NATIONAL CLIMATE CHANGE ACTION PLAN (NCCAP) 2018-2022 - VOLUME I - Kenya Markets Trust
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MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT
AND FORESTRY
REPUBLIC OF KENYA
NATIONAL
CLIMATE CHANGE
ACTION PLAN (NCCAP) 2018-2022
VOLUME I
Towards Low
Carbon Climate
Resilient
Development
2018
Foreword
Climate change is a major threat to Kenya’s socio-economic wellbeing.
Climate change, indeed, has the potential to roll back the development
gains made over the years, and threatens the attainment of our Vision
2030 and my Government’s Big Four Agenda.
In line with our responsibility to mitigate the effects of climate
change, and in keeping with the objective of the Paris Agreement,
my Government promulgated the Climate Change Act, Number 11 of
2016. This Act provides the legal framework for enhanced response to
climate change at both the National and County Government levels.
Consequently, climate change is now recognised as a crosscutting
H.E. Uhuru Kenyatta, C.G.H. thematic area in our planning process. Further, the Act recognises the
Correct Citation: President and Commander in National Climate Change Action Plan (NCCAP) as a five-year iterative
Government of Kenya (2018). National Climate Change Action Plan (Kenya) 2018-2022. Chief of the Defence Forces tool for the integration of low carbon climate resilient initiatives across
Ministry of Environment and Forestry, Nairobi, Kenya. of the Republic of Kenya our different socio-economic sectors.
This National Climate Change Action Plan (NCCAP) 2018-2022 builds on the strong foundation laid
Copyright © 2018 Government of Kenya during the implementation of the National Climate Change Action Plan (NCCAP) 2013-2017, and the
Climate Change Act. NCCAP 2018-2022 sets out bold measures to ensure that our development
remains sustainable in the event of any adverse climate change impacts, including droughts,
Reproduction of this publication for educational or non-commercial purposes is authorised floods, and other extreme climate events that have in the recent past occasioned far-reaching
without written permission from the copyright holder, provided that the source is fully negative implications on our economy.
acknowledged. Reproduction of the publication for resale or other commercial purposes is
however strictly prohibited, except with prior written permission from the copyright holder. A key action during the 2018-2022 medium-term planning period is increasing our forest cover to
at least 10% of our land area, which is in line with our Constitution. This action will contribute to the
protection of our water towers and the managing of flooding, which in them will translate to tangible
benefits for our citizens across the different sectors. It will also contribute to the achievement of
For further information, please contact: our Nationally Determined Contribution under the Paris Agreement.
Principal Secretary The collective contributions of the National and County Governments, the private sector, the civil
Ministry of Environment and Forestry society, faith-based organisations, other non-state actors, and individual citizens to this National
Email: psoffice@environment.go.ke Climate Change Action Plan will help deliver the expected transformational outcomes. The Plan
Website: www.environment.go.ke will also require the support of our development partners and other well-wishers to ensure its
effective implementation for the benefit of the present and future generations.
Please consider the environment before printing this publication. If you have to print it, I personally commit to be at the forefront of these efforts, as Chair of the National Climate Change
please use recycled paper, and print on both sides of the paper. Council, so as to ensure that our aspiration of a low carbon climate resilient and, prosperous Kenya
is realised.
Kazi iendelee!
May God bless the Republic of Kenya!
i
Acknowledgements
NCCAP 2018-2022 was prepared through an extensive consultation
process. Over 1,000 stakeholders, including representatives from
the National and County Governments, civil society, the academia,
This National Climate Change Action Plan (NCCAP) 2018-2022 is a five- women’s groups, youth groups, marginalised and minority groups,
year Plan to guide Kenya’s climate change actions, including the and the private sector, were consulted. These are gratefully
reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. The Plan is a requirement by the acknowledged for their candid views that form the basis of this Plan.
Climate Change Act, 2016, which seeks to further Kenya’s development It is appreciated that effective implementation of NCCAP 2018-2022
goals by providing mechanisms and measures to achieve low carbon will require continued input from these stakeholders, and increased
climate resilient development, in a manner that prioritises adaptation. partnerships and enhanced support from development partners.
The Plan also sets out initiatives that foster movement towards the
achievement of Kenya’s Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) The development of NCCAP 2018-2022 would not have been
Mr. Keriako Tobiko, CBS, SC under the Paris Agreement. The country’s NDC include greenhouse possible without the support of development partners. These
Cabinets Secretary for gas emission reductions of 30% by 2030 from the “business as usual” include the Government of Germany through the GIZ NDC Assist
Environment and Forestry scenario, mainstreaming of climate change adaptation into the Project, and the Government of the United States of America
Government’s planning processes, and implementation of adaptation through the Low-Emission, Climate-Resilient Development Project,
actions. which is managed by the United Nations Development Programme.
Other support was also received from the Government of the United
The development of NCCAP 2018-2022 was guided by a Taskforce Kingdom through the Deepening Democracy Programme, NDC
that was appointed and gazetted. It also involved the participation of Partnership, Transparency International, Pan-Africa Climate Justice
State Departments and Agencies of the National Government, County Alliance, Friedrich-Ebert Stiftung, and Sustainable Environmental
Governments, civil society, the private sector, and the academia. A wide Development Watch (SusWatch) Network. I thank all these
range of individuals and institutions participated in the development institutions for their invaluable support.
NCCAP 2018-2022. I take this early opportunity to recognise their efforts.
NCCAP 2018-2022 will be distributed widely to National and County
Technical inputs to NCCAP 2018-2022 were enriched through Government institutions, and amongst non-state actors so that it
the Adaptation and Mitigation Thematic Working Groups, whose guides their envisaged roles in the implementation. Development
membership was inclusive and drawn from the National and County partners will particularly find the information provided in the Plan
Governments, civil society, the academia, and the private sector. very helpful in their alignment of funding preferences with Kenya’s
Contributions from members of the Taskforce and the Thematic aspirations to attain a low carbon climate resilient economy. We
Working Groups, both at individual and corporate levels, are greatly remain grateful to their commitment to walk alongside Kenya in this
appreciated. The Ministry of Environment and Forestry (MEF) is also journey.
grateful to the national and international climate change experts that
provided valuable technical inputs to the process. The Ministry of Environment and Forestry is committed to the
implementation of this Plan, and will lead efforts to increase our
I wish to commend the Principal Secretary for Environment and Forestry forest cover to at least 10% of Kenya’s land. We will work with
for ably chairing the Taskforce, and coordinating the entire process of the National Climate Change Council to ensure a coordinated
developing NCCAP 2018-2022, including managing contributions from and effective approach that will involve the National and County
contracted experts. I recognise the experts for their professionalism Governments, and other stakeholders across the Kenyan society in
and diligence throughout the process of developing NCCAP 2018- this initiative, and on other planned actions.
2022.
ii iii
National Climate Change Action Plan Taskforce Charles Sunkuli - Principal Secretary, Ministry of Environment and Forestry (Chair) Clara Busolo - National Gender and Equality Commission Martin Eshiwani - Ministry of Transport, Infrastructure, Housing and Urban Development Lulu Hayanga - Office of the Attorney General and Department of Justice Frank Msafiri - Kenya Climate Change Working Group Lucy Ng’ang’a - Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, Fisheries, and Irrigation Faith Ngige - Kenya Private Sector Alliance Joyce Njogu - Kenya Association of Manufacturers David Nyantika - Ministry of Water and Sanitation Philip Odhiambo - World Wide Fund for Nature Kenya (WWF-Kenya) Stephen Osingo - Council of Governors Erastus Wahome - The National Treasury and Planning Elizabeth Wamalwa - The National Treasury and Planning Esther Wang’ombe - Ministry of Energy Pacifica Achieng Ogola - Ministry of Environment and Forestry (Joint Secretary) Stephen M. King’uyu - Ministry of Environment and Forestry (Joint Secretary) Secretariat/Climate Change Directorate Charles Mutai Moses Omedi Jura Thomas Lerenten Lelekoitien Environmental Conservation and Augustine Kenduiwo Peter Omeny protection is the foundation to sustainable Michael Okumu development and resilience. Samuel Muchiri David B. Adegu Veronica Kioko Steve Muhanji Innocent Muriithi Fiona Oweke iv v
CONTENTSi Foreword 44
CHAPTER 3:
PRIORITY CLIMATE CHANGE
ACTIONS FOR 2018-2022
Acknowledgements ii 3.1 Identification of Priority Climate Change Actions 45
National Climate Change Action Plan Taskforce iv 3.2 Priority Climate Change Actions 48
Secretariat/Climate Change Directorate iv 3.2.1 Climate Change Priority 1: Disaster (Drought and Flood) Risk Management 49
List of Figures viii 3.2.2 Climate Change Priority 2: Food and Nutrition Security 55
List of Tables viii 3.2.3 Climate Change Priority 3: Water and the Blue Economy 62
List of Boxes viii 3.2.4 Climate Change Priority 4: Forests, Wildlife and Tourism 67
Abbreviations and Acronyms ix 3.2.5 Climate Change Priority 5: Health, Sanitation and Human Settlements 74
Definition of Terms xii 3.2.6 Climate Change Priority 6: Manufacturing 80
Executive Summary xv 3.2.7 Climate Change Priority 7: Energy and Transport 84
3.3 Climate Change Priority Actions in the Counties 94
02 100
CHAPTER 1:
BACKGROUND CHAPTER 4:
AND CONTEXT DELIVERING NCCAP 2018-2022
1.1 Introduction 5
4.1 Enablers 101
1.2 Goal of NCCAP 2018-2022 6
4.1.1 Enabling Policy and Regulatory Framework 101
1.3 Approach Used in Developing NCCAP 2018-2022 8
4.1.2 Technology and Innovation 103
1.4 Underpinning Contexts 9
4.1.3 Capacity Development and Knowledge Management 105
1.4.1 Kenya’s Positioning 9
4.1.4 Climate Finance and Resource Mobilisation 110
1.4.2 Kenya’s Climate is Changing 10
4.1.5 Measurement, Reporting and Verification Plus (MRV+) 114
1.4.3 Impacts of Climate Change in Kenya 12
4.2 Delivery and Coordination Mechanisms 117
1.4.4 Kenya’s Contribution to Climate Change 21
4.2.1 Institutional Roles and Responsibilities 117
1.4.5 Summary of the Implementation of NCCAP 2013-2017 22
4.2.2 Coordination of NCCAP 2018-2022 121
1.4.6 Political, Economic, Social. Technological, Environmental, and Legal Situation 28
4.2.3 Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) of NCCAP 2018-2022 122
30
CHAPTER 2:
4.2.4 Financial Requirements 123
124
ENABLING POLICY AND
LEGAL FRAMEWORK NCCAP 2018-2022
2.1 The Global Perspective 31
IMPLEMENTATION MATRIX
2.2 The Regional Legal and Policy Framework 36
132
2.3 The National Legal and Policy Framework 37
ENDNOTES
vv ii vv ii ii
List of Figures Abbreviations and Acronyms
Figure 1: Distribution of annual rainfall in Kenya 9
Figure 2: Temperature changes in Kenya’s 21 arid and semi-arid Counties between 1960 and 2013 11 AF Adaptation Fund
Figure 3: Growth rate in GDP in Kenya from 2007 to 2011, with and without drought 17
AFR100 African Forest Landscape Restoration Initiative
Figure 4: Baseline projections of greenhouse gas emissions in Kenya (MtCO2e) 21
ASAL Arid and Semi-Arid Land
Figure 5: Composite abatement potential for all sectors in Kenya (technical potential) in MtCO2e 22
Figure 6: Flood-prone areas of Kenya 50 ATAR Adaptation Technical Analysis Report
Figure 7: Historical timeline of major shocks in agricultural production in Kenya, 1980-2012 56 BRT Bus rapid transit
Figure 8: Land use in Kenya 67 UNCBD United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity
Figure 9: Population at risk from malaria in Kenya (in millions) 74 CBIT Capacity Building Initiative for Transparency
Figure 10: Kenya: County economic blocs 95 CBS Chief of Burning Spear
Figure 11: Institutions established in the Climate Change Act, 2016 81 CCCF County Climate Change Fund
CCD Climate Change Directorate
List of Tables CEC
CDM
County Executive Committee
Clean Development Mechanism
CF Contingencies Fund
Table 1: Climate risks and sources of vulnerability 12
CFA Community Forestry Association
Table 2: Summary of likely impacts of climate change by sector in Kenya 18
CGs County Governments
Table 3: Kenya’s legal and policy framework for national climate change action 39
Table 4: National climate change strategies, plans, and regulations for various sectors in Kenya 41 CGH Chief of Golden Heart
Table 5: Climate plans and regulations at County Government level in Kenya 43 CIDP County Integrated Development Plan
Table 6: Priority climate change actions 48 CIS Climate Information Services
Table 7: Adaptation, mitigation, and enabling issues identified by County economic blocs 97 CO2 Carbon dioxide
Table 8: Priority enabling actions: Enabling policy and regulatory framework 102 CoG Council of Governors
Table 9: Priority enabling actions: Technology and innovation 103 COP Conference of the Parties
Table 10: Priority enabling actions: Capacity development and knowledge management 106 CPEBR Climate Public Expenditure and Budget Review
Table 11: Priority enabling actions: Climate finance and resource mobilisation 111 CS Cabinet Secretary
Table 12: Priority enabling actions: MRV+ 115
CSA Climate Smart Agriculture
CTCN Climate Technology Centre and Network
DPs Development Partners
List of Boxes EAC
EDE
East African Community
Ending Drought Emergencies
Box 1: Kenya’s low carbon climate resilient development pathway 5 ERC Energy Regulatory Commission
Box 2: Stakeholder consultations in the development of NCCAP 2018-2022 8 FAO Food and Agriculture Organization
Box 3: County Climate Change Funds 23 GCF Green Climate Fund
Box 4: Highlight of progress on enabling actions under NCCAP 2013-2017 25 GDC Geothermal Development Corporation
Box 5: Kenya’s Nationally Determined Contribution 33 GDP Gross Domestic Product
Box 6: Sustainable Development Goals 36 GEF Global Environment Facility
Box 7: The Climate Change Act (No. 11 of 2016) 38 GESIP Green Economy Strategy and Implementation Plan
Box 8: The Big Four Agenda 45
GHG Greenhouse gas
Box 9: Climate change-SDG impact assessment 46
GIS Geographic Information Service
Box 10: Climate change impacts identified by Counties 95
GNI Gross National Income
GoK Government of Kenya
HFCs Hydrofluorocarbons
viii ix
ICAO International Civil Aviation Organisation IC-FRA Improving Capacity in Forest Resources Assessment in Kenya MOTIHUD Ministry of Transport, Infrastructure, Housing and Urban Development ICRAF World Agroforestry Centre MRV Measurement, Reporting and Verification ICT Information and communication technology MRV+ Measurement, Reporting and Verification Plus IDD International Disaster Database MSME Micro, Small and Medium Enterprise ILRI International Livestock Research Institute MTAR Mitigation Technical Analysis Report IMO International Maritime Organisation MTP Medium Term Plan IPCC Inter-Governmental Panel on Climate Change MWS Ministry of Water and Sanitation KAA Kenya Airports Authority N2O Nitrogen Oxide KALRO Kenya Agriculture and Livestock Research Organization NAMA Nationally Appropriate Mitigation Action KAM Kenya Association of Manufacturers NAMATA Nairobi Metropolitan Area Transport Authority KCAA Kenya Civil Aviation Authority NAP National Adaptation Plan KCCWG Kenya Climate Change Working Group NARIG National Agricultural Rural Inclusive Growth Project KCEP Kenya Cereal Enhancement Programme NCA National Construction Authority KCSAIF Kenya Climate Smart Agriculture Implementation Framework NCCAP National Climate Change Action Plan KCSAS Kenya Climate Smart Agriculture Strategy NCCC National Climate Change Council KEBS Kenya Bureau of Standards NCCRC National Climate Change Resource Centre KenGen Kenya Electricity Generating Company Ltd. NDA National Designated Authority KENHA Kenya National Highways Authority NDC Nationally Determined Contribution KEPSA Kenya Private Sector Alliance NDE National Designated Entity KeRRA Kenya Rural Roads Authority NDEF National Drought Emergency Fund KES Kenya Shilling NDMA National Drought Management Authority KETRACO Kenya Electricity Transmission Company NEMA National Environment Management Authority KFS Kenya Forest Service NF3 Nitrogen trifluoride KFSSG Kenya Food Security Steering Group NFRA National Forest Resources Assessment in Kenya KIRDI Kenya Industrial Research and Development Institute NHIF National Hospital Insurance Fund KMA Kenya Maritime Authority NIE National Implementing Entity KMD Kenya Meteorological Department NMT Non-Motorised Transport KMFRI Kenya Marine and Fisheries Research Institute NPBM National Performance and Benefit Measurement KNBS Kenya National Bureau of Statistics NSNP National Safety Net Programme KPA Kenya Ports Authority NTSA National Transport and Safety Authority KQ Kenya Airways PESTEL Political, Economic, Social, Environmental, and Legal KR Kenya Railways PFCs Perfluorocarbons KURA Kenya Urban Roads Authority REA Rural Electrification Authority KWS Kenya Wildlife Service REDD+ Reducing emissions from deforestation and forest degradation and the role of LECRD Low Emission Climate Resilient Development conservation, sustainable management of forests and enhancement of forest LULUCF Land Use, Land-Use Change and Forestry carbon stocks in developing countries M&E Monitoring and Evaluation SCCF Special Climate Change Fund MAI Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock Fisheries and Irrigation SDG Sustainable Development Goal MALFI Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, Fisheries and Irrigation SGR Standard Gauge Railway MEF Ministry of Environment and Forestry SLEEK System for Land-based Emissions Estimation in Kenya MENR Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources StARCK+ Strengthening Adaptation and Resilience to Climate Change in Kenya MITC Ministry of Industrialisation, Trade and Cooperatives UN United Nations MOE Ministry of Energy UNCBD United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity x xi
UNCCD United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (HFCs), sulphur hexafluoride (SF6) and nitrogen It is a mitigation mechanism that creates
UNCLOS United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea trifluoride (NF3). financial value for the carbon stored in forests
UNDP United Nations Development Programme by avoiding deforestation, and increasing the
UNFCCC United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change Mitigation refers to human interventions carbon stock in existing forests.
VAT Value Added Tax to prevent or slow down atmospheric GHG
WRA Water Resources Authority concentrations by limiting current or future Resilience refers to the capacity of social,
WRUA Water Resource Users Association emissions, and/or enhancing potential sinks for economic and environmental systems to cope
greenhouse gases. with a hazardous event, trend, or disturbance.
It is manifested through responding or
MtCO2eq or MtCO2e is an abbreviation for reorganizing in ways that assert the essential
Units and Symbols million tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent. It is
the amount of GHG emissions expressed as an
function, identity, and structure of the system,
while also maintaining the capacity for
equivalent of concentrations of carbon dioxide. adaptation, learning and transformation
CH4 Methane
ha Hectare Ocean acidification refers to the reduction in the Vulnerability refers to the propensity or
m3 Cubic metre potential of Hydrogen (pH) of the ocean over an predisposition to be adversely affected. It
MtCO2e Million tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent extended period of time, caused mainly by the encompasses a variety of concepts and
MW Megawatt uptake of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. elements, including sensitivity or susceptibility
N2O Nitrogen Oxide REDD+ is the acronym for ‘Reducing Emissions to harm, and lack of capacity to cope and adapt.
NF2 Nitrogen trifluoride from Deforestation and Forest Degradation’.
SF6 Sulphur hexafluoride
CO2 Carbon dioxide
Definition of Terms
Adaptation means adjustment in natural or Climate change refers to a change in the
human systems in response to actual or expected climate system that is caused by significant
climatic stimuli or their effects, which moderates changes in the concentration of greenhouse
harm or exploits beneficial opportunities. gases due to human activities, and which is in
addition to the natural climate change that has
Adaptive capacity refers to the ability of systems, been observed during a considerable period.
institutions, humans, and other organisms to
adjust to potential damage, take advantage of Global warming refers to the observed or
opportunities, or respond to consequences. projected gradual increase in global surface
temperature. It is one of the consequences of
Carbon credit or offset is a financial unit of climate change.
measurement that represents the removal of
one tonne of carbon dioxide equivalent from Greenhouse gases (GHGs) are gases that
the atmosphere. Carbon credits are generated absorb and emit radiant energy within the
by projects that deliver measurable reductions thermal infrared range. The main GHGs
in greenhouse gas emissions. measured in a GHG inventory are, carbon
dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), nitrous oxide (N2O),
Carbon market is a market created from the perfluorocarbons (PFCs), hydrofluorocarbons
trading of units of greenhouse gas emissions.
xii xiii
Executive
Summary
Photo: Unisplash
xiv xv
This National Climate Change Action Plan water, energy, tourism, wildlife, and health, supported by the Adaptation, and Mitigation 2017-2026; improve crop productivity by
(NCCAP) 2018-2022 is a five-year plan to steer these changes in the country’s climate were Thematic Working Groups that collated and increasing the acreage under irrigation;
Kenya’s climate change action. The Plan singled out as severe threats to the well-being interpreted collected views in light of the increase productivity in the livestock and
derives from the Climate Change Act (Number of Kenyans. The economic cost of floods and political, economic, social, technological, fisheries sectors through implementation of
11 of 2016), which requires the Government of drought in the country created a long-term fiscal environmental, and legal environment in Kenya. relevant actions in KCSA; diversify livelihoods
Kenya (GoK) to develop Action Plans to guide liability equivalent to between 2% and 2.8% of the The Working Groups produced the Adaptation to adjust to the changing climate; increase
the mainstreaming of climate change into country’s Gross Domestic Product, every year. Technical Analysis Report (ATAR) 2018-2022 and annual per capita water availability through
sector functions. NCCAP 2018-2022 will further Kenya’s responsibility for global climate change the Mitigation Technical Analysis Report (MTAR) development of water infrastructure;
the achievement of Kenya’s development is very little, as the country’s greenhouse gas 2018-2022, respectively, which are part of NCCAP climate proof water harvesting and water
goals by providing mechanisms to realise (GHG) emissions represent less than 1% of total 2018-2022. storage infrastructure, and improve flood
low carbon climate resilient development. global emissions. Climate change is a global control; promote water efficiency through
It emphasises sustainability, while prioritising problem, and Kenya participates actively in the Seven priority areas underpin NCCAP 2018- monitoring, reducing wastage, re-using,
adaptation and enhanced climate resilience for international response founded on the United 2022; Disaster Risk Management; Food recycling, and modelling; improve access
vulnerable groups, including women, youth, Nations Framework Convention on Climate and Nutrition Security; Water and the Blue to good quality water; improve the climate
persons with disabilities, and marginalised and Change (UNFCCC). Economy; Forestry; Wildlife, and Tourism; resilience of coastal communities; afforest
minority communities. Health, Sanitation, and Human Settlements; and reforest degraded and deforested
Kenya’s priority climate actions are in the six Manufacturing; and Energy and Transport. areas in Counties; implement initiatives to
NCCAP 2018-2022 was developed at a time when mitigation sectors set out in the UNFCCC; Through these priority areas, climate change reduce deforestation and forest degradation;
significant changes in Kenya’s climate were agriculture, energy, forestry, industry, transport, action is aligned to the Government’s Big Four restore degraded landscapes in arid and
evident. Climate-related disasters, particularly and waste. The actions are expected to lower Agenda, and the Sustainable Development Goals semi-arid lands, and rangelands; promote
droughts and floods, were frequent, and their GHG emissions, and help Kenya meet its (SDGs). NCCAP 2018-2022 seeks to increase the sustainable timber production on privately-
impacts adversely affected the economy and Nationally Determined Contribution goal of number of households and entities benefiting owned land; conserve land area for wildlife;
livelihoods in the country. The frequency of abating the emissions by 30% by 2030, relative from devolved adaptive services; improve reduce incidences of malaria and other
cold days and nights, and frost, had greatly to business as usual. NCCAP 2018-2022 aligns the ability of people to cope with drought and vector-borne disease; promote recycling to
increased. Temperature rise spanned across sectors in Kenya to support this goal. The floods; improve the coordination and delivery divert collected waste away from disposal
all seasons, and rainfall patterns had changed. Plan was developed through an extensively of disaster management response; improve sites; climate proof landfill sites; control
With an economy that is dependent on consultative process led by a Taskforce that crop productivity through roll out of actions flooding in human settlements; promote
climate-sensitive sectors, such as agriculture, conducted over 1,000 stakeholder consultations, in the Kenya Climate Smart Agriculture (KCSA), green buildings; increase energy efficiency;
Photo: Shut te rstock
xvi xviiimprove water use and resource efficiency; The Climate Change Act sets out the institutional
optimise manufacturing and production
processes; promote industrial symbiosis in
structures and responsibilities in the oversight and
management of NCCAPs, including this NCCAP
The Journey
industrial zones; increase renewable energy
for electricity generation; increase captive
renewable energy; improve energy efficiency
2018-2022. The National Climate Change Council
(NCCC) is responsible for overall coordination,
while the Cabinet Secretary responsible for climate
in climate change
and conservation; climate proof energy
infrastructure; promote the transition to clean
change affairs submits NCCAPs for approval,
and reports to NCCC and Parliament on their action
cooking with alternative clean fuels in urban implementation. Implementation of NCCAP 2018-
2018
areas, and clean biomass cookstoves and 2022 is supported by a number of National, County,
alternatives in rural areas; develop an affordable,
safe, and efficient public transport, including
and sectoral policies and plans that have been
developed, such as the National Climate Change 1992 NCCAP
2018
Lorem ipsum
Climate
a Bus Rapid Transit System in Nairobi; reduce Response Strategy (2010), the National Adaptation UNFCCC Adopted 2018-2022 Finance Policy
fuel consumption and fuel overhead costs, Plan (NAP 2015-2030), the Kenya Climate Smart
including electrification of the Standard Gauge
Railway; encourage low carbon technologies in
Agriculture Strategy (2017-2026) and the National
Climate Finance Policy (2017). County Governments
1994 2017-2018
Kenya ratified
the aviation and maritime sectors; and climate- are enacting regulations to allocate a portion of the UNFCCC National Climate
proof transport infrastructure. These actions their development budgets to support climate Change Fund
are to be mainstreamed in the Third Medium
Term Plan (MTP III), and in County Integrated
change action. State departments and national
public entities are required to establish climate 1997
2016
Development Plans (CIDPs), to ensure that change units to integrate NCCAP 2018-2022 into Kyoto Protocol
they are taken up in Counties and in all sectors their strategies and implementation plans, and adopted
in the country. to report to NCCC on an annual basis. County Climate
2005
Governments are to integrate actions in NCCAP Change Act
Thirty-eight crosscutting enabling actions will 2018-2022 into their CIDPs for the 2018-2022 period,
be implemented to equip government and and designate a County Executive Committee Kenya ratified Kyoto and
2016
other stakeholders with the knowledge, skills, member to coordinate climate change affairs. implemented CDM projects
technologies, and financing needed to deliver
and report on the planned climate change
actions. The enabling actions comprise of
NCCAP 2018-2022 requires the National and County
Governments, the private sector, civil society, 2010 Kenya ratified
Paris Agreement
supporting policy and regulatory framework, faith-based organisations, other non-state actors, National Climate
Change Strategy
capacity development and knowledge individual citizens, and development partners to
management, technology and innovation,
climate finance, and Measurement, Reporting,
contribute in its implementation that is projected
to cost KES 1,784,309 million; KES 289,093 million
2015
2013
National
and Verification Plus (MRV+). These actions are in the 2018/2019 fiscal year, KES 408,424 million in Adapation Plan
important to the successful delivery of NCCAP the 2019/2020 fiscal year, KES 486,013 million in NAP 2015-2030
NCCAP 2013-2017
2018-2022, alongside effective institutional the 2020/2021 fiscal year, KES 352,044 million in
structures and oversight responsibilities. the 2021/2022 fiscal year, and KES 248,335 million
2015
in the 2022/2023 fiscal year.
2014
Ratified Doha
Ammendments
2015 Paris Agreement
Adopted
to Kyoto Protocol Kenya's
NDC submitted
xviii xixP h oto : Be n a rd O mwa ka
CHAPTER
ONE
Background
and Context
2Facts & 7.4% of Kenya’s land
Figures 70% Kenyans rely on biomass 10 percent of land in
area covered by forests
as of 2018
7.4% 7 billion 32% (fuelwood and charcoal) schools planted with
Annual contribution of the Forestry sector 2nd largest GHG emissions energy for cooking trees by 2023
contributor in 2015 (32% of national
forest sector to the economy
emissions) as of 2018
20%No.migratory
Area under private sector commercial
of wildlife dispersal areas and
pathways secured by 2023 10%
and industrial plantations to increase
90%
from 71,000 ha to 121,000 ha by 2022
70%
20% of terrestrial and
inland water, and
15% of coastal marine
areas conserved by 2023
30,000 ha of
wildlife habitats
conserved by 2023
5.3%
89%
1
6
3.4 million
5.3% rise in cattle slaughtered
to cushion farmers from effects of 90% of collected wastes to
drought between 2016 and 2017 13 to 20 million Kenyans at be diverted away from disposal
Kenyans left food
risk from malaria; 89% of the sites to recycling practices by 2023
2,000,000,000
insecure due to the population could be at
2017-2018 drought risk by 2050
KES 2 billion allocated
annually to NDEF towards
2 reduction of risks
500,000
Kenyans without
access to water due to Global benchmark
600
the 2017-2018 drought per capita water 70 Km of BRT for 600 biogas systems
availability: 1000 m3 nairobi-brt 70 Km Nairobi Metropolitan
Area by 2023
constructed in various
schools and public facilities
by 2023
183 Current per capita
water availability
2 new aircraft (B787)
with fuel efficient 2 aircraft (B787)
engines purchased
in Kenya: 647 m3 by 2023
3 Lives claimed in
the 2018 flooding 0.5 MW solar power
Water storage 30% of freight from plant installed at
and non-revenue SGR 30% Mombasa to Nairobi
shifted from road to rail
Moi International Airport
by 2018
No of ground
water reduced from 5 water surveys by 2023
undertaken by 2023
43% to 20% by 2023
2,333 MW: Installed
56 No. of sub-catchment
2,333 MW electricity generation
2,405 MW
management plan
At least 15% of coastal developed 2023 capacity in 2016/2017
marine areas conserved
by 2023
236 No. of sub-catchment
management plans
implemented by 2023
44% Geothermal 2,405 MW new
renewables developed
Deep/offshore fishing fleet 2% 33% Hydro by 2023
Over 225,000 people
21%
to increase from 9 to 68
displaced in the 2018 floods Imports Thermal
by 2023N a t i o n a l C l i m a t e C h a n g e A c t i o n P l a n ( K e n y a ) 2 0 1 8 - 2 0 2 2 N a t i o n a l C l i m a t e C h a n g e A c t i o n P l a n ( K e n y a ) 2 0 1 8 - 2 0 2 2
1.1 Introduction Section 13 of the Climate Change Act, 2016 of the United Nations Framework Convention on
This National Climate Change Action Plan 2018- enhanced food and nutrition security, affordable provides for the development of National Climate Change (UNFCCC).
2022 (NCCAP 2018-2022) presents detailed housing, increased manufacturing, and universal Climate Change Action Plans (NCCAPs) to
actions that Kenya will embark on to address healthcare. prescribe measures and mechanisms to Climate change is a shared responsibility
climate change, during the 2018-2022 medium- mainstream adaptation and mitigation actions between the National Government and County
term planning period. Climate change has Kenya takes climate change seriously. This is into sector functions of the National and County Governments. The National Government led and
increased the frequency and magnitude of demonstrated by its enactment of the Climate Governments. The Act requires the Cabinet guided the process of developing NCCAP 2018-
extreme climate events in Kenya. These events Change Act (Number 11 of 2016). This Act is the first Secretary responsible for climate change 2022, and worked with County Governments
have led to loss of lives, diminished livelihoods, climate change-dedicated legislation in Africa. It affairs to review and update the NCCAP every during this process. Implementation of the Plan is
reduced crop and livestock production, and provides the regulatory framework for enhanced five-years. The first NCCAP was for the period coordinated by the two levels of government, in
damaged infrastructure, among other adverse response to climate change, and mechanisms 2013-2017. NCCAP 2018-2022 is Kenya’s second line with the Constitution of Kenya (2010). NCCAP
impacts. The torrential rains and severe flooding and measures to transition to low carbon climate Action Plan on climate change. It builds on 2018-2022 coincides with the second generation
that were witnessed in the country from March resilient development (see Box 1). This pathway NCCAP 2013-2017 by which considerable of County Governments. County Governments are
to May 2018, which devastated communities, emphasises sustainable development, while progress was made. This progress includes, responsible for a number of devolved functions
most of which were already struggling to prioritising adaptation, and recognising the the establishment of climate change funds in whose actions will contribute to the achievement
recover from a prolonged drought, are an importance of enhancing the climate resilience five counties, expanding geothermal power, of NCCAP 2018-2022, and the Big Four Agenda.
example of these events. Climate change is of vulnerable groups, including children, women, establishment of the National Climate Change
therefore a significant threat to Kenya’s future youth, persons with disabilities, the elderly, and Resource Centre, and improvement of the legal NCCAP 2018-2022 guides the climate actions of
development, including achievement of the marginalised and minority communities. and policy framework (see Chapter 2 for more the National and County Governments, the private
Kenya Vision 2030 goals, and the Government’s details). NCCAP 2018-2022 is a framework for sector, civil society, and other actors, to enable
Big Four Agenda for 2018-2022 that focuses on Kenya to deliver on its Nationally Determined Kenya transition to low carbon climate resilient
Contribution (NDC) under the Paris Agreement development.
BOX 1: Kenya’s low carbon climate resilient development pathway
1.2 Goal of NCCAP 2018-2022
A low carbon climate resilient development pathway for Kenya emphasises:
NCCAP 2018-2022 seeks to further Kenya’s of vulnerable groups, including children, women,
Sustainable Development development goals by providing mechanisms youth, persons with disabilities, the elderly, and
Achieving sustainable development is at and measures to achieve low carbon climate marginalised and minority communities. The Plan
the forefront of all climate actions. This is
resilient development, in a manner that helps to further Kenya’s development aspirations
because climate change and development
are intricately linked;
prioritises adaptation, and recognises the by seeking to:
essence of enhancing the climate resilience
Mitigation
Taking actions, where possible, Adaptation ■■ Align climate change actions in the country ■■ Provide the framework to deliver Kenya’s NDC for
to encourage greenhouse gas Reducing vulnerability to avoid with the Government’s development agenda, the 2018-2022 period; and
emissions that are lower than or cushion from the impacts including the Big Four Agenda; ■■ Provide a framework for mainstreaming climate
business-as-usual practice; and to of climate change, as well as ■■ Encourage participation of the private sector, change into sector functions at the National and
reduce human causes of emissions enabling people to respond to civil society, and vulnerable groups within County levels.
by moving toward a resource climate risks by moving toward society, including children, women, older
efficient economy that is as low a climate resilient society; members of society, persons with disabilities,
carbon as possible. Mitigation or
youth, and members of minority or marginalised
low carbon actions should only
be considered as priority climate communities;
change actions if they also have
Source: National Climate Change
climate resilience or significant Action Plan, 2013-2017, page 25.
sustainable development benefits.
5 6N a t i o n a l C l i m a t e C h a n g e A c t i o n P l a n ( K e n y a ) 2 0 1 8 - 2 0 2 2 . N a t i o n a l C l i m a t e C h a n g e A c t i o n P l a n ( K e n y a ) 2 0 1 8 - 2 0 2 2 .
In order to achieve climate change actions that simultaneously advance economic and sustainable 1.3 Approach Used in Developing NCCAP 2018-2022
development objectives, NCCAP 2018-2022 is guided by the following principles:
The Ministry of Environment and Forestry Groups that developed the Adaptation Technical
•• Responsiveness – responding to actual communities, through an inclusive approach to
coordinated the development of NCCAP 2018- Analysis Report (ATAR): Volume II and Mitigation
adaptation and mitigation needs in Kenya climate change action;
through taking of measures that reduce 2022 through the NCCAP Taskforce that was Technical Analysis Report (MTAR): Volume III that
the adverse effects of climate change, and •• Consultation and cooperation – implementing gazetted by the Cabinet Secretary via gazette are part of NCCAP 2018-2022. The Climate Change
preventing or minimising the causes of climate actions through consultation and cooperation notice number 10943 of 19th September, 2017. Directorate (CCD) situated in MEF led the technical
change; between the National and County Governments, The Taskforce comprised of experts from the analyses, and organised extensive consultations to
and in consultation and cooperation with civil National and County Governments, civil society, ensure that NCCAP 2018-2022 reflected the inputs
•• Equity and social inclusion – addressing the society and the private sector; and and the private sector; and was supported by the and priorities of a wide range of stakeholders (see
needs of vulnerable groups within society, Adaptation and Mitigation Thematic Working Box 2).
including those of children, women, older •• Fairness – ensuring that climate actions do not
members of society, persons with disabilities, create competitive disadvantage for the Kenyan
youth, and members of minority or marginalised private sector, relative to its trading partners. Box 2: Stakeholder consultations in the development of NCCAP 2018-2022
The Ministry of Environment and Forestry (MEF) led the development of NCCAP 2018-2022, through The climate change actions in this NCCAP were identified through extensive
the NCCAP Taskforce that was appointed and gazetted by the Cabinet Secretary. consultations with over 1,000 stakeholders from:
P h oto: KenGen
Departmental Senate
Committee on Standing National
County
Environment Committee Government
Governments Civil society
and Natural on Land, sector ministries
and Council of
Resources, Environment and state
Governors
National and Natural departments
Assembly Resources
Vulnerable
groups, including
persons with
Youth disabilities, Private sector Development
Women
pastoralists, fisher partners
communities and
forest resource
users
7 8N a t i o n a l C l i m a t e C h a n g e A c t i o n P l a n ( K e n y a ) 2 0 1 8 - 2 0 2 2 . N a t i o n a l C l i m a t e C h a n g e A c t i o n P l a n ( K e n y a ) 2 0 1 8 - 2 0 2 2 .
Kenya is frequently affected by weather- settlements. Flooding normally occurs across the
1.4 Underpinning Contexts related disasters, particularly droughts. These entire country in years with above-normal rainfall,
profoundly impact the country’s economy and as well as those with heavy rainfall storms. 2018 is
1.4.1 Kenya’s Positioning the well-being of Kenyans. Floods are however an example of this, with some of the highest level
Kenya is a commercial, transportation, and Kenya is equatorial with a complex and variable seasonal and more localised, and mainly affect of rainfall totals in the long rain season (March-
communications hub for eastern Africa. It has climate that ranges from warm and humid in the areas around the Lake Victoria basin and April-May) recorded since 1950.7
experienced moderate economic growth coastal region, to arid and very arid in the interior. Tana River drainage basin, as well as coastal
over the past five years, and also witnessed The central and western highlands, which make
improved indicators of human development up about 18% of Kenya’s land area, are bisected by 1.4.2 Kenya’s Climate is Changing
in areas, such as education, and declining the Rift Valley, and have a temperate climate with
Kenya’s climate is already changing. The Fifth Rainfall patterns have also changed. The long-
birth rates1. In 2016, Kenya was the ninth- medium to high rainfall. These highlands are the
Assessment Report of the Intergovernmental rain season has become shorter and drier, and
largest economy in Africa, and became a lower productive zones of the country, having high to
Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) presents the short-rain season has become longer and
middle-income country with gross national medium agricultural potential. Low and unevenly
strong evidence that surface temperatures wetter. Overall annual rainfall remains low, with the
income (GNI) per capita of US $1,3802. The distributed rainfall over much of Kenya means that
across Africa have increased by 0.5 – 2 °C long rains declining continuously and, droughts
country has an estimated population of 50 about 82% of the country receives less than 700
over the past 100 years, and from 1950 becoming longer, more intense, and tending to
million Kenyans, about 52% being women and mm of rain per year (see Figure 1). 23 out of Kenya’s
onwards, climate change has altered the continue across rainy seasons. The frequency of
48% men. Close to 45% of the population lives 47 Counties are considered arid or semi-arid lands
magnitude and frequency of extreme climate rainfall events that cause floods has also increased,
below the poverty line, and poverty is slightly (ASALs). Counties in arid lands are predominantly
events.8 The frequency of cold days, cold not just in Kenya, but in the entire East African
higher in female-headed households3. 54% of pastoral, while those in the semi-arid lands are
nights, and frost, has decreased; while the region, from an average of less than three events
rural and 63% of urban women and girls are agro-pastoral, with integrated crop/livestock
frequency of hot days, hot nights, and heat per year in 1980s, to over seven events per year in
estimated to live below the poverty line, which production systems5.
waves, has increased. Temperature rise has 1990s, and ten events per year from 2000 to 2006.
makes them more vulnerable to impacts of
been observed across all seasons in Kenya The frequency of droughts and heavy rainfall has
climate change4.
(see Figure 2), but particularly from March to also significantly increased in the East Africa region
6.00 May. Variations exist between locations, with in the last 30-60 years.
a lower rate of warming observed along the
5.00
coast.9 The surface temperature trends of
4.00
MANDERA Nairobi and its environs show warming of
MOYALE 281.80 2000.00 more than 2.5 °C in the past 50 years.10
LODWAR 731.70 1900.00
3.00 201.20 1800.00
Photo: Min. of Environme nt
MARSABIT 1700.00
816.90 1600.00
2.00 WAJIR
329.10 1500.00
1400.00
1.00
ELDORET 1300.00
KAKAM 1071.40 1200.00
MERU
KISUMU
1962.20
0.00 NAKURU 1100.00
1341.30
KERICHO
1379.30 NYERI GARISSA
KISII 919.30 1000.00
2005.50 959.60 393.40
2101.70 NAROK 900.00
-1.00 DAGORETTI
800.00
782.20
760.10
700.00
-2.00 MAKINDU LAMU 600.00
602.00 943.10 500.00
400.00
-3.00 VOI MALINDI
300.00
568.50 1074.20
200.00
MOMBASA
-4.00
1105.00
Figure 1: Distribution of
-5.00
annual rainfall in Kenya6.
33.00 34.00 35.00 36.00 37.00 38.00 39.00 40.00 41.00 42.00 43.00
9 10N a t i o n a l C l i m a t e C h a n g e A c t i o n P l a n ( K e n y a ) 2 0 1 8 - 2 0 2 2 N a t i o n a l C l i m a t e C h a n g e A c t i o n P l a n ( K e n y a ) 2 0 1 8 - 2 0 2 2
a) Maximum temperature b) Minimum temperature 1.4.3 Impacts of Climate Change in Kenya
Climate change is causing rise in average losses of 0.362% per year, due to extreme climate
global temperatures and sea levels. This is events.16 The Kenyan economy is dependent on
triggering major environmental and economic climate-sensitive sectors, such as agriculture,
disruptions. In Kenya, heat, drought, and floods water, energy, tourism, wildlife, and health, whose
1.54 are negatively impacting lives, with human vulnerability is increased by climate change
0.90 0.58 health increasingly being at risk. Extreme (see Table 1 for other sources of vulnerability).
1.80
1.27 climate events cause significant loss of life, Increased intensities and magnitudes of climate-
0.95 and adversely affect the national economy. In related disasters in Kenya aggravate conflicts,
the 1997-2016 period, the country experienced mostly over natural resources. They are a threat
0.85 0.64
1.59 an average of 57.95 deaths per year, and GDP to Kenya’s security.
1.91
1.38 1.17 0.80
1.01 1.59
1.91
1.80 1.48 Table 1: Climate risks and sources of vulnerability.
1.59 1.33
0.69 Climate risks Key Sources of vulnerability
0.58
1.75 1.43 1.48 1.22 0.90
1.01 0.74 0.64 ■■ High levels of multi-dimensional ■■ Rising temperatures
1.22 1.11
1.48 0.53 1.38 0.58 poverty, particularly in ASALs ■■ Uncertain changes in rainfall patterns
■■ Gender inequality ■■ Rising sea levels, and stronger storm
■■ Environmental degradation, including surges
County boundary 0.58 0.69 loss of forest cover ■■ Greater risk of extreme climate events
0.85 0.95
High potential areas ■■ High reliance of the national economy (droughts, floods, and landslides)
0.58 0.80 and local livelihoods on rain-fed ■■ Melting glaciers
agriculture ■■ Ocean acidification
Figure 2: Temperatures changes in Kenya’s 21 arid and ■■ High level of water scarcity, and
semi-arid Counties between 1960 and 2013.13 mismanagement of water resources
■■ Insecure land tenure, and land
fragmentation
Rising annual temperatures are a trend that is IPCC reports that precipitation projections are
■■ Population growth, and migration to
expected to continue in Kenya in all seasons. more uncertain than temperature projections;
urban areas
This concurs with the IPCC Fifth Assessment suggesting that by the end of the 21st century,
■■ Heavy disease burden, and limited
Report, which indicated that during this century, the East African region will have a wetter climate,
access to quality health care,
temperatures in the African continent would with more intense wet seasons and less severe
particularly in rural, and remote areas
rise more quickly than in other land areas, and droughts. The proportion of rainfall occurring in
that this would particularly be observed in more heavy events is expected to increase. Regional
arid regions. Climate modelling for the East climate model studies however suggest drying
Africa region using a high-emissions scenario over most parts of Kenya in the months of August
suggested that mean annual temperatures and September, by the end of the 21st century.15
would increase by 0.9 °C by 2035, 2.2 °C by 2065
and 4.0 °C by 2100.14
11 12N a t i o n a l C l i m a t e C h a n g e A c t i o n P l a n ( K e n y a ) 2 0 1 8 - 2 0 2 2 . N a t i o n a l C l i m a t e C h a n g e A c t i o n P l a n ( K e n y a ) 2 0 1 8 - 2 0 2 2 .
(a) Social Impacts
Floods have caused huge disruptions to 2017. At that time, it had affected 23 out of the 47 some areas become less conducive for livestock, fisher communities suffer from severe poverty,
human lives in Kenya. The floods experienced Counties, with Counties in ASALs being the most particularly cattle, which leads to reductions in and are impacted by climate change-induced
in early 2018 claimed over 183 lives, displaced affected. At least 3.4 million Kenyans were severely herd numbers. Counties, such as Laikipia, which storms, and heavy rainfall that cause seas to get
more than 225,000 people, including over food insecure, and an estimated 500,000 people have favourable conditions, could enter into rough, especially in May-June-July periods, when
145,000 children, and led to closure of over did not have access to water.23 An estimated resource-use conflicts when pastoralists from other they are unable to fish or risk their lives attempting
700 schools.17 They have been associated with 482,882 children, mainly from 23 ASAL Counties, Counties move their animals to them in search of to earn income. Concern has also been expressed
cholera outbreaks in at least five Counties, and required treatment for acute malnutrition. School water and better conditions of pasture.27 Cross- over the vulnerability of the poor that live in urban
people experiencing upsurges in mosquito- attendance dropped in the Counties that were border conflicts could increase with neighbouring slums.
borne diseases, such as malaria, and dengue impacted by the drought.24 Droughts also cause countries, such as Ethiopia, and Tanzania, when
fever.18 Between 1990 and 2015, a total of 43 changes in the migratory patterns of animals, pastoralists compete for food, water, and grazing Women are vulnerable to climate change.
flood disasters happened in Kenya. This is and increase conflicts between people and large lands. Their role as primary caregivers and providers
equivalent to an average of 1.65 flood disasters mammals like elephants. of food and fuel makes them more vulnerable
per year. On average, each flood disaster There is evidence of migration of vulnerable groups when flooding and droughts occur. Drought
affected 68,000 people.19 Estimates show that From a geographical perspective, Kenya’s ASALs in Kenya that is linked to climate change. The compromises hygiene for women and girls, as
267,000 Kenyans will be at risk from coastal are particularly vulnerable to the impacts of migration is mainly due to reliance on resource- the little water available is used for drinking and
flooding by 2030, because of sea level rise.20 climate change. The highest incidence of poverty based livelihoods by the groups. Reduced cooking. It also negatively effects women’s time
An increase of 30 centimetres of sea water at is found in these areas. Women and men in ASALs agricultural productivity is a key trigger for rural- management in the household. When nearby
the Kenyan coast is capable of submerging experience greater competition over resources urban migration, and settlement in risk-prone areas wells and water sources run dry, women travel
Mombasa and 17% of coastal areas.21 This than in other areas. Kenyan ASALs are experiencing and informal settlements. Resource scarcity, which long distances to search for water. Longer dry
could be a threat to the country’s economy, rising populations and in-migration from the often couples with historical land conflicts, could seasons mean women have to work harder to
and to the movement of imports and exports country’s densely-populated highlands and, lower also lead to displacements. Floods, droughts, and feed and care for their families. In both urban
by Kenya and countries that use the port of access to infrastructure, such as potable water, landslides also contribute to movement of people,28 and rural areas, women have multiple demands
Mombasa, as the area supports tourism and electricity, and telecommunication facilities.25 The which affects effective planning. Groups that are in the home, workplace, and community, which
fishing industries, and has the largest seaport ASAL economy is highly dependent on climate- most vulnerable include, remote and pastoralist leave less time for their political involvement and
in East Africa. sensitive activities, yet it supports more than 70% communities, hunters and gatherers, and fisher active participation in decision-making processes.
of the national livestock population, and 90% communities. These are affected by climate Women in traditional communities may be
On average, droughts in Kenya affect about of wildlife that is the backbone of the country’s change because of environmental degradation, subject to cultural beliefs that deny them equal
4.8 million people.22 Droughts have destroyed tourism sector.26 and growing competition for land and water.29 opportunities and rights. Women are also more
livelihoods, triggered local conflicts over Persons with disabilities, children, and the elderly, likely to experience poverty, less likely to own
scarce resources, and eroded the ability of Cross-border and cross-County conflicts could are also vulnerable because of potential impacts land, and have less socioeconomic power than
communities to cope. The 2014-2018 drought be exacerbated by climate change. Furthermore, of climate change on their health, which is often men, which makes it difficult for them to recover
was declared a national emergency in February as temperatures rise and rainfall patterns change, related to their limited mobility. Many artisanal from climate disasters that affect infrastructure,
jobs, and housing.
Photo: Unisplash
13 14N a t i o n a l C l i m a t e C h a n g e A c t i o n P l a n ( K e n y a ) 2 0 1 8 - 2 0 2 2 N a t i o n a l C l i m a t e C h a n g e A c t i o n P l a n ( K e n y a ) 2 0 1 8 - 2 0 2 2
(b) Environmental Impacts
Droughts are large-scale disasters in Kenya. average. This will lead to greater levels of, and Desertification in ASALs is also a major direct impact of drought. Kenya Wildlife Services
The International Disaster Database reported more frequent coastal flooding, changing patterns environmental impact attributable to climate (KWS) has reported that in some years, more
that a total of ten droughts occurred in Kenya of shoreline erosion, increased salinity of coastal change, besides human activities. It is intensifying animals die from drought than poaching in Kenya.
between 1990 and 2015. This translates to one aquifers, and modification of coastal ecosystems, and spreading, and reducing the productivity of Climate change has the potential to alter migratory
drought disaster every two and a half years. including beaches, coral reefs, and mangroves.36 land, which negatively affects communities.43 routes and timings of species, such as migratory
An assessment conducted by the Kenya Food Climate change is also a major contributor to land birds that use seasonal wetlands, and herbivores
Security Steering Group on the 2017 long- IPCC reports that the ocean has absorbed about degradation, which encompasses changes in that track seasonal changes in vegetation. Climate
rain season in Kenya’s ASAL Counties found 30% of the emitted anthropogenic carbon dioxide, the chemical, physical and biological properties change significantly affects marine ecosystems,
that spatial and temporal distribution of rain causing seawater to become more acidic.37 Ocean of the soil. Human activities however pose the and could lead to large-scale shifts in patterns
was poor across the entire country.30 The acidification is expected to impact many ocean greatest threat through unsustainable land of marine productivity, biodiversity, community
assessment also established that rains began species, and to cause decline of species. This management practices, such as destruction of composition, and ecosystem structure.
late in most parts of the country, resulting in would negatively impact fisher communities, who natural vegetation, over-cultivation, over grazing,
a shortened rainy season.31 Most areas were rely on these species for food and livelihoods. and deforestation.44 Restoration of degraded land Kenya lost about 12,000 hectares of forest
reported to have received 50-90% of normal Marine species, such as corals, which dependent seeks to achieve neutrality in land degradation, annually, from 1990 to 2005, through deforestation.
rainfall.32 on calcium carbonate to build their shells and and maintain or enhance the land resource base, At independence in 1963, Kenya had a 12%
skeletons, are highly vulnerable. Little is known or the stocks of natural capital associated with forest cover. Due to population pressure for
Rising sea temperatures in the Western about ocean acidification in the Western Indian land resources and the ecosystem services that settlements, infrastructure, demand for wood
Indian Ocean influence the coastal conditions Ocean because long-term observations and flow from them. Restoration of degraded land products, and conversion to agriculture, forest
associated with Kenya. IPCC reports that relevant experiments have not been carried out.38 has important climate benefits, including the cover had been reduced to about 6.9% in 2017.49
sea temperatures have increased by 0.6 °C Research is underway to determine the economic sequestration of carbon dioxide, and improved Deforestation is a major cause of climate change,
between 1950 and 2009, triggering mass coral and social impacts of ocean acidification on coastal climate resilience through recovery of lost because clearing forests releases huge amounts
bleaching and mortality on coral reef systems communities and fisheries in Kenya.39 ecosystems. Kenya launched an ambitious land of greenhouse gases. Deforestation and forest
over the past two decades. This is likely to restoration programme in 2016, which targets degradation in Kenya largely results from human
change the abundance and composition of Glaciers are declining on Mount Kenya. They have restoration of 5.1 million hectares of degraded activities. Climate change could affect the growth,
fish species, with a negative impact on coastal been projected to disappear in the next 30 years, and deforested landscapes by 2030.45 composition, and regeneration capacity of forests,
fisheries.33 largely because of climate change.40 The Lewis which would result in reduced biodiversity, and
Glacier shrunk by 23% from 2004 to 2010, while the Climate change is contributing to the loss of diminished capacity to deliver important forest
Rising sea levels are also a concern for Kenya’s Gregory Glacier disappeared.41 The ice volume Kenya’s biodiversity. The Inter-Governmental goods and services. Rising temperatures and long
coastline consisting of mangroves, coral reefs, of Lewis Glacier decreased from about 7.7 km3 in Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and periods of drought could lead to more frequent
sea grass and, rocky, sandy, and muddy shores. 1978 to about 0.3 km3 in 2004, with an average Ecosystem Services reported that climate and intense forest fires, while rising temperatures
IPCC reports that over the 1901-2010 period, thickness loss of almost one metre of ice per change could result in significant losses of many could extend the ecosystem range of pests and
global mean sea level rose by 0.19 metres, as year.42 The glaciers are melting because of lack of African plant species, some animal species, and pathogens. Climate change impacts tree growth,
a result of thermal expansion of the ocean due precipitation, particularly, diminished snowfall on decline in the productivity of fisheries in Africa’s survival, yield, and quality of wood and non-wood
to warming, and addition of water from the loss the mountain peaks to sustain them. Mount Kenya inland waters during the 21st century.46 Dozens products. Rising sea levels could submerge
of mass from melting glaciers and ice sheets. is one of Kenya’s water towers, and the source of of animals died in 2017 as a result of lack of water mangrove forests in low-lying coastal areas.50
The annual rise over the past 20 years has numerous rivers and streams. and pasture in national parks and reserves; a
been 3.2 millimetres per year, which is roughly Other climate-related environmental hazards
twice the average speed observed in prior Photo: Min . of Env iro n ment in Kenya include, landslides, and forest fires.
80 years. Globally, sea levels are expected to Landslides are associated with heavy rainfall
rise from 26 cm to 82 cm by 2080s.34 The rate in regions with steep slopes, such as Murang’a
of sea level rise along Africa’s Indian Ocean County, Counties in Western Kenya, and the North
coast is expected to be greater than the global Rift Valley.51
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