Summary of the SGR Phase 2 Risk Assessment by NECSA Kenya

The SGR extension is expected to yield several positive economic impacts. Enhanced transportation capabilities will facilitate regional trade by providing faster cargo movement. The construction and operational phases are anticipated to create numerous job opportunities for local communities. Transitioning from road transport to rail is expected to lower costs associated with transportation and road maintenance while also reducing carbon emissions. Furthermore, improved access to tourist destinations such as Lake Victoria will likely stimulate tourism.

Naivasha-Kisumu SGR Terms of Reference for the ESIA Group Photo

Group photo of the NECSA Kenya Workshop on the Terms of Reference for the Naivasha-Kisumu SGR and Kisumu Port Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) held in Naivasha from 20th - 22nd August, 2024.

NECSA Kenya Memorandum on the Environmental and Social Impact Assessment for the Naivasha-Kisumu Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) and Kisumu Port

On August 28, 2024, the National Environment Civil Society Alliance of Kenya (NECSA-K) submitted a memorandum to the Kenya Railways Corporation (KRC) regarding the Terms of Reference (ToR) for the Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) study of the proposed Naivasha-Kisumu Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) (Phase 2B) and Kisumu Port. NECSA-K is a coalition of over 100 civil society organizations advocating for sustainable natural resource management in Kenya. The proposed project entails the construction of the SGR from Naivasha to Kisumu, including an 8 km branch line to Kisumu Port. Given the scale and potential environmental and social impacts of the project, NECSA-K convened a workshop between August 20 and 22, 2024, to review the ToR and provide recommendations to ensure the project adheres to best environmental practices.

NECSA Kenya's Memorandum on the Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) for the Proposed Riruta-Ngong Meter Gauge Railway (MGR) Commuter Line

One of the core issues identified by NECSA-K is the project’s violation of legal requirements under EMCA. By initiating the project before the ESIA report was made public, the Kenya Railways Corporation (KRC) breached the law. NECSA-K strongly recommends that both NEMA and KRC engage with their legal teams to address potential penalties and ensure future compliance. Moreover, the public participation process, a critical component of environmental governance, was found lacking. The ESIA report indicates that the project was approved prior to any meaningful public engagement. Furthermore, the views of certain stakeholders, such as flower vendors, were underrepresented, leading to a skewed assessment of public opinion. NECSA-K emphasizes the need for a more inclusive and thorough stakeholder engagement process to ensure the project garners broad-based support.

NECSA Kenya's Position Paper on Improving Forest Legislation in Baringo County

Currently, Baringo County lacks a county-specific forest legislation, hindering governance, investment, and conservation efforts. This legislative gap not only holds back private sector engagement and forest restoration initiatives but also limits the county's autonomy in managing its forest resources. Worsened by expired Participatory Forest Management Plans (PFMPs) and Agreements, the county struggles with fragmented and uncoordinated actions among stakeholders, undermining conservation endeavors.

NECSA Kenya's Position Paper on Water Legislation in Baringo County

Water scarcity is a pressing issue in Baringo, worsened by low rainfall and cyclic droughts. Rural areas, home to 89% of the population, suffer from inadequate access to clean water, forcing communities to rely on unsafe sources. Urban centers face challenges of uneven water distribution and poor sanitation infrastructure, posing health risks to residents. Despite efforts to improve water access through projects and boreholes, operational challenges persist due to poor management and maintenance. Moreover, inadequate wastewater management and agricultural pollution threaten water quality, while flood vulnerabilities further compound the risks.

Strengthening Kenya's Environmental Policy: NECSA-K Memo on the National Forest Policy

General observations highlighted significant concerns regarding the current draft of the National Forest Policy. One prominent issue is the perceived imbalance between prioritizing financial gains from forest exploitation over conservation efforts and the benefits that communities derive from forests. Additionally, stakeholders noted that the policy lacks emphasis on the vital ecosystem services provided by forests, such as water catchment, habitat preservation, and climate regulation.

Strengthening Kenya's Forest Management Laws: NECSA Kenya's Forum on the Forests Conservation and Management Act of 2016

One of the overarching themes emphasized by NECSA-K was the importance of recognizing and upholding the rights of indigenous and forest communities. The Alliance advocated for the incorporation of provisions within the legislation to acknowledge and respect these rights, ensuring their active participation in decision-making processes concerning forest management.