Poverty and Environment Issues: Governance Institutions, Institutional Frameworks and Opportunities for Communities

The government of Kenya recognises the essential link between environmental sustainability and its goals for economic recovery and poverty reduction. Policies such as the Economic Recovery Strategy for Wealth and Employment Creation (2003–2007) and the National Development Plan (2002–2008) acknowledge that sustainable growth is critical for achieving these objectives, yet integrating environmental concerns into decision-making at all levels remains a significant challenge. To address this, the Kenya Poverty-Environment Initiative was established by the Ministry of Planning and National Development and the National Environment Management Authority. As part of a global programme supported by the United Nations Development Programme, the United Nations Environment Programme, and the Department for International Development, the initiative aims to better incorporate environmental considerations into policy, planning, and budgeting processes.