Kitui County Environment and Climate Change Policy, 2023

CamScanner I I I I • COUNTY GOVERNMENT OF KITUI Ministry of Environment, Tourism and Natural Resources KITUI COUNTY ENVIRONMENT AND CLIMATE CHANGE POLICY, 2023 JANUARY, 2023 https://digital-camscanner.onelink.me/P3GL/g26ffx3k CamScanner ' I I l I Submitted to the Kitui County Executive Committee by; Hon. Meshack K. Muthusi, CECM for Environment, Tourism and Natural Resources APPROVAL I This Kitui County Environment and Climate Change Policy is hereby approved by the Kitui Cou~'t Ercutive Committee during thekC..~.~ ... meeting held l on ./.D. !. ~ /0.! f2ai3. at. .. . brr.I.. G. /lN. .0./l.~ .... . /d frl!r.1:-:I~. {{~ -~ ~ 1. ,.:: I l I ,, I I ' I Governor ii https://digital-camscanner.onelink.me/P3GL/g26ffx3k CamScanner I I l I I I i I I I I I :u I I ' TABLE OF CONTENTS APPROVAL .......................... .. .............. ...................... ............ ..... .......................... ii TABLE OF CONTENTS ......................................................................... ................. iii FOREWORD ........................................................................................................ vi ACKNOWLEDGEMENT .................................................................................. ...... viii ABBREVIATIONS AND ACRONYMS .......................................... .. ............................ ix EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ................................. .. ...................................................... xi CHAPTER ONE: INTRODUCTION ........................................................................... 1 1.1 Background Information .............................................................................. 1 1.1.1 Agriculture ............................................................................................ 2 1.1.2 Livestock Pr0duction .............................................................................. 3 1.1.3 Environment. ......................................................................................... 3 1.1.4 Forestry ........................................ ................................................ ........ 4 1.1.5 Water ................................................................................................... 5 1.1.6 Energy ........................ ......................................... .. ............................... 6 1.1.7 Soil Fertility ........................................................................................... 6 1.1.8 Mining .... .......................................... ... ... ............................ ... ................ 7 1.1.9 Tourism ...................... .. .. ....... ........ .... ................................................... 8 1.1.10 Fisheries Development ............ ... .. ..... .................... ................... ............ 8 1.1.11 Waste Management .......... .......... .. ..... .... ........................ ...................... 9 1.1.12 Health ............ .. ................. ............. ... .. ................................ .. .. .. .. ........ 9 1.1.13 Land Use Planning ................................................................ ............. 10 1.1.14 Special programs and disaster risk management.. ................................ 10 1.2 Justification ...................................... ......................................................... 11 1.3 Policy goal ................ ......................... ............................................ ............ 12 1.3.1 Specific goals ................... .................................. ................................. 12 CHAPTER TWO: SITUATIONAL ANALYSIS ...... .................. ... ..... .... ....................... . 14 2.1 Introduction .. ................................................................... ............................ 14 2.2 Achievements ............................................................................................ 14 2.3 Challenges facing Environmental Conservation, Climate Change Adaptation and Mitigation in Kitui county .............................. .............................................. .. ... 15 2.4 Policy Interventions and Context ............................................ .. .. ............. ... 16 iii https://digital-camscanner.onelink.me/P3GL/g26ffx3k CamScanner 2.4.1 Facilitate formulation of policy, legal and regulatory framework ............. 16 2.4.2 Strengthen resilience and adaptive capacity to the impacts of climate change ................................... ....... .................. ............ ... ............................. 16 2.4.3 Enhance safety and security of communities against the impacts of climate change................................ 17 ···· ···································································· 2.4.4 Improve county resource mobilization capacity for climate change fi . 1nanc1ng ............. .. ............................................................... ....................... 17 2.4.5 Promote collaboration on climate change research and development ...... 18 2.4.6 Enhance co-ordination of Climate Change Adaptation initiatives ............. 18 2.5 SWOT Analysis .......................................................................................... 19 2.5.1 Infrastructure and Urban Development ................................................. 19 2.5.2 Waste management ................................................................. ............ 19 2.5.3 Water sector ....................................................................................... 19 2.5.4 Other opportunities ............................................ .. .. .. ............................ 20 2.6 Emerging issues from the SWOT Analysis .................................................... 20 2.6.1 Political goodwill and leadership ........................................................... 20 2.6.2 Increasing frequency of droughts and floods ......................................... 20 2.6.3 Climate financing ............................ ..... ................................................ 21 2.6.4 Establishment of the State Department for the Arid and Semi-Arid (ASALs) and Regional Development ............ .. .. .. ... ... ................................................... 21 2.6.5 Emerging crops and livestock diseases and pests .................................. 21 2.6.6 Idle land and irrigation farming potential .............................................. 21 2.6.7 Declining water table ........................................................................... 22 2.6.8 Kitui county charcoal production management ...................................... 22 2.6.9 Inter-county resource-based conflicts .... ............................................... 22 2.6.10 Human-wildlife conflicts ......................................... ............................. 22 CHAPTER THREE: OBJECTIVES AND STRATEGIES ................................................ 24 3.1 Introduction .............................................................................................. 24 3.2 Strategies ................................................................................................. 24 3.2.1 Policy objective 1: To institute and strengthen the policy, legal and regulatory framework on environment and climate change ............................. 24 3.2.2 Policy Objective 2: To strengthen partnerships and development of a framework for sharing trans-boundary resources ............................................ 25 3.2.3 Policy Objective 3: To enhance and strengthen resources mobilization .... 25 iv I I I I I I I I I I I I I https://digital-camscanner.onelink.me/P3GL/g26ffx3k CamScanner 3.2.4. Policy Objective 4: To enhance climate change resilience ...................... 26 3.2.5. Policy Objective 5: To enhance tree growing and forest conservation ..... 26 3.2.6. Policy Objective 6: To enhance environmental safeguards and reduce environmental pollution .. ........................................................................ ... ... 27 3.2.7. Policy Objective 7: To rehabilitate and restore degraded and critical catchments, ecosystems and landscapes ....................................................... 27 3.3 Guiding Principles .. ................... ............... ........... ....................................... 28 3.3.1 National values and principles of governance, rights and fundamental freedoms ..................................................................................................... 28 3.3.2 Right to sustainable development ......................................................... 28 3.3.3 Partnership ......................................................................................... 28 3.3.4 Equity and social inclusion ...... .............................................................. 29 3.3.5 Maladaptation avoidance ........................ .............................................. 29 3.3.6 Cost effectiveness ................................................................................ 29 3.3.7 Ecosystem-based Adaptation (EbA) ....................................................... 29 CHAPTER FOUR: LEGAL AND INSTITUTIONAL FRAMEWORK ................................. 30 4.1 Legal framework ........................................................................................ 30 4.2 Institutional Framework ................................................ ............................. 32 4.3 Monitoring, evaluation, reporting and learning ............................................. 33 4.4 Policy review ....................... .. ... .... .... ... ....... ...................... .. ....................... 33 ANNEXURES ...................................... ... .............................................................. 34 Annex I: Implementation matrix for five years ................................. .-................ 34 Annex II: Stakeholder analysis ....... ......... ......................................................... 37 Annex III: Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats (SWOT) analysis .. 39 Annex IV: The Political, Economic, Social, Technological, Legal and Environmental (PESTLE) analysis ........................... ................................................................. 40 Annex V: Risk analysis ..................................................................................... 42 Annex VI: Critical players in the institutional framework ..................................... 43 REFERENCES ..................................................................................................... 46 https://digital-camscanner.onelink.me/P3GL/g26ffx3k CamScanner FOREWORD The Kitui county economy primarily depends on the environment and natural resources, as 95.3% of the population lives in rural areas and derives their livelihood mainly from these resources (KNBS, 201.9a, KNBS, 2019b). The main economic activities in the county include agriculture, mining, micro and small-scale industries, and trade. Agriculture is the backbone of the economy of Kitui county, playing a pivotal role in poverty reduction, food security and employment creation. The majority of the Kitui county residents derive their livelihoods from food crops, industrial crops (sisal and cotton and castor fruit), horticultural crops (mangoes, paw paws, water melons, tomatoes, avocado among others), livestock ( cattle sheep and goats), poultry farming, apiculture, rabbit farming, pig farming and fishing. Tourism is also an economic activity in the county derived from the Kitui National Reserves and the Tsavo East National Park. The environment and natural resources have been threatened due to climate change and variability and increased dependency on natural resources to meet basic needs. This situation is exacerbated by rapid population growth, increasing poverty levels, unemployment, poor land use practices, environmental degradation, inadequate policies, legal and institutional framework, poor implementation of laws and poor infrastructure. The over-dependence on land resources has often resulted in conflicts over water, pasture and agricultural fields. The main environmental issues in Kitui county are the destruction of watershed areas, unsustainable waste management, land degradation (as a result of soil erosion, overgrazing, shi~ing cultivation, unsustainable and uncontrolled sand harvesting), increased deforestation attributed to unsustainable exploitation of wood fuel for domestic use, charcoal production, firewood production, declining soil fertility and resultant low farm yields, loss of biodiversity and alteration of the natural tropical habitat, land subdivisions into small uneconomic sizes and reduced productivity, outbreaks of pests and diseases, river bank erosion due to poor farming practices, https://digital-camscanner.onelink.me/P3GL/g26ffx3k CamScanner ' • • • • • •· • 11· I I I I I seasonality of rivers and emergence of dry river beds, overgrazing and overstocking, reduced forest cover and environmental pollution . Therefore, the county Government of Kitui, in partnership with other actors, has developed this policy document to facilitate mainstreaming of climate change adaptation and mitigation in accordance with the national climate change act, 2016, and also act as a tool for addressing the challenges mentioned above . CECM for Environment, Tourism and Natural Resources vii https://digital-camscanner.onelink.me/P3GL/g26ffx3k CamScanner I ACKNOWLEDGEMENT Environmental degradation and climate change impacts are likely to undermine the I development outcomes of Kitui county and pose significant challenges to the resilience of ecosystems and livelihoods. The Climate Change Act (2016) states that a county I Government may enact legislation that further defines the implementation of climate change functions relevant to the county. The formulation of this policy is a county specific response to this legislation. The county Government of Kitui has employed various measures to address Climate Change. This policy demonstrates further commitment to mainstream climate change in all development initiatives. The policy will promote sustainable development while seeking a climate resilient, low carbon development pathway. It is designed to provide a framework that mainstreams matters climate change in development initiation, implementation, management, monitoring, resource mobilization and budgeting for climate change plans, projects and programs. I wish to thank the Kitui County Climate Change Unit members who provided valuable information and data during the formulation of this policy. The departmental technical committee led by the Deputy Director for Environment, Energy and Mineral Resources Mr. Benjamin Mukulo, Assistant Director for Environment and Climate Change - Mr. Dominic Mumbu, Chief Environment Officer - Ms. Damaris Musyoka and all environment and forestry officers, the Pan African Climate Justice Alliance (PACJA), the County Policy Development Committee and the Civil Society Organization (CSO) networks who worked tirelessly to ensure successful development of this policy. ~\cG&: ~ : Everlyne K. Musembi Ag. Chief Officer for Environment, Tourism and Natural Resources I l https://digital-camscanner.onelink.me/P3GL/g26ffx3k CamScanner I . l AF AIDS ASALs ASDSP CAADP CBO CCF CECM CFAs CIDP CoK COP CPAs cso DFJ EbA EMCA ESIA GCF GEF GHG ICT IPCC IPM JJAS KEFRI ABBREVIATIONS AND ACRONYMS Adaptation Fund Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome Arid and Semi-Arid Lands Agricultural Sector Development Support Programme Comprehensive Africa Agricultural Development Programme Community based organization Climate Change Fund county Executive Committee member Community Forest Associations county Integrated Development Plan Constitution of Kenya Conference of Parties Charcoal Producers' Associations Civil Society Organization December February June Ecosystem Based Adaptation Environmental Management and Coordination Act Environmental and Social Impact Assessment Green Climate Fund Global Environmental Fund Green House Gases Information, Communication and Technology Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change Integrated Pest Management June July August September Kenya Forestry Research Institute ix https://digital-camscanner.onelink.me/P3GL/g26ffx3k CamScanner ~ KFS Kenya Forest Service Km 2 Square Kilometre • KMD Kenya Meteorological Department MAM March April May MTEF Medium Term Expenditure Framework II MTP Medium Term Plan NASA National Aeronautics and Space Agency • NCCAP National Climate Change Action Plan • NCCP National Climate Change Policy NCCRS National Climate Change Response Strategy • NDMA National Drought Management Authority 1,1 ·, NEMA National Environment Management Authority I NGO Non-Governmental Organization -~' oc Degrees Celsius . I PACJA Pan African Climate Justice Alliance R&D Research and Development -~ REA Rural Electrification Authority n SEKU South Eastern Kenya University SON September October November g SWOT Strength, Weakness, Opportunity, Threat II United Nation Framework Convention on Climate Change UNFCCC WRA Water Resources Authority • WRUAs Water Resources Users Associations • • • X • https://digital-camscanner.onelink.me/P3GL/g26ffx3k CamScanner l ,, ' l ' ' I • l I I I I I I J f I EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Kitui county is in the Arid and Semi-Arid Lands (ASALs) of Kenya, which is climatically fragile and vulnerable to the adverse impacts of Climate Change and variability. Environmental and climate change issues are both multi -dimensional and multi­ sectorial. Hence, this policy shall be implemented in the county functions of Agriculture, Water, Livestock Development, Education, Gender and Information Communication Technology, Environment and Natural Resources, Health, Tourism, sports and Culture and Infrastructure, Transport and Communication, among others. The policy identifies many challenges to the implementation of environmental conservation, climate change mitigation and adaptation measures and prioritizes interventions in the following; lack of policy, legal, regulatory and institutional framework on climate change adaptation and mitigation; low community and ecosystem resilience and inadequate adaptive capacity to climate change impacts; vulnerability of human and ecosystem to climate change impacts; low county resources' mobilization, low capacity for climate change financing; lack of mechanisms that facilitate climate change research and development; and inadequate co­ ordination of climate change adaptation and mitigation initiatives. In matters of environment and climate change, this policy is awake to the reality that there are winners and losers, hence has documented the opportunities that it presents and the strategies that shall be used to translate them into economic benefits for the county residents while mitigating the impacts of cl imate change and variability. The level of skills and knowledge of the beneficiaries and their purchasing power predispose them to vulnerability to the issues at hand. Therefore, structured capacity building is central to successful adaptation and mitigation initiatives. To ensure environmental sustainability, and adapt and mitigate climate change, this policy commits the county Government of Kitui to; facilitate the formulation and implementation of environmental conservation, climate change adaptation and mitigation acts, legal, regulatory and institutional framework; strengthen human and ecosystem resilience and adaptive capacity; enhance safety and security of human and ecosystem; improve county resource mobilization capacity for climate change xi https://digital-camscanner.onelink.me/P3GL/g26ffx3k CamScanner 1 financing; promote partnership and collaboration on climate change adaptation I research and development; and enhance climate change governance through co- ~ ordination of adaptation initiatives by all stakeholders. j'-; • ·~ • .• j ·~ R: II - [I [I I , I ' I I I https://digital-camscanner.onelink.me/P3GL/g26ffx3k CamScanner r l l l I' I ' CHAPTER ONE: INTRODUCTION 1.1 Background Information Environment is a broad term representing the totality of the surrounding such as plants, animals, microorganisms, socio-economic and cultural factors. It includes the physical aspects of the surroundings of human beings such as land, water, atmosphere, sound, odour, taste, the biological factors of animals and plants, and the social factors of aesthetics. It includes both the natural and the built environment. Kitui county is in the ASAL region of Kenya and experiences adverse effects of climate change and variability. The county is among the most drought-vulnerable regions in the country. It has an area of 30,430 km 2 and a population of 1,136,187 (KNBS, 2019a), of which 95.3% of the population live in rural areas and depend on agriculture as their primary source of livelihood (KNBS, 2019a, KNBS, 2019b). The level of absolute poverty in the county is estimated at 47.5% (County Government of Kitui, 2020). Kitui county is in the lower Eastern ASAL region of Kenya between latitudes 0°10' and 3°0' south and longitudes 37°50' and 39°0' east and experiences adverse effects of Climate Change and variability. The county has an altitude of 400-1800 meters above sea level (County Government of Kitui, 2018). Due to its semi-arid climate, the county is among the most drought-vulnerable regions in Kenya. The average annual precipitation range is 400-1000 mm, with an annual average rainfal of 750 mm. The eastern part of the county is the driest, receiving less than 500 mm of rainfall, on average, every year. Precipitation in the long rainy season, from March to May, is erratic and unreliable; precipitation in the short rainy season, October to December, is more reliable in terms of amount and distribution. Most farmers in Kitui county depend on the short rainy season for agricultural productivity: it contributes 60% of the county's crop production, compared to 40% during the long rainy season. The annual average temperature for Kitui is 21-31 °C. The western part of the county is nearly 10°C cooler than the eastern part. Climate change in the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) refers to a change in the state of the climate that can be identified by changes in the 111 an https://digital-camscanner.onelink.me/P3GL/g26ffx3k CamScanner ded period, exten and/o th · - - ·sts for an · ns r e vanab1l1ty of its properties and that persi U 'ted Natio ty . ' din to the n1 pically decades or longer (Houghton et al., 1990). Accor 9 e is a change Fram CC) climate chang ework Convention on Climate Change (UNFC ' . . . that alters of . . . . human act1v1t1es climate which is attributed directly or 1nd1rectly to the composition of the global atmosphere (UNFCCC, 2oos). h . 1 ch as fres GI b d for surv1va , su 0 ally speaking, the resources human beings depen on . h t from der serious t rea water, a clean atmosphere and a stable climate, are now un . bTty , . h nge and vana I I the effects of climate change and variability. Climate c a .. . . f environmental pollt1cs manifestations started many years ago, but the ex1stence 0 . d ·t preciation by world due to the global dimension of environmental issues slowe I s ap . b I f from the traditional leaders. The same reason delayed the needed shift of glo a ocus environmental concerns of conservation of natural resources and the damage caused by pollution to addressing the impacts of climate change and variability. The climate projection for the ASALs of Kenya includes more prolonged and frequent dry periods interspersed with intense but shorter and unpredictable periods of rainfall. Such weather patterns will likely deplete water and pasture resources, leading to natural resource scarcity and conflicts. The manifestation of climate change is in terms of scorching weather, frequent droughts, flooding, harsh winds and storms, and increased emergence and outbreaks of crops, human, livestock, and plant pests and diseases. The environmental degradation and adverse conditions due to climate change and variability have actual and potential impacts on different sectors in the county. 1.1.1 Agriculture Agriculture is critical for the economic growth a d d 1 n eve opment of Kitui county It . the main economic activity in the county t .b . · IS ' con n ut1ng to employment security. 95.3% of the population in Kl . . . and food . ' u, county live in rural areas agriculture as their primary source of 1. 1.h and depend on ive I ood (KNBS 2019 the households in the county are . ' a, KNBS, 2019b). 82% of engaged 1n agricultur 1 · · • Agriculture generates about 8701< f a act1v1t1es (KNBS, 2019b) o o the county's rural . . and directly employs more than 350 population income (GoK 202 1/o of the population ( ASDSP' 2014). ' 1 b) https://digital-camscanner.onelink.me/P3GL/g26ffx3k CamScanner l l ,, I, l Climate change has made agricultural development in Kitui county considerably challenging. The direct and indirect impacts of climate change on agriculture in the county include changes in the quantity and quality of forage, unpredictable rainfall patterns, scarcity of water, extreme heat, the emergence of new pests and diseases such as desert locust invasions, and low crop and livestock yields. Furthermore, the frequency of extreme weather events such as floods, droughts and high temperatures has increased (GoK, 2021b). These adverse effects have compromised agricultural productivity in the county, contributing to food insecurity and poverty. 39% of the population in the county suffers from food poverty, compared to the national average of 32% (KNBS, 2019b). 1.1.2 Livestock Production Livestock production is a primary economic activity in Kitui county, with 82% of the farming households involved in the production of livestock (KNBS, 2019b). The households depend on livestock for food and income generation (County Government of Kitui, 2018). The county has a high potential in livestock production and has developed programs for animal breeding and upgrading (GoK, 2021b). However, climate change impacts such as extreme weather conditions, frequent and prolonged droughts, new pests and diseases have posed a serious threat to livestock production and development in the county by causing unfavorable environmental conditions for the survival of animals, compromising fodder and feed production, and health and nutritional security of livestock. Climate change impacts have substantially lowered productivity in the livestock sector and led to enormous losses to farmers resulting from death of livestock. 1.1.3. Environment The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), in her sixth regional assessment outlook report, recognizes Africa's rich natural capital - the diversity of flora, fauna, soil, geology, biodiversity, wildlife, water resources, landscapes, and habitats that, if they can be well managed they can transform livelihoods of the community and help greatly in alleviating poverty and diseases in Africa. 3 https://digital-camscanner.onelink.me/P3GL/g26ffx3k CamScanner ent of anagern Af · , . ustainable rn . e to nca s economic growth and stability are hinged on the s to cont1nU . . . · pacts not ·n its natural capital that involves making climate change irn I resources 1 . . ent and natura d affect sustainable production and growth. The environm for present an K" . bl anagernent d itui county are valuable assets that must be sustaina Y m . . f 1ocal an . o ortun1t1es or future generations. They offer a range of benefits and PP • onrnental . . . d rovision of env1r national economic development, improved l1vel1hoods, an P goods and services. 1. 1.4 Forestry . ment of Kitui county. It Forestry plays a crucial role in the socio-economic develop . . . . of the people of K1tu1 contributes to the livelihoods income and overall well -being ' ' . d t ction of medicine to county. The traditional uses of forests in the county 1nclu e ex ra . k' nd non-timber forest cure diverse human ailments, source of fuelwood for coo ing a products such as wild fruits, nuts, honey, fodder, ornamental pods and seeds, food additives (spices, herbs, flavourings, sweeteners), fibres (furniture, clothing, construction) and game. The commercial uses of forests include the extraction of wood for timber, posts, poles, charcoal production and ecotourism in the Kitui National Reserves and the Tsavo East National Park. The ecological uses of forests in the county include climate amelioration, carbon sequestration, ecological preservation and restoration (conservation of biodiversity and genetic resources, control of floods and soil erosion, and preservation of soil fertility through nutrient cycling), watershed conservation and beautification of landscapes. Besides, forests in the county have provided opportunities for recreation, education and cultural enrichment. However, climate change has adversely affected forestry d I • . . . eve opment in K1t u1 county by decreasing the overall forest productivity The d' t . . . . irec impacts of climate change on forestry in the county are low rainfall and unprect· t bl . 1c a e rainfall regimes h. h planning for tree planting; high rainfall int ·ty . , w IC affect ens1 , which contribute t erosion; extreme weather events h 5 0 accelerat ed soil sue as strong and f temperatures, frequent and prolon d d requent winds, h igh ge roughts, which caus . trees; and new pest infestation lik th e falling and death f e e cases of desert locust invasion . o 4 https://digital-camscanner.onelink.me/P3GL/g26ffx3k CamScanner j Extreme weather events and severe drought conditions in the county have increased the frequency, intensity and extent of wildfires. Moreover, the warmer temperatures and drier conditions associated with drought are likely to increase the reproductive rate of certain insect species and expand the range and prevalence of forest pests and pathogens. Trees have less energy to defend themselves when stressed by drought and other challenging conditions: They become more vulnerable to pests, diseases and other disturbances leading to high tree mortality rates. Furthermore, deforestation and land degradation are high in Kitui county due to agricultural expansion and the high number of people who derive their livelihoods from the declining forest resources (GoK, 2021b, KNBS, 2019b). These have compromised forestry development in the region by causing low vegetation cover, extinction of tree species, and loss of germplasm and biodiversity. There have also been cases of over­ exploitation of protected tree species such as East African Sandalwood ( Osyris lanceoata), Delonix elata (Muange). Hence, there is a major concern that rare and endangered indigenous tree species will be extinct in the near future. The unsustainable harvesting of forest trees is deemed to increase pressure on the prices of forest products in the county and trigger human resource conflicts. Unsustainable exploitation of forest resources will compromise the attainment of Kenya's vision 2030 (GoK, 2007) and the constitutional (GoK, 2010) target of 10% forest cover. 1.1.5 Water Climate change has significant impacts on water resources in terms of availability, quantity, quality and distribution. In Kitui county, the drought cycle frequency has decreased from 5 years span to annually. This has come about due to low rainfall and high evaporation rates caused by excessive heating and prolonged droughts associated with climate change. Water scarcity in the region has led to increased distances to watering points hence advancing the vulnerability of communities to climate change impacts. Furthermore, the unregulated and illegal river sand­ harvesting as a livelihood support activity for the people in Kitui county has had significant negative impacts on river water quality and quantity and degraded the river ecosystems. 5 https://digital-camscanner.onelink.me/P3GL/g26ffx3k CamScanner I . .. 1.1.6 Energy The fragile ecosystem of Kitui county is put at risk by the continued deforestation to meet the growing demand for wood fuel inside and outside the county. The majority of people in the county primarily rely on firewood (81.%) and charcoal (9%) for cooking (KNBS, 2019b). There has also been an increasing demand for charcoal outside the county. This has contributed to unsustainable tree harvesting resulting in the extinction of valuable indigenous species and loss of germplasm. Extreme weather events and prolonged droughts due to climate change have compromised the regeneration of natural vegetation resulting in accelerated soil erosion and environmental degradation. Further, climate change has altered the energy generation potential of hydropower plants: Temperature fluctuations, changes in rainfall patterns, frequent and prolonged droughts are the major signs of climate change that have substantial effects on hydroelectric dams and increasingly hamper electricity j production. Rising temperatures affect hydropower generation by increasing losses from reservoirs through evaporation which consequently affect hydropower I generation. Changes in precipitation alter the potential, generation output, peak level and seasonal variations of hydropower. Furthermore, the illegal exploitation of coal at Mui Basin in Mwingi East Sub-county has negative environmental impacts, necessitating effective and efficient technology for clean energy production. 1.1.7 Soil Fertility Soil fertility is the ability of soil to sustain plant growth by providing essential plant nutrients and favorable chemical, physical, and biological characteristics as a habitat for plant growth. Soil productivity is the ability of the soil to produce crop per unit area. The maintenance and improvement of soil fertility are essential for proper plant growth. Climate change has direct and indirect impacts on soil development processes and properties related to crop production. The drivers of climate change, such as moisture, temperature and CO2, have variable effects on various soil processes and properties, having relevance in soil fertility and productivity. The direct effects include changes in organic carbon transformations and nutrient cycling through altered moisture and 6 I I I " I https://digital-camscanner.onelink.me/P3GL/g26ffx3k CamScanner temperature regimes in the soil or increased soil erosion rates due to an increased frequency of high-intensity rainfall events. Hence, the projected changes to climate will affect soil fertility adversely and aggravate the negative environmental impacts on vegetation, water quality and agricultural production. 1.1.8 Mining In Kitui county, the unsustainable harvesting of sand is the key issue causing significant environmental degradation and thus contributing to climate change effects. Sand is an increasingly valuable commodity in Kitui county. Despite the current ban on sand harvesting in the county, illegal sand mining and its transportation have been reported in various parts of the county. Unsustainable harvesting of sand has resulted in riverbank collapse, deepening of river beds, sinking deltas and loss of biodiversity (fauna and flora) hence lowering river water quality and quantity and threatening inland fisheries. On the other hand, coal mining at Mui Basin in Mwingi East Sub­ county has significant environmental impacts. Burning coal produces several gaseous by-products, including carbon dioxide, nitrogen oxide, sulphur dioxide and methane gas, all of which contribute to global climate change. Mining is one of the major emitters of greenhouse gases. The use of explosives in mining releases greenhouse gases to the atmosphere. Mining also involves large diesel trucks and loaders running around emitting CO2, which is the main contributor to climate change. Deforestation to make way for mining operations reduces C sinks contributing to more CO2 in the atmosphere. Furthermore, mining contributes to population displacement, environmental pollution and degradation, excessive use of energy and water, and health hazards, which compromise resilience to climate change impacts. Illicit mining activities compound environmental damages and result in conflicts and loss of taxes/royalties. The present scenario in Kitui county points to the need for swift action to regulate mining activities, including monitoring, law enforcement, and a participatory approach to managing resources. This policy will guide sustainable mining and especially of the sand resources to meet development needs and livelihoods of people in Kitui county. 7 https://digital-camscanner.onelink.me/P3GL/g26ffx3k CamScanner 1.1.9 Tourism K· offers itui county h ism sector 9 as great potential for tourism development. The tour ty There reat opportunit" t in the coun . a ies for economic growth and rural developmen . nal parks re several to . . e from natI0 unst sites and attractions in the coun ty. They rang limatic and reserves . the extreme c . . to heritage sites and hiking trails. However, . d tination cond1t1ons i h . b •nf1uencIng es n t e county affect tourism demand directly Y 1 . the choices and . . . . . ctl by influencing the poss1b11ity of repeat visits as well as 1ndire Y t quality f ' . d uncertainty abou a 0 the experience, formulating negative perceptions an deSt ination's attractiveness. T · t ities for local ounsm development in the county will help create job oppor un ·d d. ~ contribute to local resi ents, strengthen the local economy, promote local han ,era s, · f f cultural exchange in rastructure development, reduce poverty, plant a sense 0 b . 1 · ment and cultural etween foreigners and citizens, and conserve the natura environ assets and traditions. Rural tourism will create an alternative source of income in the non-agricultural sector for rural dwellers. 1.1.10 Fisheries Development Fisheries offer a paradigm shift in farming activities occasioned by climate change. In Kitui county, fishing has long been an important source of human nutrition and revenue for the vulnerable communities living in rural areas, aiding them to cope wit h climate change impacts. The smaller-scale fisheries in Kitui county primarily rely on inland bodies of water such as rivers and dams. But, some inland fi sheries are based on fish farming, where fish are raised in giant tanks or ponds, mainly for subsistence use. Fish farming in Kitui county offers an excellent opportunity for eco . d . nomIc evelopment and food security. However, fisheries development in th . . . e county is seriously threatened by the adverse impacts of climate chang Th . . . e. e main challenge to inl fisheries In the county 1s the seasonality of wat b . and er od1es such fluctuations in water levels due to changes i . f as rivers, and . n rain all patterns and I evaporation during hot seasons. Moreover th . . osses through . . ' e increasing water t the breeding, growth and migration of fish emperatures affect . Furthermore th I . , e ocat,ons of inland 8 https://digital-camscanner.onelink.me/P3GL/g26ffx3k CamScanner ..: :... L L L I L I [: l l [ L L ' [ fisheries often have multiple uses. In most cases, they serve as water supply for the local populations or sources of water for irrigation. These contradicting uses sometimes impair the water quality and compromise fish production. Many freshwater fish species have been threatened or extinct due to overfishing or poor water quality at inland fisheries as communities compete for the limited resources in pursuit of food and income to adapt to climate change impacts. Human encroachment to wetlands for purposes of agricultural activities also have adverse effects on fish breeding habitats and the stability of hydro-ecological transition zones. 1.1.11 Waste Management Climate change affects waste management processes and operations that are subject to weather-related impacts. For instance, high-intensity storms and increased flooding cause disruption to waste management supporting infrastructure such as roads and drainage lines, which affect delivery of waste. Frequent and high-intensity storms cause surface run off, which destroys waste collection facilities and leads to pollution resulting from waste transportation to water bodies and other areas. Changes in site hydrology and temperatures affect waste management processes, such as landfill degradation rates. Increased sunshine and exposure to UV radiation and increased pathogen and vermin activity pose health risks to waste management workers. 1.1.12 Health According to the World Health Organization (WHO, 2022), climate change is the single biggest health threat facing humanity. Health and well-being are inextricably linked to the natural environment. As our planet continues to warm, many people will experience worsening physical and mental health impacts (IPCC, 2022) . In Kitui county, environmental pollution and climate change are posing severe adverse impacts on the health sector. The environmental conditions (i.e. increasing temperatures and changes in rainfall patterns) are becoming more suitable for increased disease vector populations, leading to frequent outbreak of diseases. Climate change has also reduced access to safe, clean drinking water from drought­ induced scarcity and contamination caused by high storm intensity and floods. This has got adverse effects on health. Moreover, the negative effects of climate change, 9 https://digital-camscanner.onelink.me/P3GL/g26ffx3k CamScanner such as low and unpredictable rainfall, high rainfall intensity, extreme temperatures, drought, pests and diseases, have compromised agricultural production in the county (GoK, 2021b), resulting in high rates of food insecurity and malnutrition (GoK, 2021a). Furthermore, the destruction of natural habitats and loss of biodiversity resulting from harsh weather events and severe droughts in the county (County Government of Kitui, 2018, GoK, 2021b) are known to increase diseases spread between animals and humans (United Nations Fountation, 2020). Besides, the adverse effects of climate change on wildlife have led to the encroachment of game and snakes into human habitats leading to human injury and increased incidences of snake bites and bee stings that have put more pressure on heath infrastructure and medical services. The adverse effects of climate change on human health contributes to low productivity and poor development. 1.1.13 Land Use Planning Lack of proper land use planning is a serious drawback to climate change mitigation in Kitui county. Some forest areas within the county have been cleared for other purposes such as agriculture, settlements and road construction hence increasing vulnerability of the county to climate change impacts. Poor urban planning has contributed to environmental pollution through improper storage and disposal of waste in urban areas. Furthermore, the extreme temperatures, floods, droughts and storms associated with climate change have costly impacts on land infrastructure and housing. Poor infrastructure limits access to essential services, particularly for the poor and other vulnerable communities who live in rural and marginalized settlements. There is a need for proper spatial and urban planning for better climate change governance in the county. 1.1.14 Special programs and disaster risk management Climate change has direct and indirect impacts on the effective enjoyment of a wide range of human rights, including the rights of individuals with multiple vulnerability factors who have minimal access to emergency support. Persons in vulnerable situations, owing to factors including geography, poverty, gender, age, indigenous or 10 ' I I I I I I I I I https://digital-camscanner.onelink.me/P3GL/g26ffx3k CamScanner ~ ­ '~ • -; •• t l l ' [ L minority status, national or social origin, birth or other status and disability, experience heightened exposure and vulnerability to climate-induced human rights harms. In Kitui county, climate change has exposed people to extreme temperatures, changing rainfall patterns, water scarcity, drought, land degradation, and loss of adaptive capacity and ecosystem services. People living in such states are amongst the most affected by climate-related harms. These harms have implications for the right to self-determination, the right to life, the right to health, and cultural rights, among other human rights. These impacts also severely affect peoples' livelihoods and may act as a driver of migration. The adverse impacts of climate change on individuals with multiple vulnerability factors require adequate measures that take into account their specific requirements and ensure their participation in disaster response planning for emergency situations and evacuations, humanitarian emergency response and healthcare services. The meaningful inclusion and participation of persons in vulnerable situations within disaster risk management and climate-related decision-making at the county level lie at the heart of a human rights-based approach to climate action. 1.2 Justification The survival and socio - economic well-being of Kitui people and Kenya generally is ultimately intertwined with the environment. Most people depend directly or indirectly on environmental goods and services. In addition, Kenya's environmental resources contribute directly and indirectly to the local, county and national economy through revenue generation and wealth creation in productive sectors such as agriculture, forestry, livestock, water, energy, tourism, fisheries, mineral resources, trade, industry and among others. The manifestation of negative impacts of climate change in terms of emerging diseases for crops, humans and livestock; new crops and livestock pests; increased frequency of droughts; high temperatures; unreliable and erratic rains; irregular spatial distribution; and extent of flooding in the county are discernible. The impacts 11 https://digital-camscanner.onelink.me/P3GL/g26ffx3k CamScanner . . t re lands, of Climate Ch . -· n of pas u ange cause entire season crop failure and depletlo ort lead· b the last res ing to loss of livestock. The environment is highly degraded y od huma .. . · f I ling for fuelWO n activities through unregulated sand harvesting and tree e and oth . . 11 in rural areas. er needs, which serve as coping mechanisms, especia Y Th Ktui county to the ese facts demonstrate that the vulnerability of the people of 1 adv . . . h There is therefore, a erse impacts of climate change and variability is quite hig · ' . . . . d variab1l1ty in the great need for a structured way of addressing climate change an . . f ework. This policy county that plugs into the national policy, legal and regulatory ram aims at creating legal and regulatory frameworks that will facilitate action. 1.3 Policy goal Th . . . t· build communities' e goal of this policy is to enhance environmental conserva ,on, resilience and green technology for sustainable development of Kitui county. 1.3.1 Specific goals 1. To inform the legal framework and regulations for environmental conservation, climate change adaptation, mitigation and social justice in Kitui county. 2. To enhance the resilience and adaptive capacity of human and ecosystems to the impacts of climate change. 3. To develop structured, efficient and effective information management and dissemination system, including early warning systems. 4. To develop and promote adoption of sustainable green technologies in development and planning. 5. To enhance the county resource mobilization capacity for climate change financing. 6. To initiate and support county environmental conservat· d ion an management climate change research and development. ' 12 https://digital-camscanner.onelink.me/P3GL/g26ffx3k CamScanner , 7. To enhance partnerships and collaboration with key players and actors for effective implementation of climate actions in the county. 8. To develop co-operative climate change mainstreaming and governance. 9. To promote landscape rehabilitation and ecosystem-based adaptation approaches. 10. To establish an elaborate institutional framework for climate action in Kitui county. 13 https://digital-camscanner.onelink.me/P3GL/g26ffx3k CamScanner CHAPTER TWO: SITUATIONAL ANALYSIS 2 ·1 Introduction ble d ght-vulnera Kitui co . . the most rou unty 1s In the ASAL region of Kenya and among . 7 S% (County areas f I el is high at 4 · 0 the country. The county's absolute poverty ev ty live G I tion in the coun overnment of Kitui, 2020). The majority (95.3%) of the popu a . . d (KNBS, in r 1 • . ource of l1vellhoo ura areas and depend on agriculture as their primary s d 20 I employment, foo i 9a, KNBS, 2019b). Agriculture significantly contributes to rura . . th effects of climate security and income in the county (KNBS, 2019b). However, e h fl d and heat waves, c ange and variability, manifesting as severe droughts, 00 s . . mic issues such as constrain success. These effects are exacerbated by socio-econo . It ral practices and over poverty, rapid population growth, poor land use and agncu u . . h tainability of natural utilization of fragile ecosystems .. These issues threaten t e sus . ·ty which results in resources and human well-being, and trigger resource scarci resource use conflicts, especially over water and pasture land. 2.2 Achievements The awareness of climate issues and mitigation efforts in the county since the year 2013 has been rising. Kitui is one of the counties in Kenya where the pilot climate change adaptation and mitigation measures have been implemented through funding from the Department for International Development (DFID) through the Adaptation (ADA) Consortium, Christian Aid and Anglican Development Services Eastern. The lead county agency mandated to promote climate adaptation and enhance mitigation among the county residents is the county department of environment and climate change or any other department that climate change will be domiciled. The pilot program put Kitui county on an early path toward develop· f ing a ramework for adaptation. This started with the mobilization of key stakeh Id . . o ers to work together to put in place the 1mplementat1on framework. The st t . . . rue ures put in place to enable programme 1mplementat1on are the county Climate Ch . ange Unit, Steering a d 1 t . Technical Committees, as well as the Ward Pia . n n enm nning Committees. Kitui county has mainstreamed climate ch ange adaptation into Development Plans (2013-2017, 2018-2022 d county Integrated an 2022 - 2027) and other county I 14 Pans. . 1 ~ ­ ~ • • • • ~ • • ■ II {I {I I 1 I. https://digital-camscanner.onelink.me/P3GL/g26ffx3k CamScanner The County Executive Committee Member for Environment, Tourism and Natural Resources is mandated to carry out a climate risk assessment. Several development partners such as the World Bank, African Development Bank, Global Environment Facility, among others have shown interest to support environmental conservation and climate change actions in the county. There is a need to increase awareness of climate change impacts among communities in Kitui county by state and non-state actors. This is already happening with development partners intervening at the community level through donor support. The county government of Kitui is already implementing programs that promote indigenous knowledge on crops, bee keeping and honey production, and livestock breeds' improvement as recommended in climate smart agriculture and integrated into the county agriculture policies and aspirations. There are other actors in the field whose contributions are to build synergy. However, co-ordination through a well­ established policy, legal and regulatory framework is required. The establishment of the Kitui County Environment and Climate Change Policy and an Act, and the Climate Fund are such initiatives that aim at creating an enabling environment for implementing climate change adaptation and mitigation measures in Kitui county. 2.3 Challenges facing Environmental Conservation, Climate Change Adaptation and Mitigation in Kitui county The situation analysis; Strength, Weakness, Opportunity and Threat (SWOT), and other analysis tools have revealed various various measures put in place by the county government of Kitui to adapt and mitigate climate change. However, there are priority factors that hinder the implementation of the adaptation and mitigation actions in the county, which include the following; (i) Lack of policy, legal and regulatory framework on climate change adaptation; (ii) Low community resilience and inadequate adaptive capacity to the impacts of climate change; (iii) Vulnerability of human and ecosystem to the impacts of climate change; 15 https://digital-camscanner.onelink.me/P3GL/g26ffx3k CamScanner (iv) (v) h nge financing; . ·t for climate c a Low county resource mobiliza tion capaci Y esearch and . . 1. ate change r Lack of mechanisms that fac1l1tatc c im (vi) development; and . t' n initiatives. . - ~ angc adapta io Inadequate co-ordir1ution of cllm cJ le 01 2 ·4 Policy Interventions and Context the socio-economic De . . . . . t hange poses on spite the various negative impacts that clima e c . esses and the d t government, bus1n ' evelopment of Kitui county, it presents the coun Y d Climate Change lo 1 • • c ty Environment an ca people with opportunities. The K1tu1 oun h ·ority . . are some of t e pn Policy aims to exploit the opportunities fully. The following interventions in that pursuit; . d ulatory framework 2.4.1 Facilitate formulation of pohcy, legal an reg . d 1. legislative and institutional Kitui county lacks clear and appropriately des1gne po icy, . . h adaptation and mitigation frameworks to guide the implementation of climate c ange · · 1· ·ti ted for the implementation 1ntervent1ons. Hence, there are no structures exp 1c1 Y crea of activities to translate climate change responses from concept to reality. 2.4.2 Strengthen resilience and adaptive capacity to the impacts of climate change The multi-sectoral and multi-dimensional nature of the impacts of climate change means that strengthening the resilience and adaptive ca pacity of human and ecosystems calls for mainstreaming climate change interventions into different sectors of focus. This is the major way of building adaptive capacity, enhancing climate change resilience and strengthening capacities for disaster risk reduction by engaging the beneficiaries of the intended interventions through public participation in climate change responses, awareness creation, consultation, representation and access to climate information services. This includes their involvement in the initiation I development and implementation of programs and plans to enhance the resilience and adaptive capacity of human and ecological systems to the impacts of climate cha nge. 16 I I I I :l il I I ' I https://digital-camscanner.onelink.me/P3GL/g26ffx3k CamScanner I I ' 2.4.3 Enhance safely and security of communities against the impacts of climate change The county docs not l1avc urrcnt quJnt itr1 live cJ atc.1 on the irnpa .ts of climate change in most sectors. 7 he rc .:> idcnts, too, hJvc nol lnlcrnulizc c.J mattcrc of climate change and variabil ity, although l11ings hc.1 rpcning around them have raised the alarm about the change. The risks of climate cl1ungc munifest us u result of a breakdown in the link between target groups wiU1 ea rly warning ::;yslems on; drought, flooding, and precipitation variability and extremes. The manifestation of climate change is a complex and dynamic phenomenon that requires continuous collection and assessment of up-to-date multi-disciplinary and multi-sectoral data, adoption and/or development of systems that will enable the country and counties to plan for potential climatic risks, respond to emergencies triggered by climatic events and tap opportunities generated by climate change and variability. The county Government of Kitui shall establish effective and efficient mechanisms of communication and information dissemination on matters of climate change. 2.4.4 Improve county resource mobilization capacity for climate change financing The availability of adequate and predictable financial resources is critical for the implementation of adaptation and mitigation measures to the impacts of climate change and variability. On this basis, it is requisite for county Governments and private sector institutions to proactively mobilize financial resources from all available sources- international, domestic, public, private, and through Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs). These financial resources will enable the national and county governments to achieve set economic development goals while promoting green­ growth and addressing the impacts of climate change. The county Government of Kitui shall establish appropriate mechanisms for resource mobilization in this pursuit. 17 https://digital-camscanner.onelink.me/P3GL/g26ffx3k CamScanner ch and development 2.4.5 Promote collaboration on climate change resear The basic need for effective intervention in climate issues is the availability of adequate 't' I ole in determining and knowledge and skills. Research and technology play a en 1ca r . . h daptation and mitigation implementing optimal and cost-effcct.1ve climate c angc a strategies and interventions. The National Climate Change Policy (2016) acknowledges that stakeholders play distinct yet complementa ry roles in research and technology advancement. For insta nce, tl1e national government creates an enabling environment for research and technology development through investment in research programs and technology development, enactment of overarching legislation which promotes research, and fund research programs. The private sector and Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) implement best-case practices and lessons learned from research findings, invest in research and modern technologies, and fund research programs. Academia undertakes scholarly research which informs climate change interventions at national, local and grassroot levels and fund research programs. The local communities participate in the implementation of research programs, and provide data on indigenous, local and traditional knowledge that inform the research study and the nature of climate change adaptation and mitigation initiatives that will continue to inform action . Hence, the county Government of Kitui shall promote collaboration in climate change research and development, training, and capacity building. 2.4.6 Enhance co-ordination of Climate Change Adaptation initiatives In the devolved system of governance, the constitution assures proximate and easily accessible services to people. Implementing adaptation, mitigation and sustainable development measures related to climate change and variability involves working with different government departments and development actors. In order to effectively and efficiently intervene, there is need for co-ordination and collaboration among stakeholders. The county government shall thus establish a framework for supporting efficient and effective co-ordination and consultation for enhanced performance in matters of climate change. The framework will facilitate structured involvement of the National and county Governments, development partners, private sector and Civil 18 https://digital-camscanner.onelink.me/P3GL/g26ffx3k CamScanner Society Organizations' involvement in building climate change resilience and engagement in the promotion of green technologies. The joint climate change adaptation assessment is usually more effective when initiated at an early stage of project development so that appropriate adaptation measures can be built into project planning, design, operation and maintenance to promote climate resilience. 2.5 SWOT Analysis In order to prioritize interventions, an analysis of the climate change adaptation policy implementation environment was conducted so as to identify, isolate and target the most critical actions with highest impact on improving resilience and adaptive capacity of human and ecosystems. The detailed SWOT, PESTLE and Risk analyses are attached as annexes. The following is a presentation of the summary of sector-specific opportunities identified. 2.5.1 Infrastructure and Urban Development The Climate Change and Variability phenomenon presents the sector with the opportunity for the establishment of competent road construction companies, construction of quality climate-proof road works, a paradigm shift from construction drifts in the county to bridges, construction of log bridges over impassable streams without bridges, integrating water harvesting in infrastructure development by channeling and harvesting storm waters from towns and construction of concrete electricity poles. 2.5.2 Waste management There are opportunities in the county for investment in sustainable waste management technologies, which include; engineered landfills, gasification technology, electricity production from waste, silage production, briquettes, plastic and glass recycling, rejuvenation of rivers etc. 2.5.3 Water sector There is an emerging trend of increased rainfall eastwards (Africa and Kenya) which presents households and institutions (schools, hospitals, hotels, among others) with 19 https://digital-camscanner.onelink.me/P3GL/g26ffx3k CamScanner . 1 . f · novative climate-proof an opportunity for water security through the instal at1on o in water harvesting and storage infrastructure. The county Government, working together with the development partners, will enhance the construction of sand dams as a way of controlling runoff. 2.5.4 Other opportunities There are numerous opportunities for state and non-state actors in the county as a result of climate change and variability which include but are not limited to; climate­ smart agriculture, developingment of early warning and alert systems for flash floods; establishment of commercial woodlots; water catchment rehabilitation; establishment of county climate change fund; irrigation production system; creation of climate information services system; and establishment of solar plants for renewable energy production. In order to promote clean energy use, shops and businesses that install solar panels will get some rebates on their statutory payments. This is an opportunity to have youth acquire needed skills and knowledge in the energy sector; hence, the youth in the county will be trained on the installation of solar panels and construction of sand dams to help combat unemployment and poverty in the county. Residents will also be trained in bee keeping. 2.6 Emerging issues from the SWOT Analysis 2.6.1 Political goodwill and leadership Political good will and support of the top leadership are critical for the mobilization of communities to create an entry point for the successful implementation of development initiatives. 2.6.2 Increasing frequency of droughts and floods Climate Change and variability in Kitui manifests through increased frequency of droughts, floods and high temperatures. This is both a threat and an opportunity in that livelihood zones are negatively affected but there is an unexploited potential in the long hours of intense and uninterrupted sun shine, which is an opportunity for 20 I https://digital-camscanner.onelink.me/P3GL/g26ffx3k CamScanner tapping solar energy. There is also a need to introduce and promote the growing of drought-tolerant, high-value, multipurpose tree species such as Melia volkensii (Mukau) and soil conservation species such as dryland bamboo. 2.6.3 Climate financing The manifestation of the negative impacts of climate change is discernible in Kitui county. However, the implementation of adaptation, mitigation and sustainability initiatives requires financing amidst scarce resources in the county. The establishment of a policy, Legal and regulatory framework anchoring the county Climate Change Fund Regulations, 2018 is a key step towards realization of mitigation, adaptation and sustainability by plugging into the national and global climate funds. 2.6.4 Establishment of the State Department for the Arid and Semi-Arid (ASALs) and Regional Development The establishment of this department by the national government presents an opportunity for County Government of Kitui to benefit through a policy, legal and regulatory framework window which this policy stands to open. 2.6.5 Emerging crops and livestock diseases and pests Global warming due to climate change and variability is likely to affect the quality of fruits and vegetables for which Kitui county has l1igh potential. The incidences of pests and diseases of crops and livestock have increased because of enhanced pathogen and vector development, rapid pathogen transmission and increased host susceptibility. 2.6.6 Idle land and irrigation farming potential The Kitui county topography is suitable for irrigated agriculture. The potential for exploitable irrigation can be expanded through the development of the Tana and Ath i River basins, where there are numerous sandy streams. )1 https://digital-camscanner.onelink.me/P3GL/g26ffx3k CamScanner 2.6.7 Declining water table . . . re in the agricultural sector is The most apparent climate change m1t1gat1on measu . . . . d ther water uses would increase irrigation. The increased demand for 1rngat1on an ° . . . t suiting in lowering of the with the rise in temperatures and evapotransp1rat1on ra e, re h d und water abstraction and groundwater table. This can be regulated throug un ergro . h t· ·nfrastructure such as sand by replenishing recharge by constructing water arves ing ' dams. 2.6.8 Kitui county charcoal production management Kitui county enacted the Kitui County Charcoal Management Act of 2014 to regulate operations leading to charcoal production in order to strike a balance between energy needs and degradation of the environment. However, the effectiveness of this law came to question when by the year 2017, environmental degradation attributable to energy needs reached an intolerable level leading to an executive order banning the charcoal trade. Hence, there should be a proper scenario analysis in policy and legislation processes. This policy seeks to address this challenge through enforcement and compliance, efficient energy solutions, alternative livelihoods, and sensitization on sustainable energy conservation . 2.6.9 Inter-county resource-based conflicts Peace and security are critical to human safety and livelihood stability since conflicts affect workers, crops and livestock enterprises. The manifestation of security issues on resilience building include the displacement of farmers due to escalating conflicts among communities over natural resources. There are conflict-prone sections of Kitui county that border Tana River county, where displacement of residents and destabilization of their livelihoods are common. 2.6.10 Human-wildlife conflicts It is expected that climate change in Kit · . . u1 county will increase the frequency of droughts. This will push wild animals such as s k 1-. ' na es, ions and elephants to wander further 1n search of water and food. Therefore · ·ct , ,nc1 ences of snake bites at home are 22 https://digital-camscanner.onelink.me/P3GL/g26ffx3k CamScanner likely to increase. On the other hand, lions have come into conflict with humans when they kill livestock in none traditional wildlife areas. These incidences disrupt human livelihoods. This policy puts in place strategies to minimize human-wildlife conflict. https://digital-camscanner.onelink.me/P3GL/g26ffx3k CamScanner CHAPTER THREE: OBJECTIVES AND STRATEGIES 3.1 Introduction · · d. t s and strategies for responding to This chapter outlines the policy obJect1ves, irec ion environmental and climate change concerns in Kitui county. It places the main focus on the enhancement of community livelihoods and environmental conservation for sustainable development, mainstreaming of climate change actions in key county development plans, policies and programs in order to build communities' resilience and work towards green economy development pathway. These objectives, directions and strategies provide more specific guidance on how the overall goals and statements of this policy will be attained. 3.2 Strategies Environmental degradation, climate change and variability is a complex and multi­ faceted issue that requires a combination of multi-disciplinary and multi-sectoral solutions. On this basis, it is imperative that different departments and stakeholders work together as a block to address this issue. The Kenya National Climate Change Policy (2016) stipulates that the government should play an overarching role in the strategic planning and management of climate change responses. Therefore, this section specifies the strategies that the county government of Kitui shall pursue under each policy intervention in order to achieve a climate resilience goal while working in collaboration with stakeholders. 3.2.1 Policy objective 1: To institute and strengthen the policy, legal and regulatory framework on environment and climate change This policy recognizes that the establishment of a robust and sou d 1· I I n po icy, ega and regulatory framework to guide the environment and climate ch · • . ange sector 1s cnt1cal for sustainable development. Policy direction The county government of Kitui shall establish a pol" 1 1 icy, ega and regulatory framework to fast-track the development of Kitui county E · nv1ronment and Climate Change policy. 24 https://digital-camscanner.onelink.me/P3GL/g26ffx3k CamScanner Strategies (i) Formulate and adopt the policy; (ii) Enact appropriate laws and regulations; (iii) Establish relevant institutions and structures; (iv) Ensure enforcement and compliance with existing policies and legislation; and (v) Support knowledge management and experience sharing. 3.2.2 Policy Objective 2: To strengthen partnerships and development of a framework for sharing trans-boundary resources Policy direction The county government of Kitui shall enhance and promote partnerships, collaboration and linkages with key players in the implementation of various environmental and climate change actions, especially in addressing multi-sectoral and cross-cutting issues. Strategies (i) Stakeholders' engagement and mapping; (ii) Establishment of commitment framework and mode of operations; (iii) Development of engagement tools such as Memoranda of Understanding and Contracts of Agreements; and (iv) Continuous monitoring, evaluation and report ing. "" 3.2.3 Policy Objective 3: To enhance and strengthen resources mobilization Policy direction f The county government of Kitui shall enhance and strengthen a resources' mobilization mechanism for the implementation of various environmental and climate change actions in the county. Strategies 25 https://digital-camscanner.onelink.me/P3GL/g26ffx3k CamScanner . . ty government development (i) Mainstream climate resilience into all K1tu1 coun plans, programs and implementation; . . . 1- t hange fund mechanism; (ii) Institute and operat1onal1ze county c ,ma e c (iii) Lobby for adequate budgetary allocation; (iv) Development of bankable concepts and proposals; and (v) Staff recruitment, training and capacity building. 3.2.4. Policy Objective 4: To enhance climate change resilience Policy direction The county government of Kitui shall establish mechanisms for enhancing climate change resilience in the county. Strategies (i) Mainstream climate change in county sectors; (ii) Establish a county climate change fund mechanism; (iii) Support the adoption of climate change actions and technologies such as water harvesting, climate-smart agriculture, renewable energy, clean cooking, ecotourism promotion and packaging; (iv) Constitute a county Climate Change Unit (CCU) and establish a climate information system; and (v) Create partnerships, collaboration and linkages among key players and stakeholders. 3.2.5. Policy Objective 5: To enhance tree growing and forest conservation Policy direction The county government of Kitui shall establish mechanisms for tree growing and sustainable forest conservation. Strategies Disseminate dryland forestry technologies; (i) (ii) Support the establishment of massive tree seedl·,ng . . nurseries in the county; 26 https://digital-camscanner.onelink.me/P3GL/g26ffx3k CamScanner I I (iii) Support the establishment of community commercial woodlots and demonstration plots; (iv) Support the applica tion of seed ball broadcasting techniques for afforestation; (v) Commercialize tree growing and develop forest product value chains; and (vi) Organize tree growing and forest conservation competitions and award schemes. 3.2.6. Policy Objective 6: To enhance environmental safeguards and reduce environmental pollution Policy direction The county Government of Kitui shall establish mechanisms for enhancing environmental safeguards and reducing environmental pollution. Strategies (i) Enforce the law and regulations; (ii) Environmental civic education, awareness and sensitization; (iii) Streamline environmental impact assessments and environmental audits; (iv) Adopt appropriate measures and technologies for waste management; and (v) Support environmental inspections and surveillance. 3.2.7. Policy Objective 7: To rehabilitate and restore degraded and critical catchments, ecosystems and landscapes Policy direction The county government of Kitui shall establish mechanisms for rehabilitating and restoring degraded and critical catchments, ecosystems and landscapes. Strategies (i) Identification, mapping and documentation of degraded and critical catchments, ecosystems and landscapes; (ii) Initiate and support land reclamation and rehabilitation activities; (iii) Support the establishment of community-organized and user groups; 27 https://digital-camscanner.onelink.me/P3GL/g26ffx3k CamScanner (iv) (v) (vi) (vii) . b ·1d· g and empowerment; Support community training, capacity u, 1n h bTtation management Develop and implement specific site landscape re a 1 1 plans; Support the development of nature-based enterprises such as regulated . • b keeping small-scale sand harvesting, gums and resins, ecotounsm, ee , irrigation, tree nurseries and landscaping commercialization; and Support community value addition of nature-based enterprises and strengthening marketing. 3.3 Guiding Principles The implementation of this policy will be informed by the following guiding principles: 3.3.1 National values and principles of governance, rights and fundamental freedoms The constitution of Kenya (CoK) (2010) articulates national values and principles, rights and fundamental freedoms of persons residing in Kenya. The Kitui County Environment and Climate Change Policy will adhere to the CoK and all the rights articulated therein. 3.3.2 Right to sustainable development The implementation of this policy activities will cater for the needs of the current and future generations. The expected outcome of this policy is people-centred development, human well­ being, ecological integrity and green growth. 3.3.3 Partnership The implementation of this policy will require building and strengthening partnerships, collaborations and synergies among multi-sectoral and multi-disciplinary stakeholders from the public, government, NGOs, CSOs and private sector, as well as vulnerable communities and populations, including women and youth. 28 J I https://digital-camscanner.onelink.me/P3GL/g26ffx3k CamScanner 3.3.4 Equity and social inclusion This policy will ensure fair and equitable allocation of resources taking into consideration disproportionate vulnerabilities, responsibilities, capabilities, disparities, and inter- and intra-generational equity. 3.3.5 Maladaptation avoidance The climate change responses will be implemented in such a way that maladaptation does not occur. 3.3.6 Cost effectiveness The selected climate change actions will be comprehensively assessed to ensure that they provide the most benefit to society at the least cost. 3.3.7 Ecosystem-based Adaptation (EbA) This policy emphasizes using biodiversity and ecosystem services through sustainable management, conservation and restoration of ecosystems to help people adapt to the adverse effects of climate change. https://digital-camscanner.onelink.me/P3GL/g26ffx3k CamScanner UTIONAL FRAMEWORK CHAPTER FOUR: LEGAL AND INSTIT r . county-specific response to Kitui county Environment and Climate Change Po icy is a . . t according to the national the constitution of Kenya 2010 and other related 1nstrumen s d . n f al frameworks that will climate change adaptation strategy. The legal an ins I u ion facilitate the implementation of this policy are as follows; 4.1 Legal framework Global problems such as environmental degradation, climate change and variability need global solutions, with local and regional actions focusing on specific issues in the spirit of thinking globally but acting locally. The legal framework in the Kitui Environment and Climate Change Policy is hinged on the history of the events and actions that led to the global acknowledgment of climate variability, its effects and impacts on sustainable land resources management. In recognition of the serious threats posed by climate change, the national government continues to take bold measures to secure the country's development against the risks and impacts of climate change. The major milestone in this endeavor is the Constitution of Kenya, 2010 avocates for the maintenance of at least ten percent of tree cover of the land area. The Kenya Vision 2030 targets the planting of at least seven billion trees to address food, water and energy security. The Kitui county Environment and Climate Change policy is in line with the national constitutional framework and a move in the right direction for the county and the nation in general. Climate change impacts have been a burning issue in the global arena for a while and have resulted in numerous international negot iations which have led to various agreements aimed at combating climate change impacts. This policy provides a pathway toward realizing food and water security, improved health, wealth and employment creation in the Kitui county despite the reality of climate change and variability. It will therefore operate within the framework of various global and regional frameworks, county aspirations and national-level legislations and policies, some of which include· ' 30 https://digital-camscanner.onelink.me/P3GL/g26ffx3k CamScanner i. The Paris agreement This agreement came into being after protracted negotiations over many years, marked in particular by the failure of the Conference of Parties (COP) at Copenhagen, to usher in a successor agreement to the Kyoto Protocol. The Paris Agreement, aims at holding the increase in the global average temperature to well below 2°C above pre-industrial levels and pursuing efforts to limit the temperature increase to l.5°C above pre-industrial levels. ii. The Inter-Governmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) Assessment Reports The IPCC assessment reports consistently demonstrate that warming across Africa, consistent with anthropogenic climate change, has increased considerably over time. Future impacts are also likely to be overwhelming and substantial to cause wide fluctuations in thermal and precipitation dynamics. In response to the current and future impacts of climate change, Parties to the UNFCCC agreed to submit Intended Nationally Determined Contributions (INDCs) as the new global climate governance framework to limit the increase in the global average temperature to well below 2°C above pre-industrial levels. With the signing of the Paris Agreement, INDCs transitioned to nationally determined contributions (NDCs) upon which the global climate actions will be built alter 2020. Having embraced the green growth pathway in their Agenda 2063 and signed Paris Agreement, the imperative for African countries is to re­ examine their options for NOC implementation under the changing global political landscape to effectively promote climate-resilience and low carbon emission development. However, translating NDCs into concrete actions requires, among others, implementation plans that prioritize specific sectoral climate actions as well as predictable finance flows, sustained capacity building, and the transfer of relevant technologies from the developed country Parties. Kenya's NOC towards meeting the goals of the Paris Agreement aims to cut down its carbon emissions by 30 percent by the year 2030. 111. The National Climate Change Framework (NCCF) of 2016 The NCCF of 2016 provides a long-term and overarching legislative and institutional framework that can facilitate the necessary direction, guidance, co 31 https://digital-camscanner.onelink.me/P3GL/g26ffx3k CamScanner ordination and high-level political buy-in to mainstream climate change across government and enable the effective implementation of actions to address climate change. iv. The Climate Change Act (2016) and the Climate Finance Policy (2016) These facilitate the development and mobilization of financial resources, management and implementation of mechanisms to enhance climate change resilience and low-carbon development for sustainable development. v. The Kitui County Environment and Climate Change Policy The Kitui County Environment and Climate Change Policy is an acknowledgment that the county's economy is heavily dependent on natural resources such as land water, livestock, forest, wildlife, minerals, solar and wind which remain susceptible to the effects and impacts of climate change and variability. The policy is expressly clear on strategies to mitigate these effects, which mainly manifest as severe droughts, floods and heat waves are exacerbated by socio­ economic issues such as poverty, rapid population growth, poor land use and agricultural practices, and over-utilization of fragile ecosystems. These issues threaten the sustainability of natural resources and human well-being, and trigger resource scarcity, which results in resource use conflicts, especially over water and pasture. 4.2 Institutional Framework There are many organizations discretely involved in environmental conservation and climate change issues in general, but there are vital institutions that must play their unique and critical roles in the implementation of this policy. The organizations include; the county department in charge of environment, climate change and natural resources, government departments, state agencies, research institutions, institutions of higher learning, and other stakeholders. There is a need to establish various county environmental and climate change institutions such as the Kitui County Climate Change Unit (KCCCU), County Climate Change Steering and Technical Committees and Ward Climate Change Planning Teams. Through these institutions, there shall be a formal link between the county 32 https://digital-camscanner.onelink.me/P3GL/g26ffx3k CamScanner government of Kitui and other non-state actors involved in environmental and climate change actions in the county. This is for purposes of effective co-ordination to ensure equity, avoid duplication of efforts and ensure enough resources are mobilized to build communities' resilience. The county government of Kitui will put in place appropriate resource mobilization for climate financing that will involve the stakeholders establishing a county climate fund with an annual budget allocation of an agreed percentage of the annual development budget and appeal for additional support from development partners. This fund will benefit county residents through an established institutional framework in different grassroot programs on adaptation, mitigation and sustainable development. 4.3 Monitoring, evaluation, reporting and learning The county government of Kitui, in collaboration with stakeholders, shall develop a monitoring and evaluation framework based on a participatory approach to monitor and evaluate programs and projects enshrined in this policy to ensure effective and efficient implementation of the policy strategies. 4.4 Policy review The success of implementation shall be reviewed from time to time with the participation of key value chain and sector stakeholders to adjust to emerging dynamics, incorporating lessons learned and up-scaling success stories. https://digital-camscanner.onelink.me/P3GL/g26ffx3k CamScanner ANNEXURES Annex I : Implementation matrix for five years Table 1: Environmental conservation and climate change adaptation and mitigation implementation matrix - . - . ------ - - Timeline (Budget Policy Strategies Act ivities Key Actors Objectives Performance KES Indicators millions) -- - -- Enact climate 5 years 5 ·-·- Departme To implement Policy formulation Implementation policy, legal & Enactment of laws; Fast track change act; nt of regulatory Enactment of ll\pplication and Enact sand Environm framework regu lations; enforcement harvesting and ent and Adherence to Conduct reg ular management act; Forestry standards; inspection Enactment of Collaboration with Imposition of waste key stakeholders; declarations, management act; levies, fines and Development of penalties; regu lations and auidelines· To strengthen Stakeholder Holding List of partners & Departme 5 years 15 partnerships meetings & consultative stakeholders; nt of and sharing of engagements; meetings and MoUs/Agreements Environm transboundary Partners mapping workshops; signed ent and resou rces Development of Implementing Reports; Forestry & Mo Us/ Agreements; ·oint activities and Minutes; partners l Develop work plans; Plans developed; commitment Cross-site visits, frameworks; benchmarking Mainstream climate Development of No. of concepts Departme 5 years 20 To enhance and actions in C.I. D.P. concepts, cabinet and proposals nt of strengthen Const itute & memos, MoUs, developed; Environm resources operationalize Kitui and agreements; No. of projects ent & mobilization county Climate Staff hiring & implemented; Forestry ; Change Unit; recru itment; No. of reports county Constitute & Committee developed; Public operationalize Kitui member No. of staff Service county Climate appointment; recruited; Board, Change Fund; Holding meetings No. of staff Human Concepts and & workshops; trained; Resources proposals writing & No. of machines, Managem development; furniture ent Staff hiring and procured; Departme supportive Amount of funds nt, infrastructure al located/raised Financia l ( offices, furn iture, institution machines, sand training/capacity other building); stakehold ers To enhance Mainstream cl imate Hold meetings & No. of meetings & Environm 5 years 300 cl imate change change in county training workshops held; ent & resilience sectors; workshops; No . of Forestry, Establish county I nsta ll technologies KMD, climate information appropriate adopted; NGOs, system; software; No. of projects CBOs I Support adoption of Upsca le use of e- implemented; cl imate change extension; No. of technolooies beneficiaries· 34 https://digital-camscanner.onelink.me/P3GL/g26ffx3k CamScanner Policy Objectives Strategies Activities 1--------1- --------1- ----- Capacily building including water harvesting; renewable energy, clean cooking; climate-smart ag ricu lture, conservation agricu lture; ecotourism; Support the establishment of climate change unit and fund; To enhance t ree growing and forest conservation To enhance environment al safeguards and reduce environmenta l pollution To rehabilitate and restore degraded & critical catchments, ecosystems & landscapes Community training & dry land forestry technologies dissemination; Tree seedlings product ion; Establishment of commercial woodlots; Develop forest products value chains; Organize tree growing & forest conservat ion competit ion & award scheme Enforce existing laws & regu lations; carry out environmental education & awareness; st rengthen EIAS/EAs processes in the county; Adopt appropriate measures for sustainable waste management; Support environmenta l inspections and surveillance I dentification & mapping of catchments; development & implementation of catchment/ecosyste m rehabi litation olans· suooort for staff and farmers; Source, package and disseminate information Farmers' identification & mapping; col lating & packaging of dryland forest ry technologies; procurement of tree nursery materia ls and tree seeds; farmers' tra ining and capacity bui lding ~arry out ommunity environmental awareness & t;ensitizations meetings; train ommunities on :,usta inable ~evelopment; develop 0 nvironmental awareness materia ls; Train environmental : lubs and patrons bn environmental ~onservation and ~l imate change tonceots Carry out catchment/ccosy stem delinea t ion; constitute community conservation groups; communitv 35 Key Actors Timeline (Budget Performance KES millions) ~l !~ic~tors ----- +--'--; ; ; ~ .,-1 No. of software No. of meetings held; No. of dryland forestry technologies adopted; No. of tree species promoted; No. of tree seed lings planted; % of tree cover & forest cover achieved; No. demonstration farms establ ished; No. of farmers tra ined; No. of tree nurseries established; No. of meetings held ; No. of awareness materials developed and produced; No. & size of catchments delineated and rehabilitated; No. t reatments adopted; No. of beneficiaries; No. of oraanized Environm ent & Forestry Departme nt; KFS; KEFRI ; NGOs; CBOs; Environm ent & Forestry Departme nt; NEMA; NGOs; CBOs; Environm ent & Forestry Departme nt; NEMA;WR A, KWTA, 5 years 350 5 yea rs 15 5 years 50 https://digital-camscanner.onelink.me/P3GL/g26ffx3k CamScanner - Policy Objectives ., ---- TOTAL Strategir..s cstabli<.hmcnt of community user / org;in1,cd grour<;; promote nature-b?JscxJ cntrrprls-c o; o;1 1('h ,1s gurns P... rc.::. lns, S?lnd hclrvcst ing , bee keeping, r1mo11g others Activities tra,n,nq ;;n(I c-,-ir-1nty b111 ttlinq; '>11rrx>rt fJfO(ltr< t~ Villlf(' il tf(fit1011 , nd di;i in v,i hic,;; . f Key t PNfom1ance Jnd lc:ator!I mmm11n1ty qro11p,; I c~tiltilt '.':h<!d; Actors NGOs; fl05; Timeline (Budget KES 755 --- - ( J I j I l J I l 1 1 l https://digital-camscanner.onelink.me/P3GL/g26ffx3k CamScanner Annex II: Stakeholder analysis Table 2: Key environmental conservation and climate change adaptation stakeholders Stakeholder Function/ Competitive Target Assistance in Climate Role/ Advantage Change Adaptation Responsibility and Resilience Building Implementation of Farmers • Community • Platform for Climate Resilience and • development • Engagement Adaption adaptation and and and custody mitigation measures empowerment of • Integration of indigenous Climate issues into tradition livelihoods knowledqc Community-Based • Community • Platform for Cl imate Resi lience and • Implementation of Organizations development • Engagement Adaptation adaptation and (CBOs) and mitigation measures empowerment • I ntegrat ion of Climate issues into livelihoods county • Development • Constitution Delivery of proximate, • Provision of Government Of support al mandate, easi ly accessible services • resources for Kit ui resources mitigation and resil ience bui ldinq National • Formulation • Overarching Development support • Provision of Government and enactment mandate . resources for of overarching mitigation and policies and resilience bu ilding legislation • Capacity building services to county staff Research • Research and • Advanced Contribution knowledge to • Development of I nstitutions sharing of research Improve mitigation and appropriate scientific findings • facilities and resilience building research output ski lls I nstitutions of • Staff tra in ing • Train ing Develop skilled manpower • Supply of ski lled higher learn ing and facili t ies and human resources • induction skilled personnel Pest Control • Regulation • Legal Maintain standards • Quality assurance of Products Board and Mandate pesticides and • advisorv chemica ls Kenya Plant • Reg ulatory • Legal Seed quali ty Control • Quality assurance of Health Mandate seeds Inspectorate Service (KePHIS) National • Regulatory • Lega l Safe and sustainable • Environmental Environmental Mandate environment Impact Assessment Management Programmes Authority (NEMA) Kenya Wildlife • Protection of • Legal Wildlife Conservation • Reduce human, crop, Service (KWS) Wildlife Mandate • livestock and wi ldl ife • conflict Non- • Policy • Grass root Localized community • Complement Governmenta l implementatio network and support government efforts in Organizations n and resource policy advocacy and (NGOs) Advocacy mobilization • dissemination 37 https://digital-camscanner.onelink.me/P3GL/g26ffx3k CamScanner Assistance in Climate Stakeholder Function/ Competitive Target Role/ Advantage Change Adaptation and Resilience Responsibility Building - -- --- ----- - - ·- Publicity and Print and • Dissemination • Wide Inform the public • awareness creation electronic media of coverage • information Bi-and multilateral • Support • Financial Provision of • Funding programs Development • development resources complementary resources and Capacity building Partners projects Financial • Provision of • Advisory, Resources, investment • Provision of financial Institutions • Financial Corporate- and capacity building • facilities facilities, social • saving and • Responsibilit credits ies Private Sector • Resource • Entrepreneu Investments, compliance • Resources, current • mobilization rship, with regulations and • technology, • Investment standards • awareness creation, in facilities, • capacity building • finances, corporate social responsibiliti es, and own resources Parliament/county • Legislation • Constitution Enactment of • Approval of budgets, Assembly Mandate agricultural bills and • policies and policies • leaislations https://digital-camscanner.onelink.me/P3GL/g26ffx3k CamScanner Annex III: Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats (SWOT) analysis Table 3: SWOT analysis on environmental degradation and impacts of climate change in Kitui county ,- - ---:----------- ----·· Strengths • Experienced and trainable staff • Established workflow structures • Existing aspirations and plans • Supportive development partners • Geographical positions of the county between Tana and Athi Rivers • Available land for tree growing & afforestation Weaknesses • Low adoption of appropriate technology • Inadequate number of technical staff • Lack of adequate water harvesting infrastructure. • Inadequate technical staff capacity on matters of climate change • Low literacy levels on disaster management and climate issues • Lack of staff succession plan • Lack of Monitoring, evaluation and learning structures • Poor infrastructures • Population pressure in high-potential areas • Large tracks of denuded lands • Lack of synergies among development partners • Limited use of alternative sources of energy • Weak implementation of existing laws and regulations • High levels of illiteracy 39 Opportunities • Global Climate Change Adaptation Fund • Availability of technology • Established World best practices • The National Climate Change Policy • The National Climate Change Adaptation Fund • Availability of dryland forestry technologies • Laws and Regulations Threats • Unpredictable weather patterns • Increased frequency of droughts • Topography and geological conditions • High water salinity • Inter-county resource-based conflicts • Human-wildlife conflict • Emerging pests and diseases • Poor connection to the national grid/Poor power distribution . • Natural resource degradation • Lack of policy, legal and regulatory framework for sustainable land use • Poaching in National Parks and game reserves • • • • • Globalization Low integrity Ignorance Low survival of the planted tree seedlings High incidences of poverty Seasonal rivers within the county https://digital-camscanner.onelink.me/P3GL/g26ffx3k CamScanner C f . Annex IV: The Political, Economic, Social, Technological, Legal and Environmental (PESTLE) analysis Table 4: PESTLE analysis of the Kitui county climate change adaptation Factor of Type of Change Impact on climate change Mitigation Measures Change mitigation Political Devolution : • High expectations from • Deployment of staff Creation of leaders and farmers and devolution of Counties and • High competition for adequate enabling further resources; budget allocation resources (funds, administrative units and projects transport, office (Sub-counties, accommodation, ICT wards and villages) . Pressure for the provision of equipment and related adequate proximate services resources). to farmers . Sensitization and awareness creation Economic Limited sources of . Unemployment • Capacity building, livelihood . Increased vulnerability levels education and youth . Increase in social evils empowerment Food and income insecurity • Women empowerment . • Wealth creation Low purchasing power • . Establish mechanisms for risk and vulnerability assessment • Identify and support viable value chains • Support market access and linkages Social Increased • Pressure on land for • Supportive policy legal urbanization, rising infrastructural development and regulatory population and cultural beliefs • Sub-division of land into framework uneconomically viable units • Sensitization and • Low adoption of appropriate awareness creation mitigation measures • Provide alternative sources of livelihood • Promotion of youth friendly enterprises Technological Increased Ease of diagnosis, • Sensitization and technological communication and training Development and dissemination of information • Collaboration on availability capacity building and promotion of appropriate technologies for adoption mitigation • Promotion of collaborative research on climate-resilient technoloaies Legal Constitutional Inconsistencies in policy and change and other • Awareness creation Frameworks institutional arrangements and sensitization on issues of regulation 40 https://digital-camscanner.onelink.me/P3GL/g26ffx3k CamScanner Development, rev~ • an~ harmonization of pohcy and legal frameworks • Mainstream and integrate Disaster R' k R d . IS ~ ~ct1on Strategies w1th1n and across all sectors • Enforce compliance with environmental regulations and . - - ~ a rd s - ------Environmental General global shift • High unfavourable • Promotion of low in weather patterns temperatures carbon economy • Deve!opment of early • Loss of biodiversity (fauna warning systems and flora) cl imate and risk ' • Environmental degradation monitoring systems, sustainable risk reduction frameworks and plans, insurance schemes, diversification of livelihoods and ca p acitv build ing https://digital-camscanner.onelink.me/P3GL/g26ffx3k CamScanner Annex V: Risk analysis Table 5: Risk analysis of the implementation of Environment and Climate Change Policy Nature of Risk ---------,----·------ -- Level Mitigation Measure Change of priorities with the change of High • Stringent legal redress . Sustained sensitization and governance awareness creation on the sustainability of initiatives Occupational hazards Medium • Establishment and operationalization of county Disaster Management agency • Awareness creation and capacity building, • Establ ish effective early warning systems and county Risk Reduction Frameworks and plans • Strict adherence to procedures, standards and requlations Conflicted interests High • Adequate and responsive engagements with stakeholders Poverty High • Integrated planning and development approaches • Multi-stakeholder involvement in sensitization forums on appropriate value chains • Promoting alternative livelihoods and incentivizing the community on various value chains • Promotion of value additions for value cha ins https://digital-camscanner.onelink.me/P3GL/g26ffx3k CamScanner Annex VI: Critical players in the institutional framework Table 6: Critical players in the institutional framework Stakeholder - ~~e in impleme ntation County Government of Kitui:- • Formulate environment and climate change policies and legal framework. Kenya Forest Service (KFS) Kenya Forestry Research Institute (KEFRI) Kenya Water Towers Agency (KWTA) National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) • Integrilte and mainstream climate change actions, interventions and duties set out in the Climate Change /\ct 2016, and the National Climate Change Action Plan into various sectors. • In the development, updating and approval of the County Integrated Development Plan ,md the County Sectoral Plans, mainstream the implementation of the National Climate Change /\ction Plan, taking into account national and county priorities. • The Governor of a county shall designate a county Executive Committee Member to coordinate environmental and climate change affairs. • Submit a report on the progress of implementation of climate change actions to the county Assembly for review and debate, and a copy of this report shall be forwarded to the Directorate for information purposes (NCCA 2016 No. 19). • Offer technical backstopping on afforestation and reforestation programs. • Offer forest extension services to communities. • Formulate for approval of the board, policies and guidelines for the management, conservation and utilization of gazetted forest areas in the county. • Manage and protect forests in the county. • Promote forestry education and training. • Enforce the conditions and regulations on logging, charcoal making and other forest utilization activities. • Collaborate with other organizations and communities in the management and conservation of forests and for the utilization of biodiversity therein (National Forest Conservation and Management Act, 2016) • Conduct research in forestry and allied natural resources. • Disseminate research findings and Establish partnerships and cooperate with other research organizations and institutions of higher learning in joint research and training. • Coordinate and oversee the protection, rehabilitation, conservation, and sustainable management of water towers; • Coordinate and oversee the recovery and restoration of forest lands, wetlands and biodiversity hot spots; • In consultation with the relevant stakeholders, identify water towers and watersheds for protection; • Assess and monitor rehabilitation, conservation and management activities in the water towers • Offer technical backstopping on regulation and enforcement of environmental laws and legislations. • Coordinating the various environmental management activities being undertaken by the lead agencies. • Advise the government on legislative and other measures for the management of the environment or the implementation of relevant international conventions, treaties and agreements; Advise the Government on regional and international conventions, treaties and agreements to which Kenya should be a party and follow up the implementation of such agreements. • Render advice and technical support, where possible, to entities engaged in natural resources management and environmental protection, so as to enable them to carry out their responsibilities satisfactorily. • Prepare and issue an annual report on the State of Environment in Kenya and in this regard, may direct any lead agency to prepare and submit to it a report on the state of the sector of the environment under the administration of that lead agency. 43 https://digital-camscanner.onelink.me/P3GL/g26ffx3k CamScanner Water Resources Authority • Develop community capacities to actively participate in wa er ca c men and t h ts~ (WRA) riverine ecosystems rehabilitation. . . To develop principles, guidelines and procedures for the allocation of water resou rces. . To monitor, and from time to time reassess, the national water resources management strategy. . To regulate and protect water resources quality from adverse impacts . . To man;ige and protect water catchments . . To gather and maintain information on water resources and from time to time publish forecasts, projections and information on water resources. . To liaise with other bodies for the better regu lation and management of water resou rces; National D~ought Management - ~ velop capacity of Kitui county Climate Change Committees to manage county------., Authority (NOMA) Climate Change Adaptation Fund. Moreover, assist in disaster risk management. . Promote the integration of drought response efforts into development policies, plans, programmes and projects in order to ensure the proper management of drought. . Develop, in consultation with stakeholders, an efficient, drought early warning system and operate the system . . Faci li ta te national and county level drought contingency processes and the preparation of national and county level drought contingency plans. . Establish and review, in consultation with stakeholders and relevant institutions and agencies, drought preparedness strateg ies. . Identify, design and implement projects and programmes that shall strengthen resilience to drought and climate change. . Prepare and issue an annual report on the state of drought management in the county; (National Drought Management Authority Act, NO. 4 OF 2016) Kenya Meteorological Services • I nstitution of county Climate Change Information System (CIS) and provision of timely weather forecast. • Provision of meteorologica l and climatological services to agricu lture, forestry, water resources management, civil aviation and the private sector includ ing industry, commerce and public utilities for the better exploitation and uti lization of natural resources for national development. . Co-ordination of research in meteorology and climatology includ ing co-operation with other authorities in all aspects of applied meteorological research and evolvement of suitable t raining programmes in all fields of meteorology. I! Ii Higher Learning Inst itutions . Help in developing va rious environmenta l and climate change plans and carry out research on communities' adaptability capacity. I! . Help in mapping and documentation of minera l resources in the county . . Advance and expand opportunities for higher education and research in dry land agriculture, forestry, mining, energy, water and environmenta l sciences. Rural Electrificat ion Authority . In expansion of electricity infrastructure especially in rura l areas . (REA) . Promote the use of renewable energy sources including small hydros, wind, solar, biomass, geothermal, hybrid systems NGOs and CBOs • Awareness creation and sensitization of sustainable development and environmental conservation. . Help in resources mobilization and implementation of various community adaptation projects. Private Sector . Support environmenta l conservation activities and initiatives through Corporate Socia l Responsibility. • Support environmental conservation competition and award scheme . -Community Forest Associations . Afforestation and reforestation of degraded ecosystems . (CFAs) . Awareness creation and sensitization of sustainable development and environmental conservation. 44 https://digital-camscanner.onelink.me/P3GL/g26ffx3k CamScanner ,----------------~---------- - -·--·---------- ---- - - --- ----, • Conservation and protection of riverine habitats and rehabilitation of degraded ecosystems. Water Resources Users Association (WRUAs): • Awareness creation and sensitization of sustainable development and environmental conservation . 1---------------<------ --------- ---- Charcoal Producers Association (CPAs) • Regulation of charcoal production in the county. • Awareness creation and sensitization of sustainable development and environmental conservation. https://digital-camscanner.onelink.me/P3GL/g26ffx3k CamScanner REFERENCES 2018. Kitui County Second County Integrated County Government of Kitui Development Plan 2018-2022. 11 t' n in Kitui county County Government of Kitui 2020. Report on level of resource a oca 10 for gender youth and PLWD's for the year 2019/2020. GOK 2007. Keny; Vision 2030. Government of the Republic of Kenya. GOK 2010. Kenya's Constitution of 2010. . . GOK 2021a. The 2021 Short Rains Mid-Season Food and Nutrition Security Rap,d Assessment Report. Kenya Food Security Steering Group (KFSSG). Government of Kenya. . • GOK 2021b. Kenya County Climate Risk Profile Series: Climate Risk Profile - Krtu, County. GoK. Houghton, J. T., Jenkins, G. J. & Ephraums, J. J. 1990. Climate change: the IPCC scientific assessment. American Scientist;(United States/ 80. IPCC. 2022. Climate Change 2022: Impacts, Adaptation, and Vulnerability. Contribution of Working Group II to the Sixth Assessment Report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. Available from: https://www.ipcc.ch/report/ar6/wg2/about/how-to-cite-this-report. KNBS 2019a. Kenya population and housing census volume 1: population by county and sub-county. KNBS 2019b. Kenya Population and Housing Census Volume IV: Distribution of Population by Socio-Economic Characteristics. Nairobi, Kenya: Kenya National Bureau of Statistics. UNFCCC 2008. Report of the Conference of the Parties on its thirteenth session, held in Bali from 3to 15 December 2007 (Document UNFCCC/CP/2007 /6/Addl). United Nations Fountation. 2020. We need urgent action to protect biodiversity. climate/ energy and environment [Online]. Available from: https://unfoundation.org/blog/post/we-need-urgent-action-to-protect­ biodiversity/ [Accessed 28/09 2022]. WHO. 2022. World Health Day 2022. 7 April 2022. Our planet, our health. Available: https://www.who.int/campaigns/world-health-day/2022. 46 https://digital-camscanner.onelink.me/P3GL/g26ffx3k