Kenya, the "Silicon Savannah" of Africa, is a land of contrasts and rich heritage. Vast wildlife preserves and scenic landscapes give way to the historic Indian Ocean coast, where important ports once thrived. On Venture inland, and you'll find the lush, populous highlands famed for their sprawling tea plantations.
But Kenya's allure extends beyond its natural bounty. In the bustling capital, Nairobi, a spirit of innovation has taken root, earning it the title "Silicon Savannah" as a hub for pioneering startups and entrepreneurship.
Woven into the fabric of my nation is a deep well of artistic and literary tradition, with fables that echo the virtues of determination and perseverance – values forged during the struggle for independence.
I was born and raised in Nairobi, immersed in this weaving of cultures and the indomitable Kenyan spirit.
My journey from Nairobi, Kenya to London, UK has been an eye-opening experience, allowing me to witness first-hand the strides my home country has made in embracing innovation and sustainable development practices.
Back in Nairobi, the spirit of progress is palpable. The city has been recognized for its high quality of life, ranking 5th among African cities. This recognition highlights Nairobi's ability to provide a conducive environment for its residents while driving economic growth and development.
Technology has been a significant driver of Nairobi's momentum. The city's embrace of technological advancements has played a pivotal role in its efforts towards sustainable development, from promoting renewable energy solutions to enhancing resource efficiency.
Moreover, Nairobi's rapid shift up the rankings to 10th place in JLL's annual City Momentum Index (CMI) is a testament to the city's agility and openness to change. Nairobi is the only African metro included in the CMI's Global Top 30, reflecting its ability to absorb rapidly growing populations, strengthen global connectivity, and adapt swiftly to the ever-changing global landscape.
Beyond the technological front, Nairobi has also witnessed remarkable strides in infrastructure development, with significant investments in modern transportation systems, green spaces, and sustainable urban planning initiatives. These efforts not only improve the quality of life for residents but also contribute to the city's long-term environmental sustainability.
It has been inspiring to witness the concerted efforts of both the government and private sector in promoting sustainable practices across various sectors, from agriculture to manufacturing. The growth of eco-tourism, coupled with initiatives to preserve Kenya's rich biodiversity and natural habitats, demonstrates the nation's commitment to balancing economic development with environmental conservation. In Kenya, Protected areas embrace various types of ecosystems namely: forests, wetlands, savannah, marine, arid and semi-arid (kws.go.ke, 2021). As I reflect on my journey, I am filled with a sense of pride and optimism for Kenya's future, as the country continues to embrace innovation, sustainability, and a vision for a prosperous, yet environmentally conscious, society.
Ban of the Manufacture, Importing and use of Single-Use Plastic Bags
In Kenya, it's a common sight to see individuals carrying non-woven, durable bags, often crafted from authentic African print fabrics, as they navigate the bustling streets or engage in shopping at supermarkets. This visual is a testament to the nation's remarkable journey towards environmental sustainability, a journey that has its roots in decisive governmental actions and community engagement. Back in 2017, in Kenya, the Ministry of Environment and Forestry boldly led the way with a comprehensive ban on polythene bags, dramatically curbing plastic waste that once threatened our marine ecosystems. The ripple effect of this initiative was magnified with the ban on single-use plastics in protected areas by 2020, safeguarding our national parks, beaches, and forests. This goes beyond the legislative side and acts as a testament to the power of partnership. The collaboration between the government and the private sector, particularly in managing PET plastic bottles, has sparked an upsurge in recycling efforts, with over 2000 tonnes of PET being recycled annually. Moreover, the government's incentives for plastic recycling have bolstered environmental conservation and also fostered a sustainable economic landscape. As I reflect on these milestones, I'm filled with pride for Kenya's proactive approach to sustainability.
Embracing a Circular Economy
Kenya took the global stage at the Sixth United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA-6) in February 2024. Here, the spotlight was on our leap into a circular economy and the robust adoption of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR). This bold move mandates that all producers in Kenya not only think about the lifecycle of their products but also take charge of their environmental footprint. It's a testament to our resolve to cut down on waste and ensure that sustainability is at the heart of production. The Principal Secretary for Environment and Climate Change, Eng. Festus Ngeno, emphasized the nation's commitment to the circular economy model, aiming for over 95% waste recovery through segregation, sorting, and recycling processes, remarking on the transformative potential of recycling and waste management in moving towards a circular economy. (NEMA, 2024).
Wetlands: The Heart of Our Ecosystem
Our wetlands are the cradle of biodiversity, essential for climate regulation and the well-being of our communities. Recognizing their importance, significant efforts like the "Adopt-a-Wetland Initiative" have been launched, focusing on the restoration and conservation of these vital ecosystems. A standout effort is the National Environmental Management Authority (NEMA)'s project to map out 10,000 wetlands across the country, aiming to protect and raise awareness about these vital areas. Through actions like fencing to prevent encroachment and community engagement, we're actively safeguarding our wetlands, ensuring they continue to flourish for generations to come.
Encouraging Public Participation in Sustainability
The government's encouragement of public participation in sustainability efforts is evident in the push for the widespread adoption of the 'Jaza Miti' mobile application. This tool is designed to document tree-growing activities, allowing for monitoring and tracking progress towards the ambitious goal of planting 15 billion trees by 2032. The call by Environment Cabinet Secretary Soipan Tuya for every Kenyan to plant at least two seedlings during the exercise is a testament to the collective effort required to achieve these environmental goals (Ministry of Environment, Climate Change and Forestry, 2023).
Embracing Global Carbon Markets
In an important stride towards aligning with global sustainability efforts, Kenya has embarked on transitioning from the Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) to the Article 6.4 mechanism under the Paris Agreement. This pivotal move shows Kenya's commitment to international climate action and opens new avenues for the nation to contribute more effectively towards achieving its climate targets. By integrating into the more contemporary and comprehensive Article 6.4 mechanism, Kenya is enhancing its participation in global carbon market mechanisms, ensuring that its projects bolster national sustainability efforts and align with global strides towards more sustainable carbon market practices. This transition exemplifies Kenya's proactive government-level decision to embrace a greener future and solidify its role in the global climate action framework.
A Collective Effort
What truly sets Kenya apart in its sustainability journey is the spirit of collaboration. This journey isn't shouldered by the government alone but is a shared mission with international bodies, the private sector, and, importantly, the Kenyan people. Organizations like the World-Wide Fund for Nature (WWF), Kenya Association of Manufacturers (KAM), and the Kenya Private Sector Alliance (KEPSA) are key players, driving us toward a future where economic prosperity does not come at the environment's expense. This unity portrays a powerful message: sustainability is a collective responsibility.
The Green Belt Movement (GBM), founded by the late Prof. Wangari Maathai in 1977, was a pioneering citizen-led initiative that addressed environmental degradation and empowered rural Kenyan women. It began as a response to the challenges faced by these women, including dwindling food supplies, drying streams, and the need to travel farther for firewood and fencing materials.
GBM encouraged women to work collectively, grow seedlings, and plant trees to combat soil erosion, conserve rainwater, and provide food and firewood – while also earning a small income for their efforts. However, Maathai soon realized that the underlying issues were deeper – disempowerment, disenfranchisement, and a loss of traditional values that had previously enabled communities to protect their environment and work together for mutual benefit.
Through its grassroots approach and empowerment initiatives, GBM has planted over 51 million trees across Kenya since its inception, raising awareness about sustainable practices and inspiring many Kenyans to participate in environmental conservation efforts.
Another significant citizen-led initiative is the Mazingira Institute, which was founded in 1978 and is one of the oldest environmental non-governmental organizations in Kenya. The institute has been instrumental in promoting sustainable development practices, particularly in urban areas, through its advocacy efforts, community outreach programs, and research initiatives.Â
The rise of social media facilitated citizen-led sustainability campaigns in Kenya, notably the #BanThePlasticBag movement. James Wakibia didn't set out to be an environmental activist, but the pollution in his hometown of Nakuru eventually compelled him to act (UNEP, 2018). In 2015, he started the #banplasticsKE campaign calling for a plastic bag ban due to environmental concerns. The campaign gained momentum, winning support from the Cabinet Secretary for Environment, and contributed to the nationwide ban on single-use plastic bags implemented in 2017.
The #BanThePlasticBag campaign effectively raised public awareness about the environmental impact of plastic bags, demonstrating the influence of citizen-led initiatives on sustainable development practices in Kenya.
Kenya, like many countries globally, faces a range of sustainability issues that impact its environment, society, and economy. These challenges are intertwined with the country's development goals, population growth, and climate change impacts. Major sustainability issues in Kenya include:
Climate Change: Kenya is highly vulnerable to climate change impacts, including increased temperatures, unpredictable rainfall patterns, droughts, and floods. These changes severely affect agriculture, the country's backbone, threatening food security and livelihoods.
Water Scarcity and Quality:Â Access to clean and safe water remains a significant challenge in many parts of Kenya, exacerbated by climate change, pollution, and overexploitation of water resources. Water scarcity affects human health, agriculture and industrial activities.
Deforestation and Loss of Biodiversity: Kenya faces high levels of deforestation due to logging, charcoal production, and conversion of forest land to agriculture and urban expansion. This deforestation has a direct impact on biodiversity, leading to habitat loss and threatening the survival of various species.
Urbanization and Sustainable Infrastructure: Rapid urbanization puts pressure on existing infrastructure, leading to challenges in housing, transportation, and sanitation services. Sustainable urban development is needed to accommodate growing populations in cities and towns.
Food Security: Despite agriculture being a significant part of Kenya's economy, the country faces food security challenges due to droughts, floods, pests, and diseases affecting crop yields. Ensuring food security is crucial for Kenya's sustainability.
Hailing from Kenya, a land adorned with stunning natural beauty and vibrant communities, one might feel a deep connection to its resilience and potential amidst sustainability challenges. The concern for agriculture affected by climate change transforms into hope with the adoption of innovative farming techniques. Water scarcity and environmental concerns become catalysts for collective action towards conservation and sustainable practices. The enthusiasm for renewable energy and urban development reflects a forward-looking optimism, driving efforts to enhance quality of life and secure a sustainable future. This sense of responsibility and opportunity inspires a positive outlook and active engagement in shaping a thriving Kenya for generations to come.
Adapting from Kenya to the UK, I was pleasantly surprised by the distinctive sustainability practices in each country. However, this transition highlighted the commendable strides Kenya has already made in environmental conservation. As earlier mentioned, Kenya's pioneering ban on single-use plastics and its robust culture of embracing second-hand fashion showcase its leadership in sustainable practices.
I am immensely proud of Kenya's achievements in the environmental sector, which have laid a solid foundation for sustainability. The ease of adjusting to the UK's sustainability practices further affirmed Kenya's significant progress in this area. This journey has not only been enriching but has also deepened my appreciation for the comprehensive nature of sustainability, blending environmental, social, and economic considerations.
My studies in the UK have expanded my perspective, emphasizing the value of building on Kenya's successes by enhancing recycling initiatives and employing targeted sustainability marketing. Kenya is performing admirably in its environmental conservation efforts, and there is exciting potential to further this success through collective action and innovative strategies.
Working for a sustainability reporting firm has been an enlightening and inspiring experience, particularly in the context of my home country, Kenya. It fills me with immense pride to witness the initiatives Kenya has embarked upon towards sustainability. Seeing the tangible commitments and progress being made, from embracing renewable energy to advancing sustainable agriculture, underscores the potential and determination that Kenya holds in addressing environmental challenges. This journey, though marked with achievements, also highlights the vast scope for further action and improvement. The experience of tracking targets and evaluating progress in sustainability has sharpened my understanding of the critical importance of such measures. It not only reassures me that change is possible but also serves as a constant reminder of the work that remains to be done.
This exposure to the world of sustainability reporting has deepened my belief in the power of informed action and accountability. It inspires a mixed feeling of pride for the strides taken back home and a constructive sense of urgency towards the goals yet to be met. The process of encouraging sustainable actions, whether at the individual, community, or corporate level, has been profoundly rewarding. It affirms my conviction in the collective ability to make a difference and the crucial role that informed, transparent reporting plays in driving effective sustainability efforts.Â
References:
UNEP. (2018). Meet James Wakibia, the campaigner behind Kenya's plastic bag ban. https://www.unep.org/news-and-stories/story/meet-james-wakibia-campaigner-behind-kenyas-plastic-bag-ban
Republic of Kenya, Ministry of Environment and Forestry. (2020). Implementation Plan for the Ban of Single-Use Plastics in Protected Areas.
NEMA (2024) Circular economy and Extended Producer Responsibilities in addressing pollution control. [online] Available at: https://www.nema.go.keÂ
Green Belt Movement. (n.d.). Our History. Source http://www.greenbeltmovement.org/who-we-are/our-history
Mazingira Institute (n.d.). About us. Source:Â https://www.mazinst.org/overview/
Okafor, C. (2023). List of African cities with the highest quality of life. Retrieved from https://africa.businessinsider.com/local/lifestyle/list-of-african-cities-with-the-highest-quality-of-life/9fr9re2
Nyamaso, K. (2023). Nairobi ranked 10th most dynamic global city. Retrieved from https://blog.pamgolding.co.za/nairobi-ranked-10th-most-dynamic-global-city/
KWS (2021). Overview. ​​Source: https://www.kws.go.ke/content/overview-0#:~:text=The%20protected%20areas%20comprise%20of,outposts%20outside%20the%20protected%20areas
KirkTV (2021). The Nairobi Expressway to be redesigned to make room for CBD exits. Source: https://www.kirktv.org/the-nairobi-expressway-to-be-redesigned-to-make-room-for-cbd-exits/