Kenya Slashes Environmental Budget to Sh103.8 Billion: What This Means in the Face of Climate Change Challenges

Kenya’s recent budget cuts for environmental and climate initiatives raise eyebrows, reflecting a shift in priorities amid ongoing environmental challenges. For the 2025/26 financial year, the government allocated Sh103.8 billion for environmental protection, down from Sh110.1 billion the previous year.

A notable cut is in funding for access to clean water, dropping from Sh73.1 billion to Sh60.5 billion. This decision comes as climate change intensifies water scarcity in regions across the country. With nearly half of Kenya’s population facing water shortages, these cuts could have serious implications.

On the brighter side, funding for wildlife conservation has seen a slight increase, rising from Sh13.1 billion to Sh13.2 billion. The budget also introduces Sh953 million for wildlife research, essential for better management and conservation efforts.

Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi recently presented the new budget, highlighting Sh1.2 billion for human-wildlife compensation and Sh950 million for wildlife insurance. Interestingly, the Kenya Financing Locally Led Climate Action (FLLoCA) project has received a significant boost, with its allocation nearly doubling from Sh5.9 billion to Sh11.5 billion. This initiative empowers local communities to drive climate resilience through projects like water harvesting and afforestation.

In another positive development, funding for environmental management has increased from Sh2.7 billion to Sh3.7 billion. However, allocations for forest conservation remain unchanged at Sh10.7 billion, despite a slight dip in research funding, which dropped from Sh1.7 billion to Sh1.6 billion.

Mbadi emphasized the importance of improving water access by proposing Sh26.8 billion for water and sewerage infrastructure. This includes Sh16.5 billion for water resources management, Sh1.9 billion for flood control, and Sh15 billion for irrigation and land reclamation.

Statistics show that water scarcity impacts about 20 million Kenyans, a concerning figure that highlights the urgency for sustainable solutions. Experts argue that without adequate funding for environmental initiatives, the country may fall short in combatting climate change effects and safeguarding its natural resources.

As we reflect on these budget changes, the conversation continues to grow on social media, with many advocating for a stronger commitment to environmental preservation. Engaging with the community on these pressing issues can create awareness and stimulate action towards more sustainable practices.

For further insights on this topic, consider checking out reports from Kenya Water and Sanitation and Environmental Protection Agency.

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