Mr. Cleophas Odira Okioi

The broad objectives of the Department of Renewable Energy is to promote the development and use of renewable energy technologies, including but not limited to biomass, biodiesel, bio-ethanol, charcoal, fuel wood, solar, wind, tidal waves, hydropower, biogas and municipal waste. The specific objectives are to:

• Formulate a national strategy for coordinating research in renewable energy;
• Provide an enabling framework for the efficient  and sustainable production, distribution and marketing of biomass, solar, wind, small hydro, municipal waste, and charcoal;
• Promote the use of fast maturing trees for energy production including bio-fuels and the establishment of commercial woodlots including peri-urban plantations;
• Promote the use of municipal waste for energy production;
• Promote the development of appropriate local capacity for the manufacture, installation, maintenance and operation of basic renewable technologies such as bio-digesters solar systems and hydro turbines;
• Promote international co-operation on programmes focusing on renewable energy sources;
• Harness opportunities offered under clean development mechanism and other mechanisms to promote the development and exploitation of renewable energy sources;
• Promote the utilization of renewable energy sources for either power generation or transportation;
• Promote co-generation of electric power by sugar millers and sale of such electric power through national grid directly to the consumers; and,
• Promote the production and use of gasohol and biodiesel.  

Mandate

The National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) is a government parastatal established to exercise general supervision and co-ordination over all matters relating to the environment. The Authority is the principal instrument of the National Government in the implementation of all policies relating to the environment. Section 9(2) of EMCA details 17 statutory functions that NEMA shall undertake.

Devolved Environmental functions being undertaken by the County Government as stated in the Fourth Schedule of the Constitution of Kenya 2010 includes; control of air pollution, noise pollution, other public nuisances and outdoor advertising.

Core Functions

• Coordinating the various environmental management activities being undertaken by the lead agencies

• Promote the integration of environmental considerations into development policies, plans, programmes and projects, with a view to ensuring the proper management and rational utilization of environmental resources, on sustainable yield basis, for the improvement of the quality of human life in Kenya.

• To take stock of the natural resources in Kenya and their utilization and conservation.

• To establish and review land use guidelines.

• Examine land use patterns to determine their impact on the quality and quantity of natural resources.

• Carry out surveys, which will assist in the proper management and conservation of the environment.

• Advise the Government on legislative and other measures for the management of the environment or the implementation of relevant international conventions, treaties and agreements.

• Advise the Government on regional and international conventions, treaties and agreements to which Kenya should be a party and follow up the implementation of such agreements.

• Undertake and coordinate research, investigation and surveys, collect, collate and disseminate information on the findings of such research, investigations or surveys.

• Mobilize and monitor the use of financial and human resources for environmental management.

• Identify projects and programmes for which environmental audit or environmental monitoring must be conducted under this Act.

• Initiate and evolve procedures and safeguards for the prevention of accidents, which may cause environmental degradation and evolve remedial measures where accidents occur e.g. floods, landslides and oil spills.

• Monitor and assess activities, including activities being carried out by relevant lead agencies, in order to ensure that the environment is not degraded by such activities. Management objectives must be adhered to and adequate early warning on impending environmental emergencies is given.

• Undertake, in cooperation with relevant lead agencies, programmes intended to enhance environmental education and public awareness, about the need for sound environmental management, as well as for enlisting public support and encouraging the effort made by other entities in that regard.

• Publish and disseminate manual codes or guidelines relating to environmental management and prevention or abatement of environmental degradation.

• Render advice and technical support, where possible, to entities engaged in natural resources management and environmental protection, so as to enable them to carry out their responsibilities satisfactorily.

• Prepare and issue an annual report on the State of Environment in Kenya and in this regard, may direct any lead agency to prepare and submit to it a report on the state of the sector of the environment under the administration of that lead agency.

Functions in the County

Functions include;

1. Water Resources Management Policy

2. Water and Sewerage Services Policy

3. Water Quality and Pollution Control

4. Dam Construction Schemes

6. Waste Water Treatment and Disposal Policy

7. Water Resources Management Authority

8. Water Services Boards

9. Water Services Trust Fund

10. Public Water Schemes and Community Water Projects5

The different functions of the department are carried out under  Administration and Support Services, Water Services, Water Resources Management,  and Water Storage.

Core Functions

The specific functions for each of the departments are as outlined below:

Administration and Support Services

Provision of support and other cross cutting services in Administration; Planning; Finance, Procurement; Accounts; Internal Audit, Human Resources Management and Development; Information and Communication, Donor Coordination, ICT, Data and Information Management ;

Water Services

• Development and review of water and sanitation services

• Coordination of water supply and sewerage activities to both urban and rural areas and

• Monitoring the performance of all Water Services Boards.

Water Resources Management

Water Resources department will ensure that water resources are conserved, preserved, protected and availed in such quality and quantity to sustain the various national demands.

• To ensure Rational and equitable allocation of water resources

• Formulation of national Water Resources Strategy and Enforcement of Water Act 2002 and Water Resources Management Rules

• Policy formulation and giving Policy direction from time to time

• Mapping and publishing of key water catchment areas, groundwater resources and flood prone areas

• Water quality testing and Surveillance to ensure compliance with drinking water standards

• Resource mobilization for the management, preservation, conservation, protection and allocation

• Water Resources Database Organization and dissemination

• Land Reclamation • Development of appropriate policies, guidelines and legislation.

• Promotion of rain water harvesting, water storage and environmental conservation in the ASALs and waste lands.

• Development of Water harvesting and storage Infrastructure.