Makueni County Environment Action Plan, 2025-2029

MAKUENI COUNTY ENVIRONMENT ACTION PLAN 2025-2029 Abridged Version ABRIDGED VERSION, MAKUENI COUNTY | CEAP 2025-2029 Contents Contents.............................................................................................................................................ii Foreword...........................................................................................................................................iii Preface................................................................................................................................................1 Acknowledgement. ...........................................................................................................................2 Overview. ...........................................................................................................................................3 PART ONE Profile ................................................................................................................................................5 Action Plan (2025-2029) . ............................................................................................................................... 5 PART TWO Sector Issues ....................................................................................................................................6 POPULATION, ENVIRONMENT AND DEVELOPMENT. ................................................... 6 LAND USE & SOILS................................................................................................................. 8 CLIMATE CHANGE AND VARIABILITY................................................................................. 9 AQUATIC ECOSYSTEMS....................................................................................................... 10 TERRESTRIAL ECOSYSTEMS............................................................................................... 11 AGRICULTURE, LIVESTOCK, AND FISHERIES.................................................................. 14 ENERGY & MINING.. ............................................................................................................. 15 HEALTH, SANITATION AND WASTE.................................................................................. 16 ENVIRONMENTAL HAZARDS AND DISASTERS. ............................................................ 18 ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION, AWARENESS AND COMMUNICATION.................. 20 ENVIRONMENTAL GOVERNANCE..................................................................................... 21 BUDGET AND FINANCE OF THE COUNTY ENVIRONMENTAL ACTION PLAN. ......22 Budget for the different Thematic Areas . .......................................................23 Stakeholders for implementation of CEAP .................................................... 24 ii ABRIDGED VERSION, MAKUENI COUNTY | CEAP 2025-2029 Foreword Makueni County is endowed with natural resources Synergies and public participation between all that support social and economic development as stakeholders will ensure that the vision of the CEAP well as ecosystem goods and services. The 2021 is actualized in a sustainable manner. This CEAP Poverty Report indicates that Makueni County has will also inform programs and engagement at the an overall poverty headcount rate of 44.7%, which County level, regionally under the South Eastern is higher than the national average of 39.8%. The Kenya Economic Block (SEKEB), and further at the County contributes about 2.3% to Kenya’s total Council of Governors (CoG) through the relevant poverty of the population, placing it among counties sectoral committees. with a moderate poverty burden. Similarly, the County’s tree and forest cover is at 12.47 % and I extend my gratitude to all partners, stakeholders, 5.38%, respectively. The County has vast water and community members who have contributed resources and rivers that support crops, fruits, and to the development of this plan. I appreciate World livestock production. The scenic landscapes, ranges, Agroforestry-ICRAF for the technical and financial and geographic locations support tourism and have support provided to Makueni County with funding high untapped potential. However, the County is from the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development faced with a number of environmental challenges Office (FCDO) in the development of this document, that include climate change shocks, poor land use including strengthening of the County Environment and planning, environmental degradation, poor Committee and other environmental conservation sanitation, low uptake of technology, encroachment, initiatives. My appreciation goes to the National forest and wildfires, increased pollution, human- Drought Management Authority (NDMA) for wildlife conflicts, and invasive and alien species. facilitating the sensitization of the County Assembly, the County Executive Committee, and members of To address these challenges, the Government the Technical Working Group, who input comments of Makueni County (GMC) is mainstreaming and provided during these forums. integrating environmental issues in planning, budgeting, and development processes. The County I call upon all the stakeholders to ensure that we has put in place and is in the process of enacting leave an indelible mark as we strive to reverse the several other policies, namely, the Environment Bill, adverse effects witnessed on our environment due Makueni County Sustainable Forest Bill, and Solid to over-exploitation and neglect. Our livelihoods Waste Management Bill, among other instruments- depend on the environment, and my administration laws, plans, and regulations. These instruments will do its best to rehabilitate and restore degraded include the County Integrated Development Plan areas and comply with set standards for growth and (CIDP) 2023-2027, Makueni County Climate Change development. Action Plan 2023-2027, Makueni County Sand and Utilization Act, and County Climate Change Act 2021.

The Makueni County Environment Action Plan, 2025-2029, provides an analysis of environmental parameters in various sectors, taking cognizance of where the County is and where it ought to be in achieving environmental sustainability. To tackle the environmental challenges, the County is considering and requires collaborations between public, private, State, and Non-State actors, as well as citizenry H.E Mutula Kilonzo Jr. CBS involvement. Governor, Makueni County iii ABRIDGED VERSION, MAKUENI COUNTY | CEAP 2025-2029 Preface Makueni County’s livelihoods are closely linked The Makueni CEAP provides a means of reporting to access to natural resources. As our population on environmental issues and progress toward increases and environmental quality continues attaining sustainable development in the County. It to decline, there is an increased risk of social and has been prepared in fulfillment of Section 40(1) of economic destabilization, which will have significant the Environmental Management and Coordination impacts on overall environmental quality. Rural Act EMCA 1999 (Revised 2015). The Makueni County people are among the most vulnerable and insecure Environment Action Plan will inform the National in terms of poverty, health, food security, economic Environment Action Plan by capturing the vision losses, and conflicts resulting from competitive of the County to assist in attaining the national access to natural resources, among others. Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA). The CEAP will enhance the mainstreaming The economy of Makueni and the livelihoods of and integration of environmental issues into the her people largely depend on the utilization of her County policies, plans, projects, and programs. In rich natural resource base. This resource base is this regard, I appreciate ICRAF for their technical increasingly under pressure from human activities, and financial support under the “Promoting resulting in environmental degradation and nature-based solutions for land restoration while depletion. The challenge, therefore, is to ensure the strengthening national monitoring in Kenya” project sustainable use of our natural capital by striking a funded by FCDO under the UK Partnering for balance between its utilization and conservation. Accelerated Climate Transitions (UK PACT) Program. Agenda 21 of the Rio Summit in 1992 formed the I appreciate H.E Mutula Kilonzo Jr., CBS, for his basis for the Global Environmental Action Plan tremendous support, including financial support (GEAP). Kenya institutionalized this environmental throughout this journey. We further appreciate planning in Articles 42, 69, and 70 of the the role played by Prof. Catherine Muthuri, the Constitution of Kenya 2010. The Environment Country Director for Kenya and Regional Convener Management Coordination Act (EMCA No.8 of 1999), for East Africa at CIFOR-ICRAF, and the Project revised in 2015, provides for the integration of Lead for her technical guidance and commitment environmental considerations in national policies, throughout the CEAP development process. We are plans, projects, and programs and the formulation also grateful to the National Drought Management of County Environment Action Plans (CEAPs) every Authority (NDMA) facilitation for County Assembly five years and a State of Environment (SoE) Report Sensitization, County Executive Committee every two years. Sensitization, and Technical Working Group members inputting comments provided during these sensitizations. Section 29 of EMCA 1999 (Revised 2015) requires a County Governor to appoint and gazette a County Environment Committee (CEC). One of the mandates I call upon all stakeholders and MDAs in the County of the CEC is to develop a CEAP within the first year to align themselves with this plan and incorporate of enactment of the Act. Members of the technical environmental issues into their planning and committee of the CEC were drawn from various budgets to enhance performance and compliance. Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs). The Makueni County Environment Action Plan 2025-2029 was developed and presented to various stakeholders for input, enhancement, validation, approval, and ownership. These stakeholders, among others, are the full CEC, Ward Climate Change Planning Committees (WCCPCs), and other key stakeholders in the County. The CEAP was also presented to the County Executive Committee and Japheth Mang’oka the County Assembly Committee on Environment County Executive Committee Member, Lands, and Climate Change for interrogation and approval. Urban Planning & Development, Environment and Climate Change

1 ABRIDGED VERSION, MAKUENI COUNTY | CEAP 2025-2029 Acknowledgement The Makueni CEAP development took a consultative The County Directorate of Environment and and participatory approach. I highly acknowledge Members of the Technical Working Group that H.E Mutula Kilonzo Jr., EBS, the Governor of Makueni coordinated the successful completion of this Action County, for his blessings, goodwill, and support in Plan are sincerely appreciated. Special thanks go to the preparation and approval of the CEAP 2025- the National Environment Management Authority 2029. I am also grateful to Mr. Japheth Musyoka (NEMA) for continuously guiding the document Mang’oka, the County Executive Committee Member through the process, technical inputting, and quality (CECM) in charge of Lands, Urban Planning & assurance. Development, Environment and Climate Change (LUPDECC), who is also the Chairperson of the I would also like to extend my appreciation to the County Environment Committee for continued Makueni County Assembly and the National and support and motivation in the preparation of this County administration, who were instrumental in document. Further I would want to commend his mobilizing communities during the engagement leadership in the development and appointment of process. Contributions from County technical staff, the technical team for CEAP drafting. I appreciate the National Government, civil society, academia, the Makueni County Environment Committee, and the private sector also played a key role in the whose strategic guidance made the development of development of this Action plan. I acknowledge this Action Plan possible. efforts by community members who spared time to actively participate in the profiling and prioritizing of I wish to laud the World Agroforestry (ICRAF) for Environmental issues in their respective Wards. technical and financial assistance through the support of UKPACT in the preparation of the CEAP, Finally, I wish to thank the editorial team, who put in from drafting, sensitization (county environment a lot of man-hours to make this CEAP presentable. committee, county executive, and county assembly), May we all join hands and stay committed to public participation, stakeholder validations, implementing the Makueni County Environment and finalization stages. The National Drought Action Plan 2025-2029. Management Authority (NDMA) is appreciated for facilitating County Assembly Sensitization, County Executive Committee sensitization and members of the Technical Working Group inputting comments provided during these sensitizations. Oloo Vincent Ochieng’ Secretary; Makueni County Environment Committee 2 ABRIDGED VERSION, MAKUENI COUNTY | CEAP 2025-2029 Overview In Makueni County, natural resources and the The Kenya Constitution 2010 devolved all environment play a crucial role in supporting planning activities /functions to the County, communities’ livelihoods. They provide the including environmental planning. The foundation for key economic sectors, including Constitution has similarly elevated the right to agriculture, livestock, fisheries, tourism, and a clean and healthy environment to a human forestry. The majority of communities rely right. Environmental Action Planning provides directly on land, water, forests, and other natural the readiness for the government to fulfill this resources for sustenance, particularly through mandate. The Environmental Management small-scale farming and pastoralism. Therefore, and Coordination Act, EMCA 1999 (Revised the environment’s health is directly linked to the 2015), provides that every County Environment well-being and economic stability of Makueni Committee shall in, every five years, prepare a County Communities. County Environment Action Plan in respect of the County for consideration and adoption by the The basis for preparing an Environmental County Assembly and for further incorporation Action Plan is drawn from Agenda 21 of the into the National Environment Action Plan (NEAP). Earth Summit, the Kenya Constitution 2010, the Environmental Management and Coordination The core purpose of the Makueni County Act, EMCA 1999 (Revised 2015), as well as Environment Action Plan (CEAP 2025-2029) is to other Global, Regional, National, and County provide a working document that will guide the development planning frameworks including; planning, implementation, and monitoring of all Sustainable Development Goals 2030; Africa matters relating to environmental management Agenda 2063; Kenya’s Vision 2030; Medium Term for the entire County. This abridged version Plan, the Bottom Up Economic Agenda and the report of the Makueni County Environment County Integrated Development Plans (CIDPs). Action Plan presents a snapshot of the County environment and natural resources status, their challenges, and proposed interventions analyzed from the CEAP 2025-2029. The report presents two distinctive and connected parts.

Makueni County Environment Committee Members 3 ABRIDGED VERSION, MAKUENI COUNTY | CEAP 2025-2029 Part I Presents the County profile, Vision, The section also has a resource mobilization Mission, and Purpose of the CEAP. strategy. The overall financial requirements to implement this plan is estimated to cost the Part II Outlines the challenges of the County Government and partners approximately environment, natural resources, and management KSHs. 11.7 billion to implement proposed in various thematic chapters, as provided in the interventions and approximately KSHs. 12.5 Makueni County Environment Action Plan (2025- billion to implement the County Environmental 2029). The critical thematic chapters articulated Investment Plan totaling KSHs. 24.2 billion (USD include (i) County Profile, (ii) People, Environment 90m). These resources will be mobilized from and Development, (iii) Land Use and Soils, the County government’s budgetary allocations, (iv) Climate Change and Variability, (v) Aquatic bilateral donors, public-private partnerships, Ecosystems, (vi) Terrestrial Ecosystems, (vii) and local and international NGOs / PBOs. Other Energy and Mining, (viii) Health, Sanitation and resources will be mobilized through global Waste, (ix) Environmental Hazards and Disasters financing mechanisms such as GCF and GEF and (x) Environmental Governance. The section by the government in collaboration with other identifies cross-cutting issues, which include stakeholders. coordination, capacity-building, partnerships, education and awareness-creation, and community involvement. It points out important issues and presents an evaluation of gaps in achieving sustainable environment and natural resources management and conservation as advocated in Vision 2030, African Union Agenda 2063, Sustainable Development Goals, and other national, regional, and international agendas. Some of Makueni County Executive Committee Members. 4 ABRIDGED VERSION, MAKUENI COUNTY | CEAP 2025-2029 PART ONE Profile This section presents the Vision, Mission, and Purpose of the Makueni County Environment. Action Plan (2025-2029) Makueni County is situated in the South Eastern part of Kenya, bordering Machakos County to the North, Kitui County to the East, Taita Taveta County to the South, and Kajiado County to the West, as shown in Figure 1. It lies between Latitude 1º 35´ and 3° 00´ South and Longitude 37º10´ and 38º30´ East. The County covers an area of 8,176.7 Km2. The County is accessible by major road networks like Mombasa to Nairobi highway, Kibwezi to Kitui highway, and Machakos to Kitui highway. These provide opportunities for inter-county trade, agricultural activities, and rural-urban connectivity. Vision Mission To be the strategic enabler for a To sustainably integrate transformative development agenda harnessing of the County’s spurred by sustainable harnessing of the natural resources to spur socio- County’s natural resources in a clean and economic development and healthy environment. mindset change.

Purpose The Makueni CEAP aims to provide a framework for coordinating environmental activities by all stakeholders, including the private sector and government, to guide the course of development activities. It provides strategies for conserving, protecting, using, and managing natural resources and the environment in general. The document further prioritizes the environmental issues in the County and is geared towards the provision of sustainable solutions. This will enable the County to integrate and mainstream environmental matters in developmental and sectoral plans of Makueni County so as to achieve sustainable socio-economic development, alleviate poverty, and change the infeasible mindsets on natural resource use in a clean and healthy environment as provided for by the Constitution of Kenya 2010. 5 ABRIDGED VERSION, MAKUENI COUNTY | CEAP 2025-2029 PART TWO Sector Issues This section outlines the strategies that will enable sound governance of the environment and natural resources to promote sustainable development. It clearly outlines key activities within the CEAP thematic areas/chapters. It further details environmental challenges and proposed interventions. The section also outlines a resource mobilization framework with strategies and methods to acquire the necessary funding, personnel, expertise, and other resources needed to effectively implement the CEAP initiatives, ensuring the plan’s sustainability and impact by identifying potential funding sources, building partnerships, and optimizing the use of existing resources. POPULATION, ENVIRONMENT, AND DEVELOPMENT According to the KNBS report 2019, the County The combined impacts of population growth, population is 987,653, consisting of 489,691 environmental conditions, and development males, 497,942 females, and 20 inter-sex. Most patterns significantly affect natural resources and of the population in Makueni are young people the environment, leading to issues like resource aged 0-14 years (34.9%) and 15-24 years (20.5%). depletion, pollution, habitat loss, and climate The population growth rate is 1.1%, with a change, primarily due to increased demand for population projection of 1,065,482 and 1,087,776 resources as populations grow and economies by the end of 2025 and 2027, respectively. develop, often with unsustainable practices. M A I N E N V I R O N M E N TA L C H A L L E N G E S  Inadequate development and implementation  Inadequate indigenous technical knowledge of gender-sensitive, youth and children, (ITK) on environmental conservation. disability-friendly approaches in environmental  Inadequate partnership with Lead Agencies, conservation. the private sector, learning institutions,  Inadequate community engagement & and other organizations for environmental behavioral change on environmental conservation. conservation and protection.  Inadequate implementation of urban planning  Waste disposal. and County spatial plans. 6 ABRIDGED VERSION, MAKUENI COUNTY | CEAP 2025-2029 PROPOSED INTERVENTIONS Provide alternative sources of Harness indigenous technical livelihood knowledge (ITK) on environmental conservation. Mainstreaming gender, youth, Promote partnerships with Lead children, and people with special Agencies, Private sectors, Learning needs in environmental conservation institutions, and other organizations initiatives. for environmental conservation. Promote community engagement & behavioral change through Promote implementation of urban public awareness campaigns on planning and County spatial plans. environmental conservation and protection, Promote circular economy, including organic waste composting for Develop proper waste management agriculture and biogas production. mechanisms, including incentives for recycling.

7 ABRIDGED VERSION, MAKUENI COUNTY | CEAP 2025-2029 LAND USE & SOILS Land use in Makueni County has undergone excisions of gazetted land for settlements, such significant changes due to farming expansion and as the Ngai Ndethya settlement scheme carved urbanization. Forests and rangelands, such as out from Ngai-Ndethya Game Reserve, have the Nguu Ranch, have been converted into arable exacerbated land conflicts. land, with farming becoming the dominant activity. The County features a variety of soil types, Urbanization in towns like Wote, Emali, and Kibwezi including sandy, clay, and loamy soils, with most has further driven land conversion, increasing areas dominated by sandy and loamy textures. land value as agricultural land is repurposed for These soils are generally low in fertility and prone commercial and residential use. In areas such as to erosion, making them less ideal for intensive Wote and Makindu, the rate of agricultural land agriculture without proper management. However, conversion is reported at 2-3% annually, fueled by they are suitable for drought-resistant crops like urbanization, population growth, and rising land sorghum, millet, green grams, and pigeon peas, prices. This aligns with broader trends observed which are staples in the region. in Kenya’s rapidly urbanizing counties. Previous M A I N E N V I R O N M E N TA L C H A L L E N G E S  Land Degradation.  Soil Erosion.  Overgrazing.  Deforestation.  Water Scarcity.  Land fragmentation.  Encroachment of Ecologically Sensitive Lands. PROPOSED INTERVENTIONS Promote the development Promote terracing, of water pans and rainwater agroforestry, and reforestation harvesting Use gabions and grass strips Develop and enforce land for erosion control. subdivision policy Develop rotational grazing and Undertake Education, fodder production awareness, Protection, and Gazzettement of Community-driven Environmentally Significant afforestation and forest Areas. protection programs 8 ABRIDGED VERSION, MAKUENI COUNTY | CEAP 2025-2029 CLIMATE CHANGE AND VARIABILITY Climate change and variability significantly impact The most affected are those heavily reliant on the environment, natural resources, and livelihoods natural resources for their sustenance. Makueni by causing disruptions in weather patterns. This County, like other parts of the country, has leads to extreme events like droughts, floods, experienced an increase in extreme weather heat waves, and altered precipitation, which in events over time. Depressed rainfall and, in other turn affect agricultural yields, water availability, cases, highly enhanced rainfall causing flash floods ecosystems, and, ultimately, the socio-economic are common phenomena. well-being of communities.

M A I N E N V I R O N M E N TA L C H A L L E N G E S  Inadequate Climate Information Services.  Inadequate Early Warning Systems.  Inadequate finance for Climate Change mitigation and adaptation.  Inadequate research on the impacts of climate change on environmental, social, and economic sectors. PROPOSED INTERVENTIONS Strengthening the existing multi- stakeholder forum on Climate Change. Increase and ring-fence County Government budgetary allocation for climate change mitigation and adaptations Capacity building on early warning systems Research the impacts of climate change on environmental, social, and economic sectors. 9 ABRIDGED VERSION, MAKUENI COUNTY | CEAP 2025-2029 AQUATIC ECOSYSTEMS The Aquatic ecosystems in Makueni County consist of rivers, wetlands, seasonal streams, swamps, and man- made water storage systems. Aquatic ecosystems are a cornerstone of rural communities’ environmental health, cultures, livelihoods, and economies. However, environmental degradation poses threats to these vital resources. Effective conservation and management of the aquatic ecosystems are key to the long- term resilience of Makueni County’s environment and economy. M A I N E N V I R O N M E N TA L C H A L L E N G E S  Conversions for settlements and agricultural  Degradation of riparian zones and wetlands activities. caused by encroachment into wetlands and riverbanks for agriculture, settlements, and  Over-extraction of water for irrigation. infrastructure, depleting aquatic biodiversity,  Unregulated sand harvesting and mining from and deforestation along riparian zones. riverbeds leading to erosion & lowering water  Soil erosion leads to the siltation of rivers and levels. wetlands.  Inadequate enforcement of water and sand  Climate change impacts are a result of harvesting legislation. irregular rainfall patterns and prolonged  Pollution and water contamination caused by droughts, reducing river flows and agricultural chemicals and fertilizers, urban groundwater recharge, and rising wastewater and raw sewer, oil spillage from temperatures that increase evaporation rates. garages, car wash plastic, and solid waste  Human-wildlife conflicts. dumping in water bodies.  Inadequate integrated watershed  Aquatic alien and invasive species. management plans lead to uncoordinated and  Encroachment into environmentally significant unsustainable use of water resources. areas.  Inadequate knowledge of integrated water resource management (IWRM) by communities. 10 ABRIDGED VERSION, MAKUENI COUNTY | CEAP 2025-2029 PROPOSED INTERVENTIONS Develop initiatives for farms to reduce reliance on river water and Enhance Inter County border promote the adoption of efficient cooperation for wetlands irrigation methods such as climate- management smart irrigation techniques (e.g., drip irrigation); Promotion of soil and water conservation initiatives Promote the construction of common water intakes for easy Compliance with legislation regulation and management; governing wetlands Promote treatment of wastewater Undertake research, capacity for irrigation. building, and monitoring of alien and invasive species Promote pollution control and Promotion of efforts to restore water quality management by riparian zones (the land adjacent promoting agroecological farming to rivers and streams) through practices, such as organic farming tree planting and the protection of and buffer zones along riverbanks, wetlands. to reduce chemical pollution. Enhance protection and restoration Provide incentives for the of riparian zones and wetlands conservation of water sources/ by undertaking reforestation catchments of riparian areas by planting Build capacity for enforcement Indigenous trees and grasses along of water and sand harvesting riverbanks to prevent soil erosion legislation and enhance water retention, Implement strict land-use Create awareness of encroachment zoning and enforce laws against into water sources. settlement and farming in riparian zones; Identify and Gazette Develop Wetland Restoration Environmentally Significant Areas initiatives to restore degraded Wetlands by rehabilitating native Promote sustainable water vegetation and regulating human resource management by activities. regulating water abstraction, enforcing water-use permits and Survey and demarcate riparian quotas; zones. Promote water harvesting by encouraging the construction Undertake climate change of water pans, sand dams, and adaptation and mitigation rainwater harvesting systems at interventions through watershed households and institutions. conservation, where catchment area protection programs are implemented to improve water recharge and reduce runoff.

11 ABRIDGED VERSION, MAKUENI COUNTY | CEAP 2025-2029 Promote drought resilience Implement guidelines for controlled strategies by planting water- sand harvesting to prevent efficient crops, alternative excessive extraction and riverbed livelihoods, and community-led degradation and rehabilitate conservation initiatives to reduce mined areas to restore quarry the impact of prolonged dry spells. sites through tree planting and soil Promote biodiversity conservation stabilization. and habitat protection by creating Strengthening governance designated wildlife water access and policy implementation by points to reduce human-wildlife strengthening the capacity of conflicts over freshwater resources. WRUAs to oversee local water management and conservation efforts; 12 ABRIDGED VERSION, MAKUENI COUNTY | CEAP 2025-2029 TERRESTRIAL ECOSYSTEMS Makueni County primarily features arid and semi-arid terrestrial ecosystems, which are influenced by rainfall patterns and topography. Key ecosystems include grassland savannas, dry bushlands, rocky outcrops, riverine forests, and degraded lands, which are significantly challenged by climate change and human activities like livestock grazing and agriculture. M A I N E N V I R O N M E N TA L C H A L L E N G E S  Excision, habitat loss, and illegal logging.  Degradation.  Invasive species.  Inter-County conflict. PROPOSED INTERVENTIONS Strengthen litigation on environmental offenses Preserving the wildlife habitats and migratory corridors Prevention of forest fires, Control of forest pests and diseases Control and manage invasive species Formation of Inter County Conflicts and resolutions committees 13 ABRIDGED VERSION, MAKUENI COUNTY | CEAP 2025-2029 AGRICULTURE, LIVESTOCK, AND FISHERIES In Makueni County, the primary environmental challenges facing agriculture, livestock, and PROPOSED INTERVENTIONS fisheries are primarily related to severe drought conditions due to climate change. This has led to water scarcity, soil degradation, reduced Construction of dams and water crop yields, livestock losses, and limited access storage facilities to water for fish farming. Other issues include erratic rainfall patterns, poor land management Capacity development of farmers practices, overgrazing, and limited access to sustainable farming technologies. Undertaking Animal Vaccination, Deworming, and administration of M A I N E N V I R O N M E N TA L C H A L L E N G E S Vitamin boosters  Drought. Undertake training on pest and  Improper use of Synthetic fertilizers and disease control, Agrochemicals.  Inadequate use of veterinary Services.  Pests and diseases. Train on food safety and post-  Food contamination (Aflatoxicosis, harvest Management. salmonellosis, chemical residues).  Sector Weak regulatory system. Undertake sector Policy review and  Poor soil fertility. development.  Sand Floods.

14 ABRIDGED VERSION, MAKUENI COUNTY | CEAP 2025-2029 ENERGY & MINING Makueni County is characterized by a diverse topography that provides opportunities for unique energy and mining ventures. The County’s commitment to sustainable development and natural resource management has driven efforts to harness its energy potential and explore its mineral wealth. It holds significant potential in renewable energy, particularly solar, wind, biomass, and mining. M A I N E N V I R O N M E N TA L C H A L L E N G E S PROPOSED INTERVENTIONS  Low rate of electricity access, with only around 25% of households connected to the power Promote reliable and affordable grid. energy access  Under-utilized minerals. Mapping out the minerals inwards  Disused old petroleum pipes. that are not utilized  Borrow Pits Rehabilitation.  Water and Soil pollution. Need for more mineral prospecting (feasibilities) Establishment of a Mineral Value Addition Centre Convert old petroleum pipes for water extension Landscaping and afforestation Adopt clean mining technologies 15 ABRIDGED VERSION, MAKUENI COUNTY | CEAP 2025-2029 HEALTH, SANITATION AND WASTE In Makueni County, Poor health, sanitation, and waste management practices impact the environment and natural resources through water contamination, air pollution, soil degradation, and disruption of ecosystems. This has led to adverse effects on human health and biodiversity due to the spread of diseases and hazardous waste exposure. M A I N E N V I R O N M E N TA L C H A L L E N G E S  A large proportion of the population lacks access to improved sanitation facilities.  Inadequate solid waste management.  Improper handling and management of asbestos roofing sheets.  Existence of Open defecation areas.  Emerging Waste types-diapers, e-waste.  Lack of baseline survey and data for waste management.  Lack of public sanitary facilities along transport corridors.  Few incineration facilities collectively impact adversely the health of residents and the environment due to poor waste disposal methods.  Limited access to clean water. 16 ABRIDGED VERSION, MAKUENI COUNTY | CEAP 2025-2029 PROPOSED INTERVENTIONS Provision of incineration facilities Construction of sewerage systems in and promote Extended Producer major towns Responsibility(EPR) mechanism Upscaling Community Led Total Upgrading of existing hospital lagoons Sanitation Building inventory and capacity of Undertake research on Waste asbestos waste handlers in the County Management

Construction of new and expansions of Construction of toilets at designated mortuary facilities places along Mombasa Road Allocation of more land for the disposal of unclaimed bodies Construction of hospital waste incineration facilities Designating asbestos disposal sites 17 ABRIDGED VERSION, MAKUENI COUNTY | CEAP 2025-2029 ENVIRONMENTAL HAZARDS AND DISASTERS Environmental hazards and disasters significantly impact the environment and natural resources. They cause widespread destruction of ecosystems, altering landscapes, contaminating water and air, disrupting biodiversity, and impacting the availability of essential resources like food and clean water, often with long-term consequences for both human populations and nature. M A I N E N V I R O N M E N TA L C H A L L E N G E S  Unpredictable weather patterns.  Prolonged droughts and floods.  Wildfires, common during the dry season.  Inadequate Climate change shocks, systems.  Environmental degradation.  Oil spillages.  Resource-based conflicts. 18 ABRIDGED VERSION, MAKUENI COUNTY | CEAP 2025-2029 PROPOSED INTERVENTIONS Exploitation of technologies for Strengthen Early Warning Systems converting invasive/alien species into useful products Develop participatory disaster Creation of wildlife control barriers preparedness plans (Electric Fence) Promote sustainable food production and management Pest and disease outbreak control systems Develop safety nets programs Afforestation and reforestation (Provision of food or non-food programs items) to vulnerable households and institutions.) Promotion of clean, efficient, and Development/rehabilitation of sustainable energy climate-proofed water storage and harvesting investments Build capacity for surveillance of Adoption of technology-based the oil pipelines water solutions Strengthen the emergency Strengthen community health operation center systems Enforcement of Polluter pays Upscale WASH and nutrition principle and compensation programs Promote Bio-remediation and Promote crop and livestock restoration initiatives insurance Secure and protect the water catchment areas (wetlands, riparian lands) 19 ABRIDGED VERSION, MAKUENI COUNTY | CEAP 2025-2029 ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION, AWARENESS AND COMMUNICATION Environmental education, awareness, and awareness and involvement and improves when communication are all important for managing there are skills to respond to environmental natural resources and the environment. challenges. Therefore, environmental education Environmental education teaches about can help raise awareness and change behaviors, the natural and built environments and and environmental communication can help raises awareness of environmental issues. share information, insights, and opinions Environmental communication raises awareness, on environmental issues. Environmental changes behavior, influences public opinion, communication can help support policymaking advocates for environmental-related policies, and and public participation, and environmental supports effective policymaking. Environmental education and communication can help improve management improves with increased public environmental management.

M A I N E N V I R O N M E N TA L C H A L L E N G E S PROPOSED INTERVENTIONS  Lack of Environmental Institutions in the County. Lobby for the development of  Inadequate inventions, innovations, and Environmental School adoption of Environmental conservation solutions. Promote inventions and  Inadequate data collection and sharing innovations mechanisms, Monitoring and Evaluation.  Lack of Environmental Champions. Integration of minority communities in training and governance structures Ensure Data Collection, analysis, and dissemination Develop a Monitoring and Evaluation plan Form and activate environmental clubs in all learning Institutions H.E Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr., visiting the Digital Library and Innovation Laboratory in South Eastern Kenya University (SEKU) Wote Campus. 20 ABRIDGED VERSION, MAKUENI COUNTY | CEAP 2025-2029 ENVIRONMENTAL GOVERNANCE Environmental governance refers to the frameworks, systems, and actions that direct the sustainable management, protection, and use of natural resources while ensuring a balance between economic development, social equity, and ecological sustainability. It involves the participation of governments, communities, private sectors, and civil society in decision-making processes that impact the environment. In the context of County governance, it is instrumental in addressing environmental challenges such as climate change, land degradation, resource depletion, and biodiversity loss. M A I N E N V I R O N M E N TA L C H A L L E N G E S  Insufficient incentives for environmental conservation activities.  Competing land uses.  Weak enforcement mechanisms.  Inadequate coordination between national, County, and cross-county and activating WRUAs.  Limited resources and funding.  Inadequate public awareness. Makueni County Environment Committee (CEC) PROPOSED INTERVENTIONS Develop and Implement community Streamline the mandates of each sensitization and engagement Ministry, Agency, and Department. initiatives Establish multi-stakeholder Identify and adopt modern collaboration frameworks and environmental compliance forums. and enforcement monitoring technologies, e.g., drones. Strengthen Environmental enforcement capacity through Mobilize financial resources training and resource allocation. through partnerships and grants

Establish community policing Enhance data collection and analysis for decision-making. Facilitate the formation, registration, and functionality of CFAs and WRUAs 21 ABRIDGED VERSION, MAKUENI COUNTY | CEAP 2025-2029 BUDGET AND FINANCE OF THE COUNTY ENVIRONMENTAL ACTION PLAN Financing of CEAP S TA K E H O L D E R S I N T H E CO U N T Y Currently, key financial sources available for this  County Government of Makueni, plan include:  Government Ministries, Departments  National and County government. and Agencies  Bilateral and multilateral funds such as  (MDAs) such as NEMA, WRA, KFS, KWS, Global Environment.  KEFRI, Public Benefit Organizations  Facility (GEF); Green Climate Fund (GCF); (PBOs) World Bank.  Civil Society Organizations,  Local and International Non-Governmental  Private Sector, Community-Based Organizations. Organizations,  Development partners / PBOs.  Faith-Based Organizations and Other  Public Private Partnership (PPP). Development Partners. The overall financial requirements to implement this plan are estimated to cost the County government and partners approximately Kshs. 11.7 Billion to implement proposed interventions and approximately Kshs.12.5 Billion to implement the County Environmental Investment Plan totaling Kshs. 24.2 Billion (USD 90,739,451) as detailed in the Makueni CEAP 2025-2029 These resources will be mobilized from the County government’s budgetary allocations, bilateral donors, public-private partnerships, and local and international NGOs. Key financial sources available for this plan include:  National and County government.  Bilateral and multilateral funds such as the Global Environment Facility (GEF).  Green Climate Fund (GCF); World Bank.  Local and International Non-Governmental Organizations.  Public Private Partnership (PPP). 22 ABRIDGED VERSION, MAKUENI COUNTY | CEAP 2025-2029 Areas of investment and estimated budget BUDGET 2025-2029 THEMATIC AREA SUB THEMATIC AREA (Kshs.) (USD) People, Environment and 1,755,000,000 13,588,850 Development Land Use and Soils 520,000,000 4,026,326 Climate Variability and 800,000,000 6,194,348 Change Aquatic Ecosystems 1,900,000,000 14,711,576 Terrestrial Ecosystems, Wildlife 750,000,000 5,807,201 Wildlife and Forestry Forestry 850,000,000 6,581,494

Agriculture, Livestock and Agriculture and Livestock 1,785,000,000 13,821,138 Fisheries Fisheries 200,000,000 1,548,587 Energy 750,000,000 5,807,201 Energy and Mining Mining 250,000,000 1,935,734 Health, Waste and 1,524,000,000 11,800,232 Sanitation Environmental Hazards 340,000,000 2,632,598 and disasters Environmental Education 175,000,000 1,355,014 and Awareness General Environmental governance support and 70,000,000 539,000 enforcement CEC strengthening, statutory Environmental mid-term reviews and Governance reporting, M&E, CEC capacity building, resource mobilization 50,000,000 385,000 strategy, local, national & international upscaling activities/conferences and events TOTAL 11,719,000,000 90,739,451 23 ABRIDGED VERSION, MAKUENI COUNTY | CEAP 2025-2029 Stakeholders for implementation of CEAP Departments of County Government of Public Benefit Organizations (PBOs), Makueni for Environment and all others, the Private Sector, Community Based NEMA, WRA, KFS, KWS, KEFRI, Ministry of Organizations, Faith Based Organizations, Energy, Ministry of Mining, Other National National Government Administration Government Ministries, Departments and (NGAO) and any other relevant Agencies (MDAs), the Local Communities, stakeholders. O R G A N I Z AT I O N S T H AT PA R T I C I PAT E D I N T H E D E V E L O P M E N T O F C E A P State Agencies (Government) Public Universities : County Government of Makueni South Eastern Kenya University (SEKU) County Assembly of Makueni Lukenya University National Government Ministries, NGOs/International Organizations: Departments, and Agencies (MDAs): Fadhili Trust (NGO) National Environment Management RECONCILE Authority (NEMA) The Nature Conservancies Kenya Forestry Service (KFS) Welthungerhilfe (WHH) (NGO) Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) World Agroforestry (ICRAF) Kenya Forest Research Institute (KEFRI) UK-PACT (UK government-funded Ministry of Environment, Climate climate program, implemented by non- Change, and Forestry state partners) National Drought Management Authority (NDMA) Community-Based/Private Sector: Tana and Athi River Development Authority (TARDA) Communities from all sub-counties Kenya Meteorological Department Community Forest Associations (KMD) Water Resource Users Associations Kenya News Agency (KNA) (WRUAs)

24 REVIEWERS WORLD AGROFORESTRY MAKUENI COUNT Y (ICR AF) GOVERNMENT NEMA Prof. Catherine Muthuri Dr Geoffrey Muthoka Dr. Diana Mobagi Kenya Country Director Chief Officer Environment, Senior Principal Environmental Natural Resource, Mining & Planning Officer Climate Change Denis Wakaba Joseph Munyao Vincent Oloo Social Economist and Gender Deputy Director Environment & County Director Makueni Natural Resource. Paul Nguru Katua Nzile Bonface Wanga Consultant Director, Communications Environment Officer Christopher Mutunga- Mbooni Sub County Environment Officer Kelvin Mutua Environment Officer 25 A P U B L I C AT I O N O F T H E M A K U E N I CO U N T Y G OV E R N M E N T Copyright © 2025, Makueni County Government, P.O. Box xxx First Published in 2025 ISBN: .............. This book may be reproduced in whole or in part for educational or non-profit purposes without copyright authorization, providing the source is cited. Makueni County would appreciate a copy of any publication citing this study. All correspondence should be addressed to: The Governor County Government of Makueni P.O. Box 78 – 90300 Wote, Makueni Telephone: +254795717889/+254780717885 Email: info@makueni.go.ke