Kenya’s State Department for Environment and Climate Change has initiated a major policy overhaul for 2026. The strategic focus is on modernizing environmental governance to meet contemporary challenges like climate change and digital waste. This effort is central to integrating ecological health with the nation’s economic growth targets.
A key component is the comprehensive review of the National Environment Policy from 2013. This update will align the foundational document with new concepts, including the circular and blue economies. The goal is to create a more responsive and effective regulatory framework for resource management.
The government is also finalizing several critical legal instruments. These laws are currently undergoing final review at the Attorney General’s office. They cover four priority areas that will define Kenya’s environmental future.
One of the most anticipated is the new legislation on carbon markets. This will establish a national registry for carbon trading, positioning Kenya as a key player in Africa’s climate finance landscape. The move aims to ensure transparency and prevent the double-counting of carbon credits.
New regulations are also being developed to address the growing problem of electronic waste. The Draft Electrical and Electronic Waste Management Regulations 2025 will mandate proper disposal and recycling. This supports a circular economy model by recovering valuable materials from discarded electronics.
Furthermore, new legal instruments are set to strengthen the protection of wetlands. These vital ecosystems are crucial for water security and climate resilience across the country. The laws will bolster national efforts to restore degraded marshlands and water towers.
Principal Secretary for Environment and Climate Change, Dr. Eng. Festus Ng’eno, confirmed the urgency of the legislative push. He stated, “Several legal instruments, including carbon market laws, wetlands restoration, and e-waste regulations, are currently at the Attorney General’s office for finalization.”
Dr. Ng’eno emphasized that the focus is on decisive climate action and advancing the circular economy. He stressed the importance of accountability and the timely execution of all mandated programs.
Cabinet Secretary Dr. Deborah Mlongo Barasa has championed an inclusive approach to these policies. She has consistently highlighted the role of agroforestry in the national climate strategy.
Dr. Barasa noted, “It is paramount that we establish a robust policy framework that embeds environmental safeguards across all sectors of our economy.” She underscored the need to protect vulnerable populations, particularly women and children, who are most affected by climate risks.
Kenya’s ambition extends to global leadership, as evidenced by its bid to host the Secretariat for the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Panel on Chemicals, Waste, and Pollution Prevention. This effort reinforces the nation’s commitment to international environmental standards. The success of this 2026 agenda hinges on effective enforcement and collaboration across government, the private sector, and local communities.
