Multi-Sector Partners Kick Off National Environment Policy Review to Power Climate Action and Employment

By CHURCHILL SIMIYU REPORTER

Nairobi, January 27, 2026.

The government has launched a nationwide review of the National Environment Policy, signaling a major shift in how Kenya responds to climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution while unlocking green jobs and sustainable economic growth.
Speaking during the first stakeholder consultative forum, the Principal Secretary for Environment, Climate Change and Forestry Dr , Eng Festus K Ng’eno said the review aims to modernise Kenya’s environmental governance framework to reflect emerging realities such as climate shocks, waste management pressures, blue economy governance and green financing opportunities.

The review will inform subsequent amendments to the Environmental Management and Coordination Act (EMCA), which was withdrawn from Parliament to allow alignment with an updated policy. The process is expected to be completed by March 31, paving the way for legal reforms.

“The environment landscape has changed significantly over the last decade. This review is not procedural — it is a strategic repositioning of Kenya to address contemporary challenges and seize new opportunities,” the PS said.

The policy review is anchored in the Constitution of Kenya, Vision 2030, the Fourth Medium-Term Plan (MTP IV) and international commitments including the Paris Agreement, the Global Biodiversity Framework and the Sustainable Development Goals.

Key priorities outlined include job creation through the green and blue economy, ecosystem restoration under the presidential directive to grow 15 billion trees by 2032, climate resilience and disaster risk reduction, and strengthening environmental education, research and innovation.

The policy will also integrate sustainable finance mechanisms such as carbon markets and green bonds, embrace technology and data-driven environmental monitoring, promote the circular economy, and incorporate natural capital valuation into national planning.

UNDP, a key partner in the process, said the updated Environment Policy 2025 must serve as an overarching framework that aligns sectoral laws, strengthens coordination between national and county governments, and embeds constitutional values of public participation and intergenerational equity.

“Environmental governance in Kenya is legally enforceable. What is needed now is institutional coherence, implementation credibility and public confidence to unlock climate and nature finance at scale,” a UNDP representative said.

Kenya Climate Innovation Center (KCIC) also called for the policy to recognise climate entrepreneurship as a key driver of sustainable development, urging the government to create an enabling environment for climate-smart enterprises, circular economy investments and innovative financing models.

Stakeholders were urged to actively contribute beyond formal attendance, with the ministry pledging an inclusive, participatory process that reflects the voices of communities, counties, experts and private sector actors.

The review seeks to position Kenya at the forefront of the global green transition, safeguarding natural capital while supporting inclusive growth and resilience for future generations.