First-ever data tool to shape Kenya's environmental policy guidelines
Data by the UN Office for Disaster Risk Reduction shows an estimated three to four million Kenyans are affected annually by natural and human-made disasters.
Kenya has ramped up its efforts in combating environmental challenges and disasters like droughts and floods with the launch of its first-ever data tool aimed at shaping environmental policy guidelines.
Titled the “Compendium of Environment Statistics Report” and developed by the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics in partnership with the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA), the statistical summary consolidates key environmental data from across the 47 counties.
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This includes data on environmental conditions and quality, resources and use, residuals and waste management, natural extreme events and disasters, human settlements and environmental protection, management and engagement.
It seeks to equip businesses, researchers and civil society to develop more effective climate action plans, implement science-driven policies, monitor progress toward environmental commitments and enhance transparency in governance.
The data tool further seeks to offer insights into trends, patterns and emerging threats that require urgent action.
Kenya is reportedly one of the most disaster-prone countries in Africa, with the country’s development gains being under threat from increasing natural disasters.
Notably, more than 70 per cent of natural disasters in Kenya result from extreme climatic events such as floods and droughts.
Data by the UN Office for Disaster Risk Reduction shows an estimated three to four million Kenyans are affected annually by natural and human-made disasters that disrupt livelihoods and draw gains achieved in national development.
It is on this basis the KNBS Director-General Macdonald Obudho says the data tool will be instrumental in guiding policy formulation to specifically tackle issues such as environmental degradation, urbanisation and the current discourse on climate change.
“In addition, as a country, we will be in a better position to track progress along environmental conservation, thereby meeting both national and international commitments, such as the Sustainable Development Goals, the Paris Climate Agreement, and the Convention on Biological Diversity,” Obudho said.
Stakeholders from various sectors were urged to make full use of the resource which will guide policies and inspire decisive action with an aim of protecting the most vulnerable communities.
Other experts present at the launch argued that environmental challenges will not wait, and the climate crisis will not pause, but with accurate data, informed policies and collective commitment, the country stands a better chance to protect livelihoods and safeguard its natural resources.
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