Environment given raw deal by candidates, lobby claims

National Environment Civil Society Alliance of Kenya (NECSA-K) has accused presidential candidates of failing to address key environmental issues in their manifestos.

Society argues that none of the candidates has clearly outlined their plans for tackling climate change and promoting of renewable energy.

NESCA-K chairman Dominic Walubengo observed that despite the candidates pledging to improve the delivery of basic services, critical environmental issues were largely missing from their election manifestos.

Walubengo noted that with challenges such as global warming, air pollution, perennial hunger, reduced forest cover, resource conflicts and water scarcity, the candidates should have outlined how they intend to address them.

Renewable energy

“We have interrogated the manifestos and we have noticed several gaps touching on the environment which also include water, natural resources management and youth, and how they would be protected if they are elected into office,” he said.

Speaking in Nakuru yesterday, Walubengo revealed that the Kenyan economy is paying a heavy price due to climate change which, he said, had resulted in socio-economic loss of approximately 3-5 per cent of the GDP.

“It is unfortunate that issues related to environment and climate change risks do not feature prominently during campaigns and in political manifestos, we need an assurance that all this would be addressed,” he said.

Brian Omenyi of Sustainable Energy Access Forum Kenya said there is a need for political goodwill in achieving renewable energy goals.