to climate change – a comprehensive related to utilization of natural resources and have emerged since 1999. Th ere was also a growing droughts will increase. approach and understanding around adaptation which management of the environment an example being the awareness of the urgent need to sustainably manage the In order to deal with Climate Change, NEP suggests tackles vulnerable pastoral and agricultural communities, National Environment Action Plan (NEAP) which was fi nite natural resources on which economic development the following staged measures: for instance, is lacking entirely. Although there are formulated in 1994. A number of sectoral policies have and people’s livelihoods depend. In particular, the need 1. Develop and implement a National Climate Change opportunities for mitigation through use of incentives/ been prepared and some are in the process of being to Strategy developed. Th ese include policies related to agriculture,

34 35 Heinrich Böll Foundation 2010 --Climate Change Vulnerability and Adaptation Preparedness in Kenya------Climate Change Adaptation Policy Analysis------fuel power plants of at least 50MW. Th ese are obviously the forest policy is a very important policy and needs to conservation and not climate change. Th ere are a myriad not renewable specifi c. Whilst the Sessional Paper be revised so as to capture all the opportunities associated of climate change opportunities in forestry both on disincentives in section 57 of EMCA, and reduction of represented a promising vision for Kenya’s energy path with forestry. mitigation and adaptation such as REDD which the emissions through proposed Air Quality Regulations in this has not been backed up with subsequent actions. Up until 2007, the Forestry Policy in use had been policy has not captured. section 78, there is need to amend the EMCA in light of Renewable energy policy aspirations in Kenya were Sessional paper No. 1 of 1968, but in 2007 Ministry of the shortcoming and the fact that a new Environmental missing from the subsequent Energy Act of 2006 where Environment and Natural Resources (now Ministry of Rangelands policy Policy is soon to be established. only 2 out of 113 pages were dedicated to renewables. As Environment and Mineral Resources) published the Th e rangelands policy is necessitated by the fact that such the 2006 Act is not strong on promoting renewables Draft Sessional paper No. 1 of 2007 on Forest policy. nearly 80% of the country is ASAL. Att empts to develop The energy policy and includes only vague commitments to developing a Th e objectives of this policy are to: a rangeland policy started in 1979, but it was in 2004 Th e energy policy will play a great role in climate change national strategy for research and creating an “enabling 1. Contribute to poverty reduction, employment that the country got the Draft National Policy for the especially in mitigation of climate change, through energy framework”. Th e Act does not include any legally binding creation and improvement of livelihoods through Sustainable development of ASALs. Th e main objective effi ciency and promotion of renewable energy. targets or strategies to promote renewable energy and sustainable use, conservation and management of of this policy is to provide a coherent and practical Th e Policy is contained in Sessional paper no. 4 of 2004 leaves decisions very much with the Minister of Energy. forests and trees; framework for the implementation and realization of a and focuses on all forms of energy including bioenergy. Other policy proposals around fi nancing, pre-feasibility 2. Contribute to sustainable land use through soil, new vision for ASAL development in Kenya. Th e policy Article 103, Part V, of the Energy Act 2006 which studies, codes of practice, and taxbreaks and policies, in water and biodiversity conservation, and tree sets out the overarching principles and broad actions became operational on 7th July 2007 addresses renewable order to promote renewables are all missing from the Act. planting through the sustainable management of required to transform the Kenyan ASALs into national energies, energy effi ciency and conservation. Th is is inconsistent with original EMCA law that includes forests and trees; wealth and employment creators. Th is policy addresses Th e 2004 Sessional Paper’s vision is to ‘promote provisions for tax rebates for organisations investing in 3. Promote the participation of the private sector, many issues that are relevant to climate change especially equitable access to quality energy services at least cost pollution control, recycling and renewable energy. communities and other stakeholders in forest on adaptation. Th e policy highlights the following key while protecting the environment’ covers renewable However the Energy Act does make provision for management to conserve water catchment areas, issues: the interdependence of ASALs and non-ASAL energy extensively with one third of the paper focused a new Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC), with create employment, reduce poverty and ensure the areas, sustainable investments that will tap into the solely on renewable energy. It outlines short, mid and the ability to negotiate contracts, and points out some sustainability of the forest sector; potential of ASALs, community participation in ASAL long-term energy strategies proposing to increase of the weaknesses in over-reliance on current power 4. Promote farm forestry to produce timber, woodfuel development, decentralized planning, diversifi cation of renewables within the energy mix through constructive procurement methods. and other forest products; livelihood systems, local institutional and organizational policy provisions and research requirements Th e Energy Act 2006 specifi cally, mandates the 5. Promote dryland forestry to produce woodfuel and development, improving ASAL land tenure and land use Th e Sessional Paper committ ed the government Ministry of Energy to perform the following duties to supply wood and non-wood forest products; polices, providing services to mobile pastoralist and agro- to make funding available to undertake geothermal directly relevant to biofuels development: 6. Promote forest extension to enable farmers and pastoralists, addressing vulnerability to natural hazards resource assessments, as well as pre-feasibility studies • Formulating a national strategy for coordinating other forest stakeholders to benefi t from forest and confl ict management. Even though the policy was not for hydropower, wind regimes, solar insolation and research in renewable energy; management approaches and technologies; and developed bearing in mind the impacts of climate change, municipal waste as energy sources. Th e establishment • Providing an enabling framework for the effi cient 7. Promote forest research, training and education to it highlights key issues that are relevant to adaptation to of a ‘Geothermal Development Company’ (GDC) is and sustainable production, distribution and ensure a vibrant forest sector. climate change. also proposed with government resources to undertake marketing of biomass, solar, wind, small hydro, geothermal exploration and production drilling, as well municipal waste, geothermal and charcoal; Th e Forest Act 2005 is expected to guide the Gender policy as managing steam fi elds and selling steam to KenGen • Promoting the use of fast maturing trees for implementation of the Forest Policy. Th e Forest Act Th e country has made great strides not only in signing and independent power producers (IPPs). Th is has led energy including biofuels and the establishment 2005 provide for: the involvement of communities international treaties that address gender concerns to the establishment of the GDC which is a currently in of commercial woodlots including peri-urban living adjacent to forests and other stakeholders in the but also in the policy side. Th e country developed and operation. plantations; management and conservation of forests, the eco-system enacted a gender policy (the National policy on Gender Furthermore, the Sessional Paper also outlines • Promoting the development of appropriate approach to the management of forests, provision of and Development NPGD 2000) in 2000, which provides commitments to promote research and development local capacity for the manufacture, installation, appropriate incentives to promote sustainable use and a framework for the government to address genders in renewable energy technology, and to “formulate and maintenance and operation of basic renewable management of forest resources, transformation of the inequalities. Th is gave rise to the National Commission enforce standards and codes of practice on renewable technologies such as bio-digesters, solar systems Forest Department into a semi-autonomous Kenya Forest on Gender and Development, established in 2004, with technologies to safeguard consumer interests.” Proposals and hydro turbines; Service and recognition of local and global forestry issues the mandate to advise Government on gender concerns for government guarantees for private companies were and challenges to ensure fair contribution of the forestry as well as coordinate, implement and facilitate gender also listed such as investing in hydropower through Forestry policy sector in economic development. mainstreaming in national development. Th is is a strategic long term targets around the provision of fi scal benefi ts, In view of the emerging debate and climate change Even though the policy covers a wide scope of issues and positive achievement that if coordinated properly, is including a ten-year tax holiday for geothermal and fossil opportunities in the forest sector especially on REDD, concerning forest, they are geared towards environmental

36 37 Heinrich Böll Foundation 2010 --Climate Change Vulnerability and Adaptation Preparedness in Kenya------Climate Change Adaptation Policy Analysis------requisite information of the subject matt er. Climate change. Th e only policy that has come close to dealing enterprises or establishment of new income change considerations have been seen as less crucial to with climate change “exhaustively” is the draft National generating activities by poor rural and urban women developmental progress and because of limited public Environmental Policy (NEP) of 2008. Th e Strategy and men, e.g. going to address gender concerns in climate issues, given understanding, have therefore failed to att ract budgetary therefore recommends that a comprehensive climate • making energy saving stoves (jikos) accessible and that women play a vital role in natural resource use and allocation. However, the recognition of climate change change policy be put in place, by either aff ordable to all, especially women management. within Vision 2030 hopefully represents a growing and • reviewing the clauses on climate change of the draft • planting of emerging crops i.e. aloe-vera, neem, and wider appreciation from the central government of the NEP and enacting it (the draft NEP) and/or mangrove trees as alternative sources of income Development strategies importance of the issue and a shift from climate change • enacting a new climate change policy. Mainstreaming climate change into government being assessed solely as an environmental issue, to one 3.3 Appropriate policy/legal framework development strategies including the Economic Recovery that is championed by national development concerns. Th is should be followed by a review of existing laws (in With regard to climate change, the diff erence between Strategy 2003-2007 (ERS), the National Development particular, the Environment Management Coordination policy and law and the role of each of these in addressing Plan (NDP) 2002-2008 (2002), and Kenya’s Vision 2030 The national climate change response strategy Act, EMCA of 1999) to make them climate change the problems of climate change need to be clarifi ed. (2007) is important. Kenya has developed a National Climate Change responsive and/or enactment of a comprehensive climate Policy can be defi ned as a purposeful statement by a Vision 2030 does make reference to climate change Response Strategy (2010) which seeks to strengthen change law, whichever the path Kenya will choose to government expressing its recognition of a problem and adaptation in the context of building capacity as part of nationwide focused actions towards adapting to, and follow. However, the Strategy recommends that a new stating its commitment to address a problem through the Environment. Th e vision also does state as a specifi c militating against a changing climate by ensuring climate change legislation be enacted, a process, which specifi ed actions. One of the key functions of policy is goal under environmental management, the aim of commitment and engagement of all stakeholders while could run concurrently with the policymaking. to advise and direct the government and the governed att racting at least 5 Clean Development Mechanisms taking into account the vulnerable nature of our natural Th e Strategy established that institutions currently in on necessary actions to address identifi ed problems. (CDM) projects per year in the next fi ve years. However, resources and society as a whole. Th e strategy place to govern climate change aff airs are inadequate. However, given that policy is not binding, there would the Water Catchment Management Initiative is a relevant • enhances understanding of the global climate change It consequently recommended that a dedicated and be no legal consequence on a government or a people environmental fl agship project. regime: the negotiations process, international adequately funded climate change secretariat be for failing to implement their policy. Th erefore, every Th e environment section of the NDP states that the agreements, policies and processes and most established within the Ministry of Environment and policy ought to be translated into law for eff ective government and agencies will “formulate policies that importantly the positions Kenya needs to take in Mineral Resources to oversee climate change issues implementation but law has other functions that ought to minimize transport related environmental pollution from order to maximize benefi cial eff ects including the implementation of the adaptation and be well understood. the diff erent modes of transport”. Yet these sentiments • assesses the evidence and impacts of climate change mitigation programmes and the other aspects of the Th ese key points inform the need for an appropriate are not echoed within the transport section of this same in Kenya National Climate Change Response Strategy. Th is climate change legal framework in Kenya: document, Vision 2030 or the ERS. Th e NDP does • recommends robust adaptation and mitigation institution, including the proposed structures within it, • Law provides legitimacy for actions (programmes highlight adaptation issues in light of the El Nino - La measures needed to minimize risks associated with should be anchored on the provisions of the new climate and activities) to address the problem(s) that may Nina episode and outlines the UNFCCC commitments climate change while maximizing opportunities change laws to be enacted. otherwise be unacceptable. including “carrying out national programmes for • enhances understanding of climate change and its Women are particularly vulnerable to climate • Law sets goals that a society desires to accomplish in mitigating climate change and adaptation to climate impacts nationally and in local regions change because they are more prone to the light of a recognized problem. change.” Th ere is an appreciation of the impact of • recommends vulnerability assessment, impact adverse impacts from climate change. • Law is the only acceptable tool in regulating human climate variability on, for example, water resources, and monitoring and capacity building framework needs Experience shows that vulnerability behaviour and conduct. a need to promote policies for sustainable environmental to respond to climate change is diff erentiated by gender. Adaptation to climate change • Law has offi cial sanctions which give it teeth against management. But these adaptation provisions do not • recommends research and technological needs to or indeed climate variability is dependent on issues such any non-compliance/disobedience. stretch to fundamental long-term changes in the climate. respond to climate change impacts, and avenues for as wealth, technological power, access to information, Climate change concerns are not considered within other transferring existing technologies all of which are major problem areas for women. Currently, there are a number of sectoral laws – including sections of the NDP even though this is an explicit aim • provides a conducive and enabling policy, legal and However, women can be key agents of adaptation and the new Forests Act (2005), Agriculture Act (Cap 318 of the NDP itself – “full integration of environmental institutional framework to combat climate change, mitigation to climate change. Th eir responsibilities in of Kenyan laws), etc – which address various aspects concerns in development planning at all levels of decision and households, communities and as stewards of natural of climate change, even though climate change is not making remains a challenge to the country.” • gives a concerted action plan, resource mobilization resources position them well to develop strategies the focus of the laws. Provisions of such laws ought Th e Economic Recovery Strategy (ERS) is silent on plan, and a robust monitoring and evaluation plan to for adapting to changing environmental realities. Th e to be carefully analysed and reviewed to determine the issue of climate change adaptation and mitigation. combat climate change. NCCRS recommends expanding the Consolidated which ones may be strengthened to facilitate climate Th is could be att ributed to the Ministry of National Social Development Fund and Women Enterprise Fund change mitigation and adaptation in related sectors. In Planning and Development’s limited ability to integrate An analysis of existing environmental policy and legal to address the following social and gender based response addition, there is a comprehensive environmental law – climate information within the planning process as framework revealed that Kenya currently has no policies strategies: the Environmental Management and Coordination Act they lack the capacity and the tools to interpret the or laws that deal directly and explicitly with climate • disburse self-help grants for boosting existing

38 39 Heinrich Böll Foundation 2010 --Climate Change Vulnerability and Adaptation Preparedness in Kenya------Climate Change Adaptation Policy Analysis------scaling down and therefore ought to be avoided. As of coordination of activities by the diff erent sectors, a cost cutt ing measure, the process of making a new Four: implementation of policy, lack of capacity for technology climate change law may run concurrently with policy transfer, duplication of activities by the diff erent sectors (EMCA) – which has relevant provisions for mitigation making. and lack of assessment of the natural resource base and its against climate change. Th ese include provisions for Climate Change economic value. the establishment of air quality standards together with 3.4 Policy perspective? emissions requirements (Part VIII), environmental So far the country cannot be said to have made adequate Adaptation Ministry of Environment and Mineral Resources impact assessment requirements (Part VI) and eff ort to formulate policies and legislations to address (MEMR) environmental restoration orders and environmental climate change. Th e only policy that has climate change Th e Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources conservation orders (Part IX). provisions is the yet to be approved draft National Institutional and comprises three technical departments namely; Forests, However, this Act does not eff ectively address several Environmental Policy. Even then the policy cannot be said Resource Survey and Remote Sensing, and Mines climate change issues including to have strong provisions on climate change adaptation Actors’ Analysis and Geology. Th e State Corporations in the Ministry • development of national inventories of and mitigation. It merely states that a CC strategy are National Environmental Management Authority anthropogenic emissions of GHG in Kenya by should be developed. Th e other environmental policies (NEMA) and Kenya Forestry Research Institute source and removal of GHG by sinks are equally weak - the energy policy, the forest policy (KEFRI). MEMR hosts several institutions that are in • national framework for carbon fi nance and the ASAL policy, all lean towards environmental charge of climate change, they include: management, yet climate change is a concern that is • development of national and regional programmes to 4.1 Government ministries beyond environmental management. Although the Directorate of Environment mitigate climate change by addressing anthropogenic Th e main mandate of government ministries is the formulation of the National Climate Change Response Between 2008 and 2009, the Ministry of Environment emissions by source formulation, implementation and enforcement Strategy is a positive step towards addressing climate and Mineral Resources (MEMR) established its • promotion of education, training and awareness on of policies. As far as climate change is concerned, change, there is need for strong policies that address Directorate of Environment (DOE) headed by an climate change; appropriate technology transfer government ministries are involved either directly in mitigation and adaptation, giving guidelines on Environment Secretary. At the moment the DOE has 3 arrangements and their authorization, and climate change projects and/or indirectly through the integration and mainstreaming of these into our sectors directorates covering • access to environmentally sound technologies etc. development and management of natural resources and institutions. In order to eff ectively and effi ciently • policy formulation, interpretation and projects. Th e government ministries directly involved in combat the impact of climate change a strong policy implementation For this reason, there ought to be a law that provides climate change activities are the Ministry of Environment has got to be enacted fi rst before a legislation. It does • programmes, projects and strategic initiatives, and legitimacy for all climate change activities including and Mineral Resources (MEMR) and the Ministry of not bode well for the country that there is a motion in • multilateral agreements necessary actions intended to mitigate against climate Forests and Wildlife (MoF&W). Parliament to discuss a climate change law before a policy change such as provisions authorizing carbon trading. MoF&W is currently involved in policy research on has been developed. Th e lessons we have learnt with the Th e Department of Multilateral Conventions is directly Th e way to arrive at this law could be through Reduced Emissions from Deforestation and Forest implementation of EMCA, 1999 without a proper policy in charge of UNFCCC related policy activities. Th e • strengthening existing EMCA provisions to Degradation (REDD). Th e Kenya Forest Service, which should not be repeated. Department of Programmes oversees implementation of adequately provide for climate change adaptation is under the MOF&W has one expert who normally Chapter 4 below examines existing institutions relevant projects including Natural Resource Management (NRM) and mitigation measures agreed in the UNFCCC assists government during negotiations on green house to climate change and analyses their ability to address and Climate Change. Th ese measures have strengthened and its Kyoto Protocol, and/or emissions from land use and land use change and forestry climate change. Th is is because strong institutions are the Ministry’s supervisory role. Despite proposals • developing a new legislation on climate change, in (LULUCF). Th ere is need to build more capacity. essential not only in the implementation of the NCCRS within the NCSA Report, climate change adaptation which case, the National Environment Authority Th e other ministries indirectly involved in climate but also in the formulation and implementation of as a key principle of environmental management still (NEMA) should take the lead as Section 124 of the change activities include Ministry of Land, Ministry of policies that directly address climate change concerns does not seem to appear in the most recent MEMR’s EMCA obligates it (NEMA) to initiate legislative Water and Irrigation, the ministry of Northern Kenya such as adaptation and mitigation. Strategic Plan for 2006-2010, which is completely silent proposals for the purpose of giving domestic eff ects and other arid lands, the Ministry of Fisheries, Ministry on climate change issues. Whilst the Strategic Plan sees to international agreements to which Kenya is a of Tourism, Ministry of Public Heath and Sanitation, “mainstreaming environmental concerns into overall Party. Development of a new law on climate change the Ministry of Agriculture and the Ministry of Energy. planning” as a key objective, climate change adaptation would require that the law-making process be gone Th ese ministries are involved in projects that are mostly is not listed as a priority area and indeed, does not seem through. Although the making of a new legislation centered on providing policy guidance on community to be considered as part of environmental management. may be time-consuming and expensive, it may, given empowerment, primary healthcare, domestic water However, MEMR has recognized this problem and has the current circumstances in Kenya, be the bett er supply, crop agriculture, and livestock development. since developed a National Climate Change Strategy. option, especially in view of the fact that any action Other challenges existing in the ministries include that exposes EMCA to a review might lead to its lack of monitoring systems for impacts of projects, lack

40 41 Heinrich Böll Foundation 2010 --Climate Change Vulnerability and Adaptation Preparedness in Kenya------Climate Change Adaptation Policy Analysis------mitigation projects under the Kyoto protocol. Th e coordination of climate change activities is In 2005 NEMA undertook a Climate Change National Th erefore the DNA relies heavily on the National Clean undertaken by the National Climate Change Focal Point Capacity Needs Self-Assessment (NCSA), and adaptation Development Mechanism (CDM) Clearing House and (NCCFP) in NEMA. Th e role of the NCCFP is to was identifi ed as the chief priority for Kenya in response National Climate Change Activities the ed-hoc working groups under the NCCACC in its • coordinate national climate change activities to climate change based on relevance to other policy and Coordinating Committee work. Due to fi nancial and staff constraints, the CDM • liaison with the UNFCCC Secretariat development goals (NEMA, 2005). Th e Report detailed Th e National Climate Change Activities Coordination promotional activities are very limited in scale and • act as the secretary to the National Climate Change the need for Kenya to address gaps in its capacity to cope Committ ee (NCCACC) has 25 members drawn from scope. Th e National CDM Clearing House draws its Activities Coordination Committ ee and the four with climate change. Capacity needs within Kenya are the Ministries of Agriculture, Energy, Environment membership from the National Climate Change Activities technical working groups listed as systemic, institutional and individual and cover and Natural Resources, Planning, Finance, Industry, Coordination Committ ee. Th e functions of the Clearing the following concerns: and Research and Technology, together with local House have been combined with what the Global Th e authority core functions: • Systemic level: Th e paper depicts the need for a authorities, private sector and universities. Th e Environmental Facility (GEF) National Task force that • Co-ordinate the various environmental management well managed, funded and integrated network NCCACC is instrumental in coordinating the activities reviews and approves GEF projects. Th e Clearing House activities being undertaken by the lead agencies and of stakeholders, who share information, raise of the Government of Kenya on climate change. Th e Mechanism checks CDM projects for compliance with promote the integration of environmental concerns awareness and allow climate issues to fi lter into climate change focal point in NEMA and the Ministry national requirements and legislation as well as with the into development policies plans, programmes and mainstream policy making. of Environment and Mineral resources constitutes the sustainability criteria. According to the 2001 Guidelines projects. • Institutional level: Th e NCCACC is seen as the secretariat. Th e NCCACC has under it four technical on CMD, the Clearing House will be responsible for: • Assess natural resources, their utilization and ‘central agency’ to direct climate related activities working groups following the working structure for the Sett ing the criteria for CDM projects, processing of conservation for proper management of the and spearhead research and policy developments. national communications: CDM project proposals, monitoring and evaluation of environment. • Individual level: Specialized knowledge is • vulnerability all CDM projects, verifi cation and recommendation of • Examine land use patt erns to determine their impacts required, hence the need for capacity building. • mitigation and adaptation CDM project proposals for approval/disapproval by the on natural resources and use this information to However, there has been very litt le actual progress on • training, education and public awareness (cross NCCFP, liaison with stakeholders, promotion of CDM formulate land use guidelines. many of the Assessment’s recommendations. MEMR has cutt ing issues ) projects, coordination of all CDM projects, advising • Advice the government on the implementation of however moved and created a Department of Conventions • GHG inventory the government through the focal point on all issues relevant regional and international environmental within the Directorate of Environment whose overall pertaining to the CDM and development of a national conventions, treaties and agreements to which Kenya goal is to give directions to among other conventions, Kenya Meteorological Department (KMD) database for CDM projects is a party and those that Kenya should be a party. Biological Diversity, Combating Desertifi cation and MEMR is directly in charge of the Kenya Meteorological Kenya already has two registered project under • Mobilise and monitor the use of fi nancial and human Climate Change. Department, whose function include the provision of CDM. Th ese are Mumias Bagasse cogeneration and resources for environmental management meteorological and climatological services to agriculture, Olkaria III phase 2 geothermal expansion project. Other • Identify projects and programmes plans and policies Climate Change Coordination Unit (CCCU) forestry, water resources management, civil aviation and project in the pipeline include the KenGen geothermal that require environmental auditing and monitoring. A Climate Change Coordination Unit (CCCU) as part the private sector including industry, commerce and energy projects, Eburru Geothermal Project - 21 GWh, • Develop procedures and safeguards for the of Sustainability Unit has been established at the Prime public utilities for the bett er exploitation and utilization Redevelopment of Tana Power Station Project - 130.3 prevention of accidents, which cause environmental Ministers offi ce (PMO) with an initial support from the of natural resources for national development GWh, Optimization of Kiambere Power Project - 60 degradation and recommend remedial measures. Danish Embassy. In line with the supervisory function GWh, Kipevu Combined Cycle Power Project - 223 • Monitor and assess activities being carried out by of the PMO, the aim of the Unit is to provide high level National Environment Management Authority GWh and Sondu Miriu Power Project - 330 GWh, . All lead agencies to ensure that the environment is not political support to climate change activities in Kenya (NEMA) these are in the pipeline and it is anticipated that they will degraded; environment management objectives are through support to the Ministry of Environment and Th e National Environment Management Authority generate a total of 1,040 GWh, thus displacing 665,790 adhered to and adequate early warning on impending Mineral Resources. In addition to leveraging fi nancial 4 (NEMA) is established under the Environmental tons of CO2 p.a. Other players interest in CDM projects environmental emergencies are given. support to the climate change arena, the unit is to assist Management and Coordination Act (EMCA) No. 8 include Bamburi Cement manufacturers, the Kenya • Enhance environmental education and public in harmonizing ongoing and future activities in order of 1999, as the principal instrument of government Greenbelt Movement Reforestation Biocarbon Project, awareness in collaboration with lead agencies on the to assist in the integration of climate change into other in the implementation of all policies relating to the and KTDA micro-hydro project. However, Kenya’s need for sound environmental management as well government departments and sectors. environment. NEMA, under the oversight of the Ministry performance in CDM is still dismal and need to be as enlisting public support. of Environment and Mineral Resources (MEMR), is a improved especially in forestry and waste management • Publish and disseminate manuals, codes or Disaster Risk Management and Preparedness key government institution overseeing climate change where there are huge opportunities. Th e reasons given for guidelines and render advice and technical support Th e Offi ce of the President (PO) hosts most institutions issues in Kenya. Kenya’s poor performance include corruption, low level where possible to entities engaged in natural that deal with disaster management in Kenya. Th e NEMA hosts the Designated National Authority awareness of CDM potential on the part of private sector, resources management. National Disaster Operations Centre (NOC) is charged (DNA) responsible for approving Climate change particularly investment and fi nancial organizations. • Prepare annual state of environment reports and the periodic environment action plans. 4 www.kengen.co.ke

42 43 Heinrich Böll Foundation 2010 --Climate Change Vulnerability and Adaptation Preparedness in Kenya------Climate Change Adaptation Institutional and Actors’ Analysis-- DRSRS is a department within the Ministry of Education (RDE) to engage with PANERECC to ensure of eastern Africa. Th ere are projects in Vihiga and Environment and Mineral Resources. It collects and that a good bill, that takes into account Kenya’s aspiration Embu districts under this programme. collates data and information on land use changes, as articulated in the NDP and Vision 2030, and one that • Africa Network for Agriculture, Agro-forestry and with the coordination of the response and relief during including through satellites, and conducts censuses of prioritizes adaptation is passed. Natural Resources education ANAFE. Th is is a emergencies and disasters. If a major disaster situation resources such as wildlife and livestock. MPs are also involved in the international arena network of 117 educational institution in Africa is declared, an inter-ministerial committ ee at PS level Th e Ministry of Trade and Industry together with through the recently created Pan African Parliamentary whose objective is to strengthen the teaching of is formed and the NOC functions as its secretariat. KIRDI and with support from UNIDO formed the Kenya Network on Climate Change. Th e country hosted the multi-disciplinary approaches to land management Th e NOC is also responsible for coordinating the National Cleaner Production Centre (KNCPC) which is second Pan-African Parliamentary Network on Climate • SearNet. It was established in 2003 and its focus is disaster response preparedness, including the training registered as a Trust within the ministry. It is one of the Change Summit in October 2009. During the summit, in water harvesting. Some of SearNet’s projects are and capacity building within the diff erent institutions over 35 National Cleaner Production Centres (NCPCs) MPs agreed on key climate change issues that aff ect domestic rainwater harvesting in Kusa village, ground that have a role to play during disasters. Agencies that were solely established to help industrialists and African countries from global down to country level. water prospecting in Kirinyaga District, hydrologic responsible for early warning systems inform NOC in businesses in developing countries and those ones Some of the issues agreed on include: the importance of assessment of small-holder runoff catchments case of emerging disasters. Th e Kenyan Food Security with transition economies to remain competitive and the Kyoto protocol as binding agreement and the need schemes in Machakos District, impact of rain water Structure is specifi cally charged with the coordination increase their profi tability by reducing their water and for climate change adaptation funds for African countries. harvesting in Lare division, market focused water of the monitoring of the food security situation and energy consumption, pollution emissions and waste shed development, rainwater harvesting for banana the humanitarian relief distribution. It hosts monthly volumes whilst improving on their product quality and 4.4 International NGOs, including UN and production in Magoya, Siaya District. meetings on the food security situation with key national work place safety. Currently the centre conducts training related bodies stakeholders as well as bilateral and multilateral donors in areas of energy and environmental management. In Th e following are some of the International NGOs Th e key UN organisations involved in climate change in involved in food security and relief issues. Th ere is a addition, the centre is implementing an eco-labelling with climate change activities in the country: WWF, Kenya are, the United Nations Development Programme contingency fund for drought response relief within the project that is supposed to help the country increase her International Union for Conservation of Nature (UNDP) and United Nations Environment Programme Offi ce of the President with resources from WB, EU and international competitiveness on leather footwear and (IUCN), Birdlife International, Care International, (UNEP). GoK. ease the marketing of the product. Th e centre is going to Action Aid, World Vision, Oxfam, International Institute Th e UNDP provides advice to government on play an even greater role in future as the European market for Sustainable Development (IISD) and International key development issues and challenges. UNDP is 4.2 Government parastatals becomes more conscious of ‘carbon foot prints’ Development Research Centre (IDRC). implementing various climate change adaptation projects Parastatals are key policy implementing agencies of their IUCN has a regional climate change and development in collaboration with the Ministry of Environment and line ministry. Th ey are also involved as implementing 4.3 The National Assembly of Kenya programme, that includes vulnerability assessments Mineral Resources, the Ministry of Water and Irrigation, agencies for projects initiated or funded by the NGOs, Th e legislators have a great role in enacting laws that using a tool called CriSTAL (Community-based Risk the Kenya Meteorological Department and the UNDP UN & related bodies and the development partners. Key can greatly infl uence the response to climate change. Screening Tool - Adaptation & Livelihoods) and piloting Dryland Development Centre. parastals involved in Climate Change are: Th e National Kenya’s National Assembly has not been left out. Th e of adaptation activities at community level. Under climate change mitigation, UNDP through the Environmental Management Authority (NEMA), Kenya Parliamentary Committ ee on Energy Communication WWF-EARPO has been implementing a climate UNDP-GEF is working with the Ministry of Trade and Meteorological Department (KMD), Kenya Forest and Public Works (Th e PC-ECPW) in the Kenya change mainstreaming project, with funding from the Industry and the Kenya Association of Manufacturers Service (KFS), KenGen and the Department of Resource National Assembly hosts PANERECC the Parliamentary Norwegian Government for its freshwater programme (KA M) in a project - the GEF-KA M Industrial Energy Survey and Remote Sensing (DRSRS). Network on Renewable Energy and Climate Change and in collaboration with ACTS and ATPS. Effi ciency project - aimed at removing barriers to energy KenGen is the country’s lead producer of electricity which was established in December 2006 to promote New Care International has a Pan-African climate change conservation and effi ciency in small and medium scale and is pursuing CDM projects through the renewable and Renewable Energy (NRE) as a tool for combating initiative that is training stakeholders on the use of a enterprises. Th e main goals of the project are to: energy. Some of these projects include: Eburru climate change and ensuring development using Climate Change Vulnerability and Capacity Tool and • To remove barriers to energy effi ciency and Geothermal Project, Olkaria II Geothermal Expansion sustainable pathways. A lot has been achieved through developing some adaptation projects at the community conservation (information, technical, fi nancial, Project, Redevelopment of Tana Power Station Project, PANERECC specifi cally has led to more investments level. Another programme that is soon to start is on institutional) Optimisation of Kiambere Power Project, Kipevu in renewable sources to achieve social and economic Adaptation Learning. • Enhance energy effi ciency in SMEs, and enable Combined Cycle Power Project, Sondu Miriu Power equity, and encouraged private sector participation in World Agro-forest Centre through the East African investments in energy effi ciency Project. the generation of renewable energy. A number of online Programme is implementing various NRM programmes • Reduce CO2 emissions KFS operates within the ministry of Forestry and educational publications have been produced. A motion which can be linked to change adaptation. Th e • Industry to produce high quality products at lower Wildlife. KFS is exploring possibilities of accessing has now been passed in Parliament for the formulation of programmes are: cost carbon credits to assist in keeping the existing forests a Climate Change Adaptation and Emission Reduction • Th e African Highlands Initiative (AHI) which aims • Increase the institutional capability to implement 5 intact, especially those that are not gazett ed under the Bill (CCAER) 2008 . To positively infl uence the outcome to improve livelihood and reverse natural resource energy effi ciency projects “payment for avoided deforestation” schemes. of the Bill, there is need for Research Development & degradation in the intensively cultivated highlands 5 www.panerecc.or.ke

44 45 Heinrich Böll Foundation 2010 --Climate Change Vulnerability and Adaptation Preparedness in Kenya------Climate Change Adaptation Institutional and Actors’ Analysis-- climate information, prediction products and services, 4.8 Private sector 4.10 Others early warning, and related applications as a contribution Climate change adaptation and mitigation has att racted Other actors mostly academic and research institutions to sustainable development in the IGAD sub-region. many private sector fi rms. Some are pursuing pure are indirectly involved in climate change capacity UNDP also has the following programmes that are mitigation projects by taking advantage of the CDM building through research and training in natural relevant to climate change: the CDM programme and the 4.6 National NGOs and CBOs and voluntary carbon. Th ese include Mumias Sugar resource management. Most universities are now off ering MDG carbon facility. Several national NGOs are involved in the implementation Company, Bamburi (part of Lafarge group of companies), courses on environmental, energy and natural resource UNEP in collaboration with NEMA and Kenya Marine of climate change adaptation and mitigation activities. and Orion East Africa Limited. management in addition to traditional courses such as and Fisheries Research Institute (KEMFRI) is supporting National NGOs operate at the national level while CBOs Others, such as East African Breweries Ltd. (EABL) geography, meteorology, Paleoclimatology etc. the implementation of a climate change capacity building operate at the community level. Some of the NGOs and and Capital FM are also involved in climate change, Research institutions such ICIPE (International projects in the country. In addition, UNEP is supporting CBOs are: Forest Action Network (FAN), Nature Kenya, through corporate social responsibility. Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology), KA RI (Kenya the preparation and coordination of the National Action Centre for Science and Technology Innovations (CSTI), Agricultural Research Institute) and ILRI (International Plan and also spearheading the formation of Global Coastal Oceans Research and Development – Indian 4.9 Civil society organizations Livestock Research Institute) are playing a great role to Climate Change Adaptation Network. Ocean (CORDIO) and Kenya Forest Working Group. Th ere have been att empts to involve civil societies in address the challenges of climate change, though research Kenya is a signatory of the United Nations Framework Th e Forest Action Network (FAN) is implementing climate change matt ers with Forest Action Network that has been of great assistance to the agricultural and Convention on Climate Change, which is an international two projects: one to enhance the capacity of journalists to (FAN) establishing the Kenya Climate Change Working livestock sectors. Th ese institutions have come up with treaty that sets general goals and rules for reducing understand climate change and another one to enhance Group (KCCWG). Th e KCCWG is a coalition of plant and animal varieties that are drought tolerant, an global warming and to cope with whatever temperature the climate change adaptive capacity of communities. Civil Society Organizations engaged in climate change achievement that is vital in addressing climate change increases are inevitable. Th e UNFCC oversees the Kyoto It has also initiated the establishment of a Civil Society work in Kenya. It was formed based on the growing adaptation. Protocol which, as an addition to the UNFCCC, is an Climate Change Working Group that will operate like the understanding that all over the world now, climate international and legally binding agreement to reduce Kenya Forests Working Group. change has been recognized as a reality resulting to food 4.11 Institutional perspective greenhouse gas emissions worldwide. Th e UNFCCC Nature Kenya is trying to access carbon credits for a shortages, fl oods, and droughts. KCCWG draws its Th e CCCU at the PM’s offi ce has been the de facto Secretariat supports all institutions involved in the climate community in Manduguni at the coast that is involved in membership from 40 civil society organizations. Th ese climate change convening and catalysing institution in change process, particularly the Conference of the Parties tree planting. organizations have organized themselves into thematic the country. Th e creation of CCCU in 2008 can be said to (COP), the subsidiary bodies and their Bureau. task forces that refl ect the major sectors of Kenya’s socio- have spurred the Ministry of Environment to start taking Other agencies with relevance to climate change 4.7 Donors and development partners economic development. Th ese are: climate change issues seriously. Th is was demonstrated include the World Bank, the Food and Agriculture Th e range of donors active in Kenya’s climate change • Agriculture, livestock and fi sheries; in 2008 when the Prime Minister dispatched his team to Organization (FAO), the International Fund for activities includes multi and bi-lateral donors, • , housing and infrastructure; Poznan for COP14 aft er the Minister for Environment Agricultural Development (IFAD), the United Nations foundations, corporate organisations and individual • Water; stopped his offi cers from att ending the COP. From then Educational, Scientifi c nda Cultural Organization and donations. Donor organisations have been providing • Forestry; on, the minister started taking climate change issues the United Nations Human Sett lement Programme fi nancial support to aid eff orts on climate change • Energy; seriously on a personal level. Both the CCCU at the (UN-Habitat) adaptation and mitigation. Th ey include the following; • Tourism, trade and industry; PM’s offi ce and the Ministry have made mark on climate the World Bank, JICA, USAID, Sida, FINNIDA and • Confl ict over natural resources change because of the personal involvement of the 4.5 Regional NGOs and co-operations Danida. Th ey have formed a Donor Climate Change holders of these offi ces. It can be concluded that without Regional organisations operate in several countries. Coordination Group. Th e group makes it easier to access In addition, Kenya is currently host to the secretariat this personal involvement very litt le could have been With regard to climate change in Kenya some of the information, which is posted on the web, on the diff erent offi ce of the Pan African Climate Justice Alliance achieved by respective institutions. None of the above key regional organizations are the African Centre for activities being supported. (PACJA), which is a coalition of African civil societies institutions are well equipped in terms of resources (both Technology Studies (ACTS), the African Technology A number of these international development agencies working on climate change and sustainable development. human and physical), capacity and structure to combat Policy Studies (ATPS) and the East African Wildlife have been active in climate change activities, funding Th e alliance was formed in August 2008 aft er a series climate change. It is partly for this reason that there is lack Society, which hosts the Kenya Forests Working Group projects and programmes, for example the NCCRS was of workshops held around the continent. Th e alliance of coordination. During the development of the national (KFWG). a project funded by Danida and Sida, while Danida in undertakes activities that, primarily, seek to advocate, climate change response strategy process, a proposal was Regional co-operations with relevance to climate conjuction with the government recently established a lobby and create awareness on the urgent need to integrate made that a ‘Climate Change Commission’ should be change in Kenya are: AU, NEPAD and IGAD. natural resource management programme. In addition climate change into laws, policies and practices in broader established to spearhead all issues pertaining to climate IGAD has a Climate Prediction and Application Centre USAID has from 2006 been supporting an adaptation sustainable development and poverty reduction strategies change. Th is was however opposed by the Ministry (ICPAC) whose mission is to foster, through a whole programme for pastoralist communities in the north in African countries. of Environment, who feared losing control of climate set of programs, sub-regional and national capacity for eastern part of the country. change activities and hence funds. Instead a proposal was

46 47 Heinrich Böll Foundation 2010 --Climate Change Vulnerability and Adaptation Preparedness in Kenya------Climate Change Adaptation Institutional and Actors’ Analysis-- STAKEHOLDER MAIN FINDINGS Five: GROUPS Government offi cials Lack of awareness that made to create a climate change secretariat headed by a climate change is an issue, programme offi cer who would be under the supervision Public lack of acknowledgement of the permanent secretary. With this secretariat, the of linkage between climate Ministry of Environment is supposed to coordinate and Awareness of change and climate supervise climate change adaptation and mitigation variability activities in all sectors in the country. However it lacks Community based Lack of awareness adequate human resources and capacity to carry out this Climate Change organisations function. Th e relatively newly created directorate under the Environment Secretary has performed dismally, Civic leaders Lack of knowledge and not as earlier envisioned, there is no evidence that the awareness climate change secretariat will perform bett er. However Journalists Lack of awareness it is a beginning and with good leadership it can make a Industrialists Lack of awareness of diff erence. opportunities that With the possible enactment of a new constitution Th e importance of climate change awareness is enshrined could assist them with in the near future, a convening institution for climate in Article 6 of the UNFCCC, which calls upon its information so that they change will have to be placed either in the offi ce of the parties to among other things, develop and implement could be more cooperative President or the Ministry of Finance. Th is is because the educational and public awareness programmes on Prime Minister’s offi ce has been removed from the new climate change and its eff ects. In fulfi lling this obligation, Table1: Climate change awareness in Kenya, based on NEMA Constitution. Kenya undertook a capacity needs assessment in the area (2005). of climate change awareness in 2005. Th e approach used, like in other countries where similar assessments (UNEP Based on the results presented in Table 1 above, one can 2005) were carried out, was to interview at least four conclude that the level of awareness of climate change in individuals from each of the following groups: Kenya at that time was very low. • Business leaders who work in both the energy and non-energy sectors Events that might have raised climate change • Members of parliament (or a member of their staff ) awareness in Kenya • Executives of environmental and developmental, Climate change awareness in Kenya currently may be media associations, women’s, religious and civic diff erent from 2005 when the study was undertaken organizations given that a series of climate change related events have • Journalists and media executives taken place from the time this study was conducted. • University professors and administrators, and Th ese events will be narrated here below. • Government offi cials. Th e objectives of the survey were: The 12th Conference of the Parties (COP12) to • To assess how important the issue of climate change the UNFCCC is at the country level Th e 12th Conference of the Parties (COP12) to the • To determine how much is communicated about UNFCCC was held in Nairobi, Kenya, between the climate change 6th and 17th, November 2006. As a major international • To assess the current level of accurate information event, it received substantial local and international and positive att itudes, and media coverage, both print and electronic, as hundreds of • To decide who should be targeted in priority in a people from all corners of the globe gathered in Kenya’s Climate Awareness Programme. capital. Th is helped raise the level of awareness of many Th e results of this survey are shown below: Kenyans on climate change issues.

48 49 Heinrich Böll Foundation 2010 --Climate Change Vulnerability and Adaptation Preparedness in Kenya------Public Awareness of Climate Change------Media coverage of the COP 15—before, during and poll, 56% of Kenyans reported some knowledge about Climate change awareness among Kenyans aft er—was enormous. Several mainstream Kenyan global warming (Pelham 2009), i.e. about the fact that with knowledge of the issue media houses such as the Citizen, Nation Media, and the temperatures were rising, but most could not explain the Of the 56% of Kenyans who reported knowledge of The drought episodes of 2006-2009, Kenya Television Network (KTN) were present at the cause of these temperature increases. Barring any major climate change according to the aforementioned Gallup their effects, and linkage with other local COP, relaying proceedings of the events to Kenya on a anomalies with these fi ndings, this means that over 44% poll, many are not well versed in various climate change environmental issues such as conservation of daily basis. In general, media coverage of climate change of Kenyans have no knowledge of climate change. Sadly, a issues such as adaptation and mitigation arguments. Th is the Mau Forest in Kenya has been on the increase. For instance, a search majority of this group are poor rural people who depend again was evident during the consultative workshops to Between 2006 and 2009, Kenya experienced a series of for climate change articles from the Nation Media (www. on climate sensitive economic sectors such as pastoralism develop the country’s NCCRS. devastating drought episodes. Th ese conditions were felt nation.co.ke) search engine returns 105 hits (i.e. 105 and agriculture for their sustenance. In particular, many Kenyans are still not aware of at the same time when debates on the need to protect online articles on climate change) for December 2009 the opportunities that climate change presents, e.g. vital natural resources such as the Mau Complex were alone. Th is is a positive move not only for Kenya, but for What needs to be done the carbon markets - both the compliance markets’ also raging in the country. Media reporting on these the entire African continent because it means that climate Th is situation calls for heightened climate change Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) and the issues tended to link/intertwine climate change and change and other major environmental concerns will no awareness targeting at least two specifi c groups, voluntary markets in the land-use sector - and how these environmental degradation as the cause of some of the longer be pushed to the periphery, but will form key • those who have no knowledge at all of climate work. Kenya stands to benefi t immensely from these problems like drought and hunger/starvation that the components of central governments’ planning. change; since the majority of Kenyans in this group opportunities, hence the need to raise the awareness of country was facing. are rural residents engaged in some form of farming its citizens on these issues. Current level of climate change awareness in activity, we would brand these awareness campaigns For instance, Reducing Emissions from Deforestation The development process of Kenya’s National Kenya “rural farming community climate change awareness and Forest Degradation (REDD) and its variances such as Climate Change Response Strategy (NCCRS) Despite all this however, climate change awareness in campaigns”; and REDD+ (and now REDD++) present forest-dependent In 2009, Kenya undertook a process to develop its Kenya, like the rest of African countries, is still quite • those with some knowledge of climate change, communities with opportunities to benefi t monetarily National Climate Change Response Strategy (NCCRS) low, perhaps not as low as when the country undertook ranging from basic-level knowledge to expert from sustainably using their forests. It would be therefore through a participatory approach involving several its climate change awareness capacity needs study. Th is knowledge. important to raise the awareness of these communities processes including two national and seven regional was evident during the process of developing Kenya’s on how REDD works so that they can be strategically workshops. Th is project was spearheaded by the Ministry National Climate Change Response Strategy (NCCRS). Rural farming community climate change prepared to benefi t from it. Similarly, the industrial sector of Environment and Mineral Resources (MEMR). In particular, many people at the grassroots still cannot awareness campaigns should be appraised on how the CDM works because the Along the path, key stakeholders such as Members of diff erentiate between climate change impacts and To a majority of natural resource dependent Kenyans sector stands a chance to benefi t from the mechanism. Parliament (MPs), the private sector, non-governmental problems caused by local environmental degradation. residing in rural areas, the climate has changed, and Some ways of raising public awareness include organizations (NGOs), government ministries and For example, while it is clear that the changing climate continues to change, but sadly, not for the bett er. Many • establishing a National Climate Change awareness agencies, the media, the academia, development partners, has had a profound eff ect on the hydrological cycle in talk of the days when season aft er season they would campaign. Th e National AIDS/STD Control etc were appraised as well as consulted on climate change Kenya with droughts becoming more common, it is reap bumper harvests. Th is is not the case anymore: Programme (NASCOP) model for sexually issues. equally clear that the problem is not caused by climate the situation has reversed, with droughts, crop failure, transmitt ed diseases can be adapted change alone, but rather, human infl uence at the local water shortages and perennial hunger and starvation • using print and electronic media to pass climate The Copenhagen COP 15 level, namely, degradation of Kenya’s major Water Towers being the norm. However, when it comes to explaining change information in various articles and On top of the drought and the NCCRS development such as the Mau, Mt. Kenya and the Arberdares, etc is also the cause of these problems, many are at a loss. Th is is programmes on climate change in the media process, COP 15 to the UNFCCC was held in part of this problem. Similarly, it is becoming common where climate change awareness should be targeted. Th e • Education-based entertainment: educating the Copenhagen in December 2009. COP 15 was the in Kenya to associate the destructive eff ects of fl oods message should be passed in a language understandable citizens on climate change while entertaining them most covered and most talked about of the UNFCCC with climate change while ignoring poor and dilapidated to the local people (i.e. local language) and in a simplifi ed at the same time through theatrical performances conferences, and was an unprecedented event in terms infrastructure as well as improper land use patt erns manner, e.g. by linking climate change to perennially low • mainstreaming climate change awareness in all of the level of awareness on climate change issues it (farming on fl ood plains and river banks, failure to follow crop yields. Th is should be accompanied by downscaled programmes and projects undertaken by the helped create among top African leaders, heads of urban housing codes, etc)-all factors that exacerbate the climate and weather data, which will enable rural Government, NGOs, CBOs, media etc states, ministers, etc; never before in the history of the problem. people to bett er plan their climate-sensitive economic • creating climate change training material and climate change regime had anything like it been seen. Th ese fi ndings corroborate the results of an opinion activities, e.g. planning to plant exactly when rains are programmes for target groups of stakeholders and Th e reason behind this is perhaps due to the fact that poll carried out between 2007 and 2008 by the Gallup, expected rather than during the “planting seasons” they specifi c groups, i.e. women, men children, youth, the COP was meant to discuss and agree on a successor which stated that climate change awareness in developing are accustomed to since thanks to climate change, these people with disabilities, religious groups binding document to the Kyoto Protocol, whose fi rst countries was low compared to developed countries, planting seasons are changing. • promotional activities and sponsorship of events commitment period is ending in 2012. with African countries the least aware. According to the

50 51 Heinrich Böll Foundation 2010 --Climate Change Vulnerability and Adaptation Preparedness in Kenya------Public Awareness of Climate Change------awareness programmes that target those with some Mr. Odinga’s interest in climate change is most knowledge of climate change to help them take advantage Six: noticeable in his speeches in foreign visits, in which of the opportunities that climate change brings. climate change dominates. In October 2009, he delivered with climate change themes, e.g. a reward scheme for a speech to a French audience where he talked about the pupils or individuals who plant trees and maintain Regional and need for the international community to “seal the deal” them on climate change at Copenhagen. He also reiterated • schools or colleges’ competitions where students International Kenya’s position on climate change, actions and measures perform drama, poetry, essays and music with the country was putt ing in place to tackle global warming, climate change themes and the best get rewarded, as well as the challenges, including fi nancial and technical, • decentralising Environmental Committ ees to the Actions that the country was facing in its eff orts to curb the village level problem. • formation of youth, women’s and men’s groups, Mr. Odinga was among a high-level governments’ CBOs, as forums for outreach, and including existing representation to the European Development Days youth groups and initiatives in ongoing climate seminar held in Stockholm, Sweden in October, 2009. change and decision making activities He used this occasion to call for the establishment of a • documenting climate change impacts and linking Climate Adjustment Fund to help developing countries cope with the adverse impacts of global climate change. them to community livelihoods Th is chapter deals with Kenya’s participation in regional Th e Prime Minister has used his infl uence to help • online blogging on sites such as Facebook, Twitt er, and international climate change negotiations and mobilize the international community eff orts towards Google Groups, and Yahoo Groups through which activities. It will discuss actions taken by individuals (in helping Kenya tackle climate change. Recently, in a various topics on climate change could be discussed, their own capacity) and those taken as representatives of climate change-laden speech delivered at the Japan • formation of online networks, which are almost Kenya in climate change and related activities. Th e section National Press Club in Tokyo during his visit to the Far similar to online blogging but diff er in the sense that covers the role played by only well known personalities. East (Japan and Th ailand), he successfully negotiated there is a possibility for physical contact and face-to- Th e section will also discuss climate change events that a Ksh. 2.625 billion (35 million USD) grant towards face discussions Kenya has hosted, especially those of regional nature. • using graphical images to pass climate change implementing climate change response activities in Kenya including the development of geothermal energy information Key personalities involved in climate policy sources to help Kenya develop cleanly. • eco-tournaments – using sporting events (athletics, Some of the key Kenyan personalities with a keen interest football, etc) to raise awareness in climate change include the following:- • encouraging individual voluntarism in raising Mr. Alex Alusa of Environment and Climate Change Coordination Unit awareness, and Hon. , the Prime Minister Th e establishment of a Climate Change Coordination • involving the corporate sector, especially the mobile Prime Minister Raila Odinga is among a few top Kenyan Unit (CCCU) in the Prime Minister’s Offi ce further telephone industry e.g. to display ‘airtime top-up politicians with a keen interest in climate change. Among underscores the importance the Prime Minister att aches messages’ on climate change. the activities he has steered is the process of restoring to climate change. Th rough this climate change offi ce the Mau forests through the establishment of the Mau where the PM’s advisor on Climate Change, Mr. Alex Perspective on climate change awareness Restoration Secretariat and the subsequent creation of Alusa sits, the PM was instrumental in driving the process Climate change awareness is low countrywide, the Mau Rehabilitation Trust Fund. Th e Prime Minister of developing the National Climate Change Response particularly, among the rural folk, who also happen further mobilized the international community (UN Strategy (NCCRS). In particular, through active to be the most vulnerable to the adverse impacts of bodies, the World Bank, Multilateral Donor agencies) engagement of Mr. Alex Alusa and other offi cers in the climate change because of their high dependency on and Kenya’s private sector to help raise funds for the CCCU, the PM helped mobilize line ministries to submit climate-sensitive natural resources and high poverty Mau Trust Fund through a forum dubbed the “Strategic their input for inclusion into the NCCRS and ensured rates. Th is calls for enhanced climate change awareness Partners Consultative Forum for the Rehabilitation of their active participation during the process. in a simplifi ed language nda manner understandable to the Mau Forest Ecosystem” at the UN Gigiri offi ces. He diff erent groups (women and youth, disabled, farmers has used such fora to advance Kenya’s climate change and pastoralists, etc) so that they can be bett er prepared concerns. to deal with the problem. Further, it is important to create

52 53 Heinrich Böll Foundation 2010 --Climate Change Vulnerability and Adaptation Preparedness in Kenya------Regional and international actions-- Michuki has been instrumental in pushing the ministry’s action against climate change by providing insightful Deforestation and Forest Degradation plus (REDD+). agenda on climate change. commentaries on the topic, especially on the issue of Prof. Maathai is indeed a world leader in environmental Mr. Michuki was particularly instrumental in driving adaptation. Many of these appear in international news matt ers. Prof. Wangari Maathai forward the process of developing Kenya’s National articles. For instance, in 2006 in an article in the UK’s Prof. Wangari Maathai’s environmental advocacy work Climate Change Response Strategy (NCCRS). In the Independent newspaper, he called on the world to Kenya’s engagement in international climate is recognized globally. Her work in the environment period leading to COP 15 in Copenhagen, Denmark, adopt a ninth Millennium Development Goal (MDG), change dates back to the 1980s when she and others continually the minister was a vocal fi gure in Africa, calling on the specifi cally addressing climate change, as a matt er of As a Party to the UNFCCC and its Kyoto Protocol, Kenya batt led the Moi regime for its plunderous att itude continent to reach a common negotiating position to take extreme urgency (Odingo 2006). is obligated to take part in international climate change towards the country’s natural (forest) resources. She is to the conference. events including participation in the yearly Conference also the founder of the Green Belt Movement (GBM), He is currently the co-chair of International Prof. John Nga’ng’a of the Parties (COPs) to the Convention. Th is section an organization that works with rural communities to Environmental Governance (IEG), an open-ended Professor Ng’ang’a is a lecturer of Meteorology at the discusses some of the key regional and international restore and protect native forests. Because of her active intergovernmental group of ministers or their University of Nairobi. He has been a member of the climate change events in which Kenya has played a major engagement in environmental campaigns, Professor representatives whose role is to help initiate measures that National Climate Change Activities Coordinating role. Maathai was awarded the 2004 Nobel Peace Prize. Using can improve coherence in international policy making, Committ ee (NCCACC) since its establishment in her high profi le, she has ecomeb an active campaigner improve the eff ectiveness of multilateral environmental 1992. While serving in the NCCACC, Prof. Ng’ang’a The 12th COP to the UNFCCC against global warming. agreements and enhance the role of the UNEP as a global has been instrumental in driving forward nearly all As has been stated previously, Kenya successfully hosted She was also among high-profi le personalities co-opted environmental leader. In 2009, Mr. Michuki received the climate change activities and processes that the the 12th Conference of the Parties (COP) to the UNFCCC, by the Prime Minister’s Offi ce in October 2009 to help an award from the UNEP for his eff orts to clean-up country has undertaken at national level. Th ese include which ran between 6th and 17th November, 2006. Th is negotiate funding for the Mau Rehabilitation Trust Fund the Nairobi River basin. the process leading to the preparation of Kenya’s First COP’s main outcome was the Nairobi Framework, an at the “Strategic Partners Consultative Forum for the Other notable Kenyans who have played a big role National Communication to the UNFCCC where he initiative meant to help developing countries, especially Rehabilitation of the Mau Forest Ecosystem” forum. in advancing actions against global climate change participated in developing the National Inventory of those in Sub-Saharan Africa, participate eff ectively in the Prof. Maathai serves or has served on the boards particularly because of their career in the fi eld or related Green House Gases sources and sinks. Prof. Ng’ang’a Clean Development Mechanism (CDM). of several organizations including the UN Secretary disciplines include the following: is currently involved in the same process which will Generals Advisory Board on Disarmament, the lead to the development of Kenya’s Second National The 3rd Special Session of the African Ministerial Jane Goodall Institute, Women and Environment Prof. Richard Odingo Communication. Conference on the Environment (AMCEN) Development Organization (WEDO), World Prof. Richard Odingo, a lecturer of Hydrology/ Other climate change processes in which Prof. Ng’ang’a Th e main theme of this Special Session of the African Learning for International Development, Green Cross Climatology at the University of Nairobi, was a co-vice has been involved include the preparation of Kenya’s Ministerial Conference on the Environment (AMCEN) International, Environment Liaison Center International, chair of the IPCC Working Group 2 (WGII) in 1992; Climate Change Technology Needs Assessment (2005), was climate change. Th e meeting, held on 29th May 2009, the WorldWIDE Network of Women in Environmental co-vice chair of the WGIII in 1994 and co-vice chair of Climate Change Awareness Needs Assessment (2005) as was called to among others, develop a single African Work, and the Global Footprint Network. She is also the whole of the IPCC since 1997. He has in fact, been well as the recently concluded NCCRS. voice in Copenhagen (at the 15th COP) and advance the Good-will Ambassador for the Congo Basin Forest involved with the organization since its inception in 1988. At the 15th Conference of the Parties (COP) to the the continent’s interests in negotiations for the climate Ecosystem. As a member of the IPCC WGII, Prof. Odingo’s UNFCCC held in Copenhagen, Denmark, Prof. Maathai change regime beyond 2012, the expiry date of the Kyoto Th e professor has also worked with other renowned work in climate change focuses mostly on adaptation to was made a United Nations Messenger of Peace with a Protocol. international personalities in the global climate change climate change. Th e IPCC WGII assesses the scientifi c, special focus on the environment and climate change. In keeping with the tradition of such important regime to advance the cause of reversing global warming. technical, environmental, economic and social aspects Messengers of Peace are individuals widely recognized for occasions, several other events were organized alongside Among these is Dr. Rajendra Pachauri, chairman of the of vulnerability (sensitivity and adaptability) to climate their talents in the arts, academia, sports, entertainment the 3rd Special Session of AMCEN. Th ese included Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). change of, and the negative and positive consequences and other fi elds who work to help raise worldwide • a meeting of African High Level Experts Panel on Prof. Maathai is a contributing author to “Other Worlds for, ecological systems, socio-economic sectors and awareness of UN ideals and activities. Th rough their Climate Change (25th to 26th May 2009) are Possible”, part of the Up in Smoke? Series, and a human health, with an emphasis on regional sectoral and public appearances, contacts with the international • a special technical briefi ng of the African Ministers book that impresses upon the world to adopt a new cross-sectoral issues. Being a member of the IPCC, Prof. media and humanitarian work, they expand public of Environment and experts on some topical issues economic direction - one that would integrate economic, Odingo was a co-winner of the 2007 Nobel Peace Prize, understanding of how the UN helps to improve the lives germane to Africa’s preparation towards the 15th environmental and social needs. which the organization shared with Albert Gore, former of people everywhere. She was among the delegates who Conference of the Parties to the UNFCCC and the vice-president of the United States of America (USA) and addressed the High Level Segment of COP (not a side fi ft h Conference of the Parties serving as a Meeting of Hon. John Michuki a renowned campaigner against global climate change. event), calling for the world leaders to take a bold step and the Parties (COP15/MOP5) to the Kyoto Protocol Since his appointment as the Minister for the Ministry Prof. Odingo has used his role at the IPCC and reach a fair and equitable deal on climate change, while in Copenhagen in December 2009 (28th May 2009) of Environment and Mineral Resources, Hon. John his international reputation to further the course of calling for specifi c actions on Reducing Emissions from

54 55 Heinrich Böll Foundation 2010 --Climate Change Vulnerability and Adaptation Preparedness in Kenya------Regional and international actions-- of adaptation technologies by developing countries strategy has also recommended that a dedicated climate through concrete actions and programmes and keeping Seven: change secretariat be established at the Ministry of the implementation of these commitments under regular Environment and Mineral Resources to oversee climate • a mini-exhibition on climate-related matt ers aff ecting review in accordance with this decision. change activities in the country. Africa (25th -29th May 2009) COP15 was a challenge to Kenya, just as it was to other Conclusions and Climate change awareness is low countrywide, • several side events like workshops and seminars countries. Th e country has yet to associate or endorse particularly, among the rural folk, who also happen organized by civil society (youth, NGOs and the accord, though it will do so, as there is no other Recommenda- to be the most vulnerable to the adverse impacts of scientists, in particular) and international alternative, given that a meeting of African leaders at the climate change because of their high dependency on organizations in the eve of and during the offi cial African Union meeting has endorsed the Accord, and so climate-sensitive natural resources and high poverty AMCEN meeting, with the aim of feeding into the has a number of infl uential African countries. tions rates. Th is calls for enhanced climate change awareness outcomes of the special session. in a simplifi ed language nda manner understandable to Perspective on climate personalities diff erent groups (women and youth, disabled, farmers Kenya’s position in international climate Th e number of high profi lepersonalities in Kenya and pastoralists, etc) so that they can be bett er prepared change arena involved in climate change work are still minimal, to deal with the problem. Further, it is important to Kenya is about to publicly launch a National Climate hence the need to ramp that number. In particular, create awareness programmes that target those with some Change Response Strategy which should enhance Kenya’s well-known personalities in the entertainment, sports Th e above analyses show that climate change has and knowledge of climate change to help them take advantage participation in post COP15 international meetings and media industries (“celebrities”) can be eff ective will severely impact the country. Th e country’s economic of the opportunities that climate change brings. and negotiations. Th e Strategy also informed Kenya’s agents of communicating climate change and should and livelihood systems are highly dependent on natural Th e number of high profi lepersonalities in Kenya participation in the concluded COP15 in Copenhagen. be used as such. Th ere is also need to make sure that resources, which are very sensitive to any slight changes involved in climate change work are minimal, hence the According to Kenya’s position paper on Copenhagen, Kenya’s position on climate change is debated among in climatic conditions. Th is makes the country very need to ramp that number. In particular, well-known technology transfer takes centre stage. Kenya supports stakeholders in order to get a broader and shared view vulnerable to climate change. personalities in the entertainment, sports and media strategies to ‘buy-down’ the costs of technologies to of her position. Th e government has been slow in responding to this industries (“celebrities”) can be eff ective agents of enable its wider diff usion through mechanisms such as high vulnerability as demonstrated by the slow pace it communicating climate change and should be used as a ‘Multi-Lateral Technology Fund proposed by India. is taking to formulate policies and legislation to address such. Th ere is also need to make sure that Kenya’s position Th e country is interested in mechanisms to strengthen climate change. Th is study has shown that existing on climate change is debated among stakeholders in order global collaborative research eff orts facilitation of non- policies, legislation and institutions are not only weak but to get a broader and shared view of her position. Annex 1 Parties in the co-development of technologies. inadequate to deal with climate change. Th ere is need for In conclusion, for the country to be said to be ready Such a mechanism would need to focus specifi cally on an exclusively climate change policy and legislation that to absorb and use eff ectively additional adaptation human capital and fi nancing issues as Kenya regards creates or sets out the mandates of a leading institution, funding, there is need for adequate climate change the fi nancing of technology transfer a very crucial which will spearhead climate change adaptation and policy and legislation to be put in place. Th ese should issue. Th e need for measures that parties can use to mitigation in the country. A few policies are already in be accompanied by a good implementation framework assess progress on targets on the number and quality of place such the National Energy Policy (Sessional Paper that ensures that funds are directed to vulnerable technologies transferred is emphasized by the Kenyan No. 4 of 2004), Policy on Environment and Development sectors, and are accounted for in a transparent manner. position paper. While the country encourages market (Sessional Paper No.6 of 1999) and the Food Policy Th is is partly because although the country has put mechanisms for mitigation technologies where there are (Sessional Paper No. 3 of 1993), among others. in place environmental policies and legislation, the fi nancial incentives to off set investments it has doubts Legislations include the Environment Management implementation is poor. A climate change policy and law as to whether such mechanisms are likely to support the coordinating Act, EMCA of 1999, the Energy Act 2006, could face similar fate. transfer of adaptation technologies. the Forests Act 2005 and the Water Act 2002. Th ese Th ere is increasing concern and debate in Kenya Th e country position paper avers that fi nancing of policies and legislations are not exclusively dedicated to around problems of governance and corruption, which adaptation technologies have received too litt le focus. addressing climate change, but have a few aspects and ought to be tackled by new institutions. Kenya’s overall And while leveraging private sector fi nancing is good, it clauses that do. However there is now a realization that perception (by both locals and internationals) is that it may delay the transfer of both adaptation and mitigation these policies and legislations ought to be reviewed in is corrupt and therefore funding will not reach intended technologies since the focus shift s to fi nding a profi table order to create a comprehensive national climate change projects. Some donor agencies are seriously looking to arrangement instead of speeding up implementation policy and law. Th is is one of the recommendations of channel their funding through other non-state actors of agreed measures and commitments. Th e country the National Climate Change Response Strategy. Th e such as the private sector. Despite massive corruption is supportive of measures that encourage accessing cleaner and friendly technologies and development

56 57 Heinrich Böll Foundation 2010 --Climate Change Vulnerability and Adaptation Preparedness in Kenya------Conclusions and Recommendations-- Eight: and ineffi ciency in government, the country has been making development strides driven by a hard working References private sector, civil society, NGOs and individuals. Luckily for Kenya, non-state actors, especially private sector and individual enterprises have not only always been ahead of government but provided leadership to the extent that the government has followed. For instance, renewable energy has always been championed by private sector, it is only in 2004 and 2006 that the government developed policies and legislation respectively. AFREPREN, 2009. Large Scale Hydropower, Renewable Energy and Adaptation to Climate Change. Nairobi. Renewable energy industries were able to link with global systems (both private sector and foreign governments) to Carvajal-Escobar, Y., M. Quintero-Angel and M. Garcya-Vargas, 2008. Women’s Role in Adapting to Climate Change avail solar, wind turbines, etc to the people. Government and Variability. Advances in Geosciences, 14: 277–280. jumped in when it realized that there is money to be made and the world is going green! CORDIO 2008. Coral Reefs, A Reef Resilience Toolkit Module – Th e Kiunga Marine National Reserve Case Study Climate change could go the same way. Private sector htt p://www.reefresilience.org/Toolkit_Coral/C8_Kenya.html through land use activities such as REDD, sustainable biomass development for agro-industries, clean energy/ Enarson, Elaine, 2000. Gender Issues in Natural Disasters. Talking Points and research Needs. ILO InFocus technology, effi cient motor industries could link up Programme on Crisis Response and Reconstruction Workshop Geneva, May 3-5 2000. with appropriate global systems, obtain funding for adaptation and mitigation and government will surely Glynn, P.W. and L. D’Croz, 1990. Experimental evidence for high-temperature stress as the cause of El-Nińo-coincident follow. However, having said that, the government gets coral mortality. Coral reefs, 8, 181-191. its mandate to govern all resources from the people, it is only logical that in the light of climate change threat, Government of Kenya, 2004. Kenya Review and Appraisal Final Report on the Implementation of the Beijing Platform the pressure for demand of good governance of resources for Action (Beijing + 10) 1994 – 2004. Nairobi. should be doubled and relentlessly pursued. Jacobson, Arne Edward, 2004. Connective power: Solar electrifi cation and social change in Kenya. University of California, Berkeley.

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McKie, Robin, 2008. How the Myth of Food Miles Hurts the Planet, htt p://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2008/ mar/23/food.ethicalliving

58 59 Heinrich Böll Foundation 2010 --Climate Change Vulnerability and Adaptation Preparedness in Kenya------References------MEMR, Kenya 2010. National Climate Change Response Strategy. Ministry of Lands, Government of Kenya, 2009. Th e National Land Policy. About the Heinrich Böll Foundation Ministry of Energy, Republic of Kenya, 2002. Study on Kenya’s energy supply and policy strategy for households, Th e Heinrich Böll Stift ung / Foundation (HBF) is the Green Political Foundation, affi liated to the “Greens / small-scale industries and services establishments. Final draft report. Nairobi. Alliance ‘90” political party represented in Germany’s federal parliament. Headquartered in Berlin and with offi ces in more than 25 diff erent countries, HBF conducts and supports civic educational activities and projects world-wide. Mogaka, Hezron, 2006. Climate Variability and Water Resources Degradation in Kenya. World Bank Publications. HBF understands itself as a green think-tank and international policy network, working with governmental and non- governmental actors and focusing on gender equity, sustainable development, and democracy and human rights. NEMA, 2005. Kenya’s capacity needs to implement Article 6 of the UNFCCC. Nairobi. HBF’s Regional Offi ce for East & Horn of Africa operates in Nairobi, Kenya, since 2001.

Ngecu, Wilson M. and Mathu, Eliud M., 1999. Th e El Nino Triggered Landslides and Th eir Socio-economic Impacts on Kenya. Episodes, 22, 4: 284-288. Contact: Odingo, Richard, 2006. We can’t solve poverty until we stop climate change. htt p://www.independent.co.uk/opinion/ Heinrich Böll Foundation, Regional Offi ce for East & Horn of Africa, commentators/richard-odingo-we-cant-solve-poverty-until-we-stop-climate-change-478296.html Forest Road, P.O. Box 10799-00100, GPO, Nairobi, Kenya Tel: ++254-20-2680745, 2613992, 2613997 Pandey, N., 2002. Gender economics of the Kyoto Protocol. Conservation Ecology, 6(1): r14, 2002 - (online) www. Email: nairobi@hbfh a.com consecol.org/vol6/iss1/resp14 Web: www.boell.or.ke

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60 61 Heinrich Böll Foundation 2010 --Climate Change Vulnerability and Adaptation Preparedness in Kenya------