The Kenya Ministry of Environment and Mineral Resources is developing a National Environmental Policy aimed at strengthening existing development strategies and sectoral policies for sustained development, officials announced on Monday.
The ministry’s Permanent Secretary Prof. James Ole Kiyiapi said the envisaged policy would address issues relating to the environment and also identify steps to be taken on conservation and protection of eco-systems and natural resources.
According to the official, the overall objective of the policy would be to influence the behaviour of individuals and institutions in terms of production and consumption of goods and services and enhance their contribution to sustainable development.
Kiyiapi explained the policy had been divided into five sections, preparatory, identification of key policy issues, regional – provincial consultations, consensus – national feedback and finalising and endorsement sections.
He noted that although the country was endowed with rich natural heritage, there were conflicting demands of economic growth and development that was threatening environmental sustainability.
Meanwhile, the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) says it will embark on projects aimed at ensuring local communities of neighbouring countries’ national parks venture into tourism investments.
KWS Director Julius Kipng’etich opined the investments would enable the communities move beyond agriculture to investments in tourism that would reduce conflicts between them and the wildlife body.
Speaking at the Aberdare National Park in Nyeri, central Kenya during the commissioning of phases seven and eight of an electric fence surrounding the animal sanctuary, Kipng’etich said KWS was committed to improving the entire eco-system in tourism.
The fence, which covers a distance of 400 kilometres with about 345 completed, is a joint venture of the government through KWS, Rhino Ark, Kenya Forest Service, the community and other stakeholders. Panapress .
