As we celebrate this year's World Environment Day, let's take a moment to reflect on the state of the environment in Kenya. Although Kenya has diverse natural resources, including vegetation, wildlife and watersheds, the environment currently faces numerous threats.
One major issue affecting our environment is deforestation. The demand for agricultural land has led to the clearing of vast tracts of forest land, with little regard for the long-term environmental impact. In addition, the demand for firewood charcoal, and timber has left the ground bare, causing soil erosion, loss of biodiversity and inflated carbon emissions.
Another major challenge is pollution. The rapid growth of urban centres has led to increased industrial emissions, hazardous waste disposal and vehicle emissions. Consequently, the air, water, and soils are contaminated with harmful chemicals, resulting in health risks and environmental degradation.
Climate change is another threat to the environment in Kenya. Like elsewhere, Kenya is experiencing more frequent and intense weather conditions, including droughts, floods and landslides. These events have led to crop failure, increased food insecurity and the displacement of communities.
To contain this disturbing trend, the government has set up policies, regulations and guidelines aimed at conserving the environment and reducing the impact of climate change. However, the implementation of these policies has been weakened by insufficient funding, corruption, and weak enforcement. This has resulted in ineffective policy implementation, thus not helping much.
Weak policy enforcement and implementation have undermined investments in renewable energy, water and sanitation, wildlife conservation and forest management.
However, we can rise above this and stand up for the environment. There are several ways the government can better counter the degradation and damage happening to the environment.
For instance, the government must improve public awareness through education and sensitisation on environmental conservation. Regulations on environmental management must be strictly enforced, and those flouting the law must be held accountable.
Small-scale farmers and landowners can be encouraged to adopt sustainable agriculture practices and reforestation by providing financial incentives.
The transition from conventional energy sources, such as charcoal, to renewable energy alternatives, such as solar energy, should be promoted. Industries must adopt green technologies and reduce their carbon footprint.
More importantly, Kenya must keep its ambitious targets to reduce carbon emissions by 2030, protect the environment, and adapt to climate change. To achieve these goals, the government must ensure citizens have access to affordable, clean, and reliable energy.
The environment in Kenya is precarious, and despite some improvements, more needs to be done to reverse the damage done thus far. The government must not solely depend on foreign aid and philanthropic efforts to mitigate the environmental challenges; there should also be a more significant commitment towards pro-environmental policies.
We must all take responsibility for our environmental impact, reduce our carbon footprint and develop sustainable practices. Through our collective efforts, we can create a clean, healthy and sustainable environment for today's inhabitants and future generations.
We must also appreciate that a clean and healthy environment benefits us in many ways – it supports socioeconomic growth and promotes individual well-being.
This year's World Environment Day presents a perfect opportunity to reflect on the work done to protect our environment and look at ways to conserve and restore it.
It is only through the collective efforts of all citizens and the state that we can ensure that the environment is not only clean and sustainable but also a source of pride and national heritage. It is possible to have developments without screwing the environment because development and the environment are not mutually exclusive.
Lawyer and Executive Director at Muslims for Human Rights (Muhuri)
