If new regulations aimed at encouraging the adoption of renewable energies are approved, owners of all new and existing buildings risk spending six months in jail or paying a fine of Sh20,000 if they fail to incorporate designs for installation of solar water heaters.
A recent report by the UN concluded that the Ozone layer is on track to recovery. This is a plausible milestone that has been made possible by all the sustainability enthusiasts who have been tirelessly spreading the gospel on climate change and the need for
12 January 2023/ News release United Nations agencies are calling for urgent action to protect the most vulnerable children in the 15 countries hardest hit by an unprecedented food and nutrition crisis. Conflict, climate shocks, the ongoing impacts of COVID-19, and rising costs of living
The year 2023 has started well for us with a great deal of interest in our recently published Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) Report. The growing interest by various players, many looking forward to learn from us, is a welcome development as ESG disclosure regulations
Christmas is a wonderful time of the year that brings family and friends together to celebrate. Yet, with all the gifts, decorations and feasting, it can also be an expensive and wasteful holiday. Fortunately, there are many ways to celebrate the holiday season more sustainably.
To enjoy success, every organisation must ensure that its employees understand, own, and support its sustainability agenda. Companies must, therefore, engage their employees and carry them along the journey as ambassadors and champions of the sustainability agenda. As Doug Conant – former President and CEO
Digital literacy has been the new normal with a bunch of companies and enterprises opening avenues to ensure that their clients and users of their products and services, explore and gain more information about their products and services with ease. This has seen some companies
This Saturday, 3rd December 2022, we’ll be celebrating the International Day of Persons with Disabilities – a day observed to increase awareness, understanding, and acceptance of people with disability. The day also provides the avenue to evaluate our progress in terms of empowering PWDs and
The Mau Forest Complex is located about 170km north-west of Nairobi. The forest is the largest remaining indigenous forest in Kenya. It covers over 400,000 hectares, and is the largest of the country’s five water towers as well as the largest closed-canopy forest ecosystem. The
KENYA MPs back push for private land holding caps Parliament has approved a fresh attempt to have the government cap the size of land an individual can hold. MPs have backed a proposal that seeks to compel the Ministry of Lands to make rules and
The backdrop for this year’s United Nations Climate Change Conference was a continent still suffering from multi-year droughts and record-high levels of hunger. The “Koronivia work programme” gave agriculture and food security, which were feared to be at risk of being dropped from the climate
Parents and stakeholders in the Ministry of Education have been in a tussle for awhile now as they all try to come up with best measures to actualise the Competency Based Curriculum (CBC). While some feel that CBC is of great importance especially to their
Discussions over establishing a “new collective quantifiable target on climate finance” for 2024, taking into account the requirements and interests of poor nations, took place during COP27. The conversations focused on ways to overcome climate problems and how to give the funding, resources, and instruments
Meeting on the sidelines of the International Conference on Family Planning in Thailand, the World Health Organization (WHO), the UN Special Research Programme HRP, and FP2030 today signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) committing to strengthen collaboration on sexual and reproductive health and rights –
Developed countries pledged US$100 billion to aid developing countries in the fight against climate change in 2015. As at last year’s COP26 in Glasgow, this target had still not been reached and therefore, this year’s COP discussions anchored on how this commitment would be realized.
It’s that time of year when world leaders congregate for the Conference of the Parties, this year held in Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt. This is the 27th session of the Conference of the Parties (COP 27) since inception. Faced with an intensifying energy crisis, record greenhouse
The ASAL region of Kenya continues to suffer from a severe drought (2020 – 2022) that has been termed as the most severe and longest in forty years. Its widespread impacts on livelihoods are grinding harsh as over 4.35 million Kenyans across 23 counties are
Drought in the Arid and Semi-Arid Lands (ASALs) of Kenya have endured severe droughts in the last decade. The current drought has hit ASAL the hardest with the drought being the most severe and longest. The drought is attributed to the four failed successive rain
Due to the impact of climate change, consecutive rain seasons have failed hence the drought in most parts of the country. This has seen many Kenyans especially in the ASAL (Arid and Semi Arid Lands) communities lack food and water. Videos of children and adults
Our common heritage is under threat and with the approach of the IFCC Conference of Parties 27 (COP27) which takes place next week at Sharm El Sheikh in Egypt, Climate Finance will be on the table for discussion. Climate change is well-nigh upon us. It
Significant political events of the week: Wednesday, October 26 1. All the 24 Cabinet Secretary nominees were approved by the National Assembly and the names were forwarded to President Ruto for appointment. Thursday, October 27 1. The 24 Cabinet Secretary appointees took the
A recent judgment by a UK regulator casts doubt on the banking industry’s capacity to say it is taking climate change seriously and points to more scrutiny of what some claim is the greenwashing of financial institutions’ role in global warming in the future. UK’s
A report by CNN international correspondent Larry Madowo has raised mixed reactions on the internet after he shared the state of floods in Lagos, the capital of Nigeria. While most term it as intentional exposure of the state of African nations when it comes to
The effects of climate change have caught up with us, and they pose significant risks to different sectors. The agricultural sector is the worst hit due to changes in weather patterns and extended drought periods. The financial sector has also been greatly affected because climate
Climate change legislation, often shortened to climate legislation, consists of laws and policies that govern action on climate change by setting its legal basis. The term is used broadly and can include acts, decrees and policies that are passed or promulgated by both legislative and
Several parts of Kenya have been suffering from recurrent bouts of insecurity and conflict between neighbouring communities and peoples. For example, Northern Kenya has a long history of conflict and marginalisation with communities fighting over the few existing natural resources such as grazing fields. The
The youth are the future but their issues tend to be given a backseat. To bring them to the forefront, young people’s global priorities were outlined in the 2030 Agenda by the UN. Governments must address national objectives by assuming ownership of the Agenda and
During the inauguration of Kenya’s 5th president on Tuesday, September 13, 2022, in his speech, the incoming president said there was a great need for adaptation and mitigation measures to be put in place. This is because climate change is here, and its effects have
Environmental and societal risks have overtaken economic and geopolitical risks in terms of both likelihood and impact. Board members and the C-suite today need to have a clear and informed view of risks affecting the business environment. The business world is fraught with risks that
Does climate change affect everyone equally? Most definitely, no. The severity of the effects of climate change depend on factors such as geographical location, gender, social class, governance styles, disabilities, etc. Think about it for a minute, flooding as a result of climate change would
The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change’s (UNFCCC) Paris Agreement was approved in December 2015 and went into effect in November 2016. This agreement is the result of discussions that were started in 2011 at the 17th Conference of Parties in Durban with the
The announcement by Kenya Power to start building charging ports for electric vehicles has renewed the conversation on e-mobility in Kenya. Beginning next month, Kenya Power is set to commence the construction of electric charging systems for homes, businesses, and the public across the country.
The 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) adopted by United Nations (UN) members in 2015 are essential in ensuring we meet the needs of the current generation without compromising the needs of future generations. These global goals provide a pathway for an inclusive environment that ensures
E-waste, also known as digital waste, refers to electronic products that are unwanted, not working, and nearing or at the end of their ‘useful life’. Computers, televisions, VCRs, stereos, copiers, and fax machines are everyday electronic products. The ongoing challenge of how best to dispose
A green taxonomy is an official classification or catalogue that defines a minimum set of assets, projects and sectors that are eligible to be defined as “green” or environmentally friendly. Green taxonomy supports emerging national policy and voluntary private sector initiatives by augmenting sustainable finance
In June 2021, MPs debated on a Bill on Sustainable Waste Management which intended to see Kenyans risk paying a Sh20,000 fine or face a minimum of six months in jail if they failed to properly separate their garbage before disposing of it. The Parliament
Reporting on the environment, society, and corporate governance are disclosed through ESG reporting. Its goal, like that of other disclosures, is to increase investor transparency, shed light on a company’s ESG initiatives, and encourage other organizations to follow suit. Reporting is also a powerful tool
What is sustainable living? Sustainable living means understanding how our lifestyle choices impact the world around us and finding ways for everyone to live better and lighter. It is often called “earth harmony living” or “net zero living.” Applying a ‘people lens’ to sustainability is
No year has proven to be a momentous year for environmental management and conservation in Kenya than 2022. On June 16, 2022, the Senate passed the Sustainable Waste Management Bill, 2021, giving rise to a new order for efficient waste management, and propelling Kenya a
Development that meets current demands without jeopardising the ability of subsequent generations, ensuring the harmony between economic progress and care for the health of society and the environment, is known as Sustainable Development. Principles of Sustainable Development: Principle of holistic approach – Implies an integrated
On 5th June 2022, individuals, communities, civil societies, businesses and governments worldwide came together to mark World Environment Day under the theme #OnlyOneEarth. Stockholm held official celebrations where the host country Sweden announced a ban on issuing new licenses to extract coal, oil, and natural
Small, Medium-Sized Enterprises have been playing a vital role in the economy for decades. They account for most businesses worldwide and are essential contributors to job creation and global economic development. They represent about 90 per cent of businesses and more than 50 per cent
The time is now for the private sector to support economic prosperity and social mobility through a new social contract. An overhaul of the social contract will address 21st century realities and needs. A new social contract can deliver long-term value that enables economic security
Manufacturing is a critical sector in Kenya’s economic development in its contribution to both the national output and exports, as well as job creation. Over the past decades, the sector has contributed heavily to diversifying Kenya’s economy. However, the pandemic in 2020 had a significant
On November, 29, 2021, the Nairobi Securities Exchange (NSE) launched its Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) Disclosures Guidance Manual. These guidelines require that companies listed on the NSE report publicly on their ESG performance at least annually. Why is this important? Well, under the Code
What is climate justice? “Climate justice” is a term that acknowledges climate change can have differing social, economic, public health, and other adverse impacts on underprivileged populations. This concept has emerged from the idea that historical responsibility for climate change lies with wealthy and powerful
Pillars of Focus to Entrench Sustainable Living Sustainability is the ability to continue a defined behaviour indefinitely in order to meet the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. According to the International Union for Conservation
At their most basic level, sustainability and safety are really about the same thing: conserving resources. In fact, they are intertwined with safety being an enabler towards building a sustainable business. Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) policies are necessary for the achievement of several Sustainable
The United Nations 2030 global goals call for a decade of action which requires businesses to be agile and ensure that they look beyond profits to ensure a better future that leaves no one behind while contributing to climate action. To achieve this, a lot
Plastic pollution is one of the most severe threats to the integrity of our planet’s health. Single-use plastics are polluting most ecosystems from rainforests to the world’s deepest ocean trench. Bangladesh became the first country to ban plastic bags in 2002; then, Morocco followed the
Agriculture is critical to the African economy, accounting for 23% of GDP and 49% of direct employment. This means that the continent’s output must thrive and meet the demands of its growing population. However, agriculture is also a major part of the climate problem. It currently generates 19–29% of
By Eric Kiniti Water is a precious shared resource that is constantly under increasing pressure around the globe. East Africa’s freshwater resources are among the lowest in the world. The United Nations World Water Development report 2018, shows that the freshwater resources have decreased by
World Leaders met in Nairobi this week to deliberate on the key terms and agreement of the Global Plastic treaty that would seek to accelerate action against plastic waste management. The treaty which was supported by Ellen MacArthur foundation and Wild Wide Fund seeks to
The UNGC, which is a non-binding United Nations pact, encourages businesses and firms worldwide to adopt sustainable and socially responsible policies, and to report on their implementation. Under the Global Compact, companies are brought together with UN agencies, labour groups and civil society. UNGC being
The Glasgow Financial Alliance for Net Zero (GFANZ) has its sights set on becoming the biggest financial catalyst for climate ambition and action. The Alliance has only three financial institutions from Africa, a continent that has 7 of the 10 emerging markets in the world.
The Kenyan Parliament is currently reviewing an amendment proposal to the Forest Conservation and Management Act which gives the Kenya Forestry Services (KFS) authority over boundaries and excisions in state forests. The Forest Conservation and Management Amendment Bill 2021 seeks to repeal Section 34 of
For the first time in history, more than 70 leading corporations and financial institutions have called for a legally binding UN treaty on plastic pollution. The aim of this move is to have a robust policy on plastic pollution and reduction in virgin plastic production
Kenya’s post-independence environmental history has been plagued with arbitrary excisions of public forests resulting in endangered water catchment areas and threats to biodiversity conservation. Kenya has sought to ensure the sustainable development and management of her forest resources via the enactment of the Forest Act,
Widespread loss of marshes, swamps, riverbanks and other wetlands, driven mainly by encroachment through agriculture and urbanization, has led to significant loss of biodiversity. Freshwater ecosystems have undergone the most catastrophic decline in recent years of all the major habitat types on the earth. Hundreds
The world is coming to a more crushing realization of the disastrous strain we’re putting on the place we call home, Earth! What we believe to be ground breaking transitions into new, adaptive and better ways of living through electronics, is actually having an adverse
SUMMARY UK hosted the second Africa Investment Conference with focus on sustainable investment to support continent’s transition to clean growth Government launched Growth Gateway tool to strengthen UK and African business relationships, following record £2.3bn support from UK Export Finance The Prime Minister Boris Johnson
As companies eye this year to execute and communicate their sustainability initiatives, there are major events and dates they need to keenly take note of. These events include; Event Agenda Dates (2022) World Wetlands Day Wetlands Action for People and Nature 2nd February Zero Discrimination
Sustainability is a subject that keeps evolving, and every new day there are new developments to make the world a better place and ensure there is a better future for coming generations. Sustainability has so far been identified widely as a vital concern and a
In 2015, the Paris Agreement became an international pact by some of the United Nations members to put mechanisms and measures to ensure the world reaches a global peak of greenhouse gas emissions as soon as possible to achieve a climate-neutral world by mid-century. Also,
CoP 26 came to a close on 13th November 2021 after a one-day extension to ensure consensus was reached for the final outcome document. The Final CoP26 Glasgow Pact does not mention any word on the business although private companies and businesses contribute 70% of
BY: Aarti Krishnan The seventh annual Devolution Conference under the theme: Multi-level governance for climate action, has just ended in the beautiful county of Makueni. Delegates at the conference, including public and private sector players, were all out engaging on climate change and exploring the
The 7th Annual Devolution Conference focused on climate change, specifically the Multi-Level Governance for Climate Action. The aim of the multi-governance approach is to strengthen sub-national governments to act on climate change through development of more robust and focused execution of mitigation and adaptation strategies.
The Seventh and Final Annual Devolution Conference was convened jointly by the Council of Governors, the Senate, the Ministry of Devolution, and the County Assemblies Forum and was held between 23rd and 26th November, 2021, at Makueni Boys High School, Makueni County. The Conference made
Nigeria’s President Muhammadu Buhari Thursday signed the Climate Change bill into law. This was made public by the president’s spokesperson, Garba Shehu. According to Mr Shehu, the Climate Change Act owes its origin to a bill sponsored by a member of the House of Representatives,
By Dr. Patrick Njoroge We have a problem. The recently released State of the Climate in Africa 2020 report, indicates that in 2020, the climate indicators in Africa, were characterized by extreme weather events such as floods and droughts, increasing temperatures and accelerated rise in
President Uhuru Kenyatta this week announced Kenya’s plan to work with African countries that form the Giants Club conservation group to raise resources for investment in the continent’s climate change mitigation programmes. While speaking during the 26th UN Climate Change Conference (COP26), President Kenyatta said
With COP26 scheduled to begin in Glasgow between October 31 and November 12, over 50 coordinated finance actions have been planned during which demonstrators shall engage in street marches, hold banners, organize projections, street murals, vigils and other kinds of creative demonstrations to demand that
Electronic waste or E-waste describes discarded electrical or electronic devices or appliances that have ceased to be of any value to their owners. E-waste is considered one of the fastest growing wastes in the world, and yet also toxic and non-biodegradable. E-waste is growing at
On Thursday October 7, 2021, Kenya became the latest and 12th country to join the Global Plastics Pact Network; the 2nd in Africa after South Africa. The Kenya Plastics Pact (KPP) brings together organisations from across the plastics value chain towards 2030 circular economy targets
On Friday October 8, 2021, the Ministry of Water, Sanitation and Irrigation (MWSI) invited stakeholders from the private sector to participate in a virtual presentation of Kenya’s WASH Accounts study report. The study was conducted in conjunction with Water, Sanitation and Hygiene Finance (WASH-FIN), a
There is no doubt that the planet is under threat from climate change and global warming. This is why the COP26 conference, which is fast approaching, should serve as a wake-up call to the climate crisis the globe is facing and the need to fast-track
No continent, country or community is immune from impacts of climate crisis as was made clear in the Lancet Countdown Report of 2020. There will be a CoP26, United Nations Climate Change Conference that will go a long way in helping governments and companies further
Many businesses are remodeling to ensure that they adopt best practices to ensure sustainable development. The basic concept of sustainable development endorses putting in place strong measures to spur economic and social development particularly for people in developing countries, while ensuring that environmental integrity is
Sustainable development means adopting business strategies and activities that meet the need of the enterprise and its stakeholders today while protecting, sustaining and enhancing the human and natural resources that will be needed in the future. As change continues to affect our lives as well
Sustainability emerges as one of the most acceptable corporate social responsibilities. As this is the case, the reporting of only the positive and negative developments in financial indicators are not sufficient for investors and stakeholders. It is becoming more and more common to have investors
What exactly does a sustainable circular economy mean? A sustainable circular economy refers to designing and promoting products that last and that can be reused, repaired and remanufactured. A sustainable circular economy sees to it that the functional value of products is retained as opposed
There has been a rise in the demand for transition to a zero carbon economy. While government action and global protests are a step in the right direction, they cannot achieve net zero on their own. Companies also need to step into this court. This
By Amy Wahome- General Manager Oxygene Marketing Communication Ltd In spite of all the havoc it has wreaked, the COVID-19 pandemic has inspired re-imagination of the role of business in society today. Increasingly, businesses around the world are mulling how to take a longer-term view
It’s time to move on from fossil fuels! When we think of the oil and gas industry, sustainability is probably the last word that comes to mind. Oil and gas are not inherently sustainable. Companies dealing in oil and gas need to innovate their way
Plastic waste has been causing immeasurable damage to the ecosystem- an ecosystem that is all too fragile and vital to the preservation of life on the land and sea affecting the environment, wildlife and human health. It is to this accord that the Ministry of
The role of the private sector in development is more than just that which is pegged on the financial sector. Apart from the traditional economic development role that the private sector plays that includes providing goods and services, generating tax revenues and developing new and
Sustainability is a critical component of a comprehensive plan for future success. Contrary to popular belief, sustainability is more than just environmentalism as it also recognizes the role of social and economic dimensions in delivering long term prosperity. Businesses must take active roles to demonstrate
The word sustainability immediately brings our minds to renewable fuel sources, reducing carbon emissions, protecting environments and a way of keeping the delicate ecosystems of our planet in balance. Sustainability looks to protect our natural environment, human and ecological health while still ensuring that we
On 26th of March, 2021, the World Bank Water Resources Group in collaboration with the Kenya Private Sector Alliance (KEPSA). The purpose of the webinar was to explore opportunities for unlocking the market and strengthening the enabling environment for a circular economy approach to wastewater
Safer Internet Day is a day in February when people come together for a better internet by raising awareness of the online issues that matter to us. It started as an initiative of the European Union Safe Borders project in 2004 and was taken up
EABL has
announced a
5 year plan
towards the
development
of water and
sanitation
projects in the
Lake basin areas.
It has put forth
an investment of
Ksh20M for this
purpose.
The Davos Agenda 2021, saw about 1500 global leaders come together under the theme of “A crucial year to rebuild trust” to discuss issues such as COVID-19 vaccination, job creation, climate change and technology among others. The annual event that is normally held at Swiss
In a tele-conversation between United States President-elect Joe Biden and President Uhuru Kenyatta, Biden conveyed his interest in building on the strong and lasting partnership between his country and Kenya across a variety of issues affecting both countries. Among the host of areas of partnership
A report on the role that digitization shall play in financing a sustainable future was released this week by the UN Secretary General Task Force on Digital Financing of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The taskforce was established as part of the roadmap for Financing the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development: 2019-2021 and its mandate is to recommend and catalyse ways to harness digitalization in accelerating financing of the SDGs.
There is no denying that natural forests are important watersheds, habitats for wildlife, reservoir of biological diversity, carbon sequestration and regional climatic amelioration.
As such conservation, restoration and continued protection of these forests will ensure the sustainable provision of these ecological services.
The International Renewable Energy Agency’s (IRENA), as a part of an initiatives launched by a coalition of intergovernmental partners like SE4All, UNDP and Green Climate Fund during the UN Climate Action Summit in September 2019, is inviting renewable energy project developers to register suitable projects via a purpose-built portal organized around 14 regional clusters, five of which are focused on Africa (Central, Eastern, North, Southern and West).
Kenyan Industry Captain appointed to lead the UN Global Compact Sanda Ojiambo, Head of Sustainable Business and Social Impact at Safaricom, has been appointed as the Executive Director of the United Nations Global Compact. She is the second woman to be appointed after Lise Kingo
