Kenya Launches First Data Tool to Enhance Environmental Policy Guidelines
Kenya has launched its first data tool, the “Compendium of Environment Statistics Report,” to address environmental challenges and inform policy-making. Developed collaboratively with COMESA, it compiles significant environmental data from all counties to aid businesses, researchers, and civil society. The tool aims to track progress on environmental commitments and protect vulnerable communities amid increasing disasters affecting millions annually.
In response to increasing environmental challenges, Kenya has launched its inaugural data tool, the “Compendium of Environment Statistics Report.” Developed by the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics in collaboration with the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA), this report compiles vital environmental data from all 47 counties. This consolidation aims to facilitate evidence-based policy-making and enhance overall governance in environmental management.
The compendium encompasses various data categories, including environmental conditions, resource utilization, waste management, and the impact of natural disasters. It intends to empower businesses, researchers, and civil society to create effective climate action plans and monitor progress on environmental commitments, thereby ensuring transparency in governance.
Research indicates that Kenya is among the most disaster-prone nations in Africa, facing severe threats to development from natural disasters, primarily floods and droughts. The UN Office for Disaster Risk Reduction estimates that between three to four million Kenyans are affected annually by these calamities, which severely disrupt livelihoods and hinder national progress.
Macdonald Obudho, Director-General of the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics, emphasized the importance of this data tool for guiding policies addressing environmental degradation, urbanization, and climate change. He stated that it would enhance the country’s ability to track progress toward environmental conservation and comply with national and international commitments such as the Sustainable Development Goals and the Paris Climate Agreement.
Experts highlighted the urgency of addressing environmental challenges and the necessity of utilizing accurate data for informed policy-making. They stressed that the climate crisis demands immediate action to protect vulnerable communities and safeguard natural resources, reinforcing the need for collective commitment and decisive action across various sectors in Kenya.
The launch of the “Compendium of Environment Statistics Report” marks a significant advancement in Kenya’s efforts to tackle environmental challenges. By providing crucial data, this tool aims to enhance policy formulation and implementation in response to climate change and natural disasters. With a focus on empowering stakeholders and improving governance, Kenya strives to fulfill its environmental commitments while safeguarding its development gains and protecting vulnerable populations.
Original Source: eastleighvoice.co.ke
