Kenya Slashes Environment Budget to Sh103.8 Billion Amid Growing Climate Change Challenges

Kenya is facing a notable shift in how it funds environmental initiatives. In the 2025/26 budget, the allocation for environmental protection, water, and natural resources has decreased to Sh103.8 billion from Sh110.1 billion in the previous year. This drop raises concerns as the country grapples with severe environmental challenges.

One significant cut is the funding for clean water access, which dropped from Sh73.1 billion to Sh60.5 billion. This reduction comes at a time when many regions are experiencing water shortages due to climate change.

On a slightly positive note, funding for wildlife security and conservation has seen a minor increase, up from Sh13.1 billion to Sh13.2 billion. The government has also introduced a new funding line of Sh953 million for wildlife research and development. This investment is critical as Kenya’s wildlife faces increasing threats from habitat loss and poaching.

During the budget presentation, Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi highlighted an additional Sh1.2 billion for human-wildlife compensation and Sh950 million for wildlife insurance. These measures aim to mitigate conflicts between humans and wildlife, promoting coexistence in the face of development pressures.

The Kenya Financing Locally Led Climate Action (FLLoCA) project has seen its budget nearly double, climbing from Sh5.9 billion to Sh11.5 billion. This initiative empowers counties to spearhead climate resilience projects, such as water harvesting, planting drought-resistant crops, and reforestation efforts. Local leadership in these projects is essential, as it harnesses community involvement and increases accountability.

Interestingly, while overall funding for environmental initiatives has decreased, the allocation for environment management and protection has risen from Sh2.7 billion to Sh3.7 billion. This may indicate a prioritization of certain environmental areas over others.

In terms of forest conservation, the allocation has remained stable at Sh10.7 billion, though funding for forest research and development has slightly declined from Sh1.7 billion to Sh1.6 billion. Allocations for meteorological services have also maintained steady funding at Sh1.6 billion.

Mbadi announced plans for significant investment in water management, emphasizing improved infrastructure and flood control. The proposed Sh26.8 billion for water and sewerage infrastructure includes Sh16.5 billion for water management and Sh1.9 billion for flood control. Furthermore, Sh15 billion is earmarked for irrigation and land reclamation, along with Sh266 million for water harvesting initiatives.

These changes reflect a complex balance between immediate needs and long-term environmental goals. As Kenya navigates these financial decisions, the implications for both the environment and communities are profound. Sustainable management will require careful monitoring and community involvement, underscoring the importance of prioritizing environmental initiatives despite budget constraints.

For more information on Kenya’s budget and environmental status, you can refer to the World Bank’s overview of Kenya’s environmental challenges.

Source link

Kenya cuts environment budget to Sh103.8 billion despite climate change pressures, Headlines, Climate Change, climate change, Water, Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi, natural resources, 2025/26 financial year, environment budget, environmental protection