Kenya has launched its first data tool, the “Compendium of Environment Statistics Report,” developed by the KNBS and COMESA. This comprehensive report consolidates environmental data to guide policy formulation, aiming to address issues like degradation and climate change. It will empower stakeholders, enhance transparency, and help track environmental progress.
Kenya has initiated a significant advance in combating environmental challenges with the launch of its inaugural data tool designed to guide environmental policy guidelines. This tool, titled “Compendium of Environment Statistics Report,” was developed by the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS) in collaboration with the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA).
The report consolidates critical environmental data from all 47 Kenyan counties, encompassing aspects such as environmental conditions and quality, resource utilization, waste management, extreme natural events, and human settlement impacts on the environment. This comprehensive resource aims to empower businesses, researchers, and civil society to formulate effective climate action plans and implement science-based policies.
Moreover, the tool is expected to provide valuable insights into emerging trends and threats necessitating immediate attention. Kenya, recognized as one of Africa’s most disaster-prone nations, faces substantial risks to its developmental gains due to frequent natural disasters, particularly those related to extreme climate events like droughts and floods.
According to the UN Office for Disaster Risk Reduction, between three to four million Kenyans are impacted each year by disasters disrupting livelihoods and hindering national development advancements. The Director-General of KNBS, Macdonald Obudho, emphasized that this data tool will be crucial for informed policy formulation aimed at addressing critical issues such as environmental degradation and climate change.
Obudho stated, “In addition, as a country, we will be in a better position to track progress along environmental conservation, thereby meeting both national and international commitments, such as the Sustainable Development Goals, the Paris Climate Agreement, and the Convention on Biological Diversity.”
Participants at the launch of the report encouraged stakeholders across various sectors to utilize this new resource, which is intended to guide policy-making and inspire proactive measures to protect vulnerable communities. Experts expressed the urgency of addressing environmental challenges, emphasizing that timely and informed actions could significantly enhance the protection of livelihoods and the preservation of natural resources throughout the nation.
In conclusion, Kenya’s launch of the “Compendium of Environment Statistics Report” signifies a pivotal step towards enhancing the nation’s environmental policy framework. By providing comprehensive data, this tool aims to support stakeholders in developing effective climate action initiatives, ensuring environmental sustainability, and complying with international commitments. The collective use of accurate data and informed policy-making is crucial as Kenya faces the pressing challenges posed by natural disasters and climate change, thereby safeguarding both its citizens and natural resources.
Original Source: eastleighvoice.co.ke
