Kenyan Leader Calls for Consolidated Approach to Environmental Issues

Text of report by Wandera Ojanji entitled “Kibaki blames environmental woes on treaties” published by Kenyan newspaper The Standard website on 6 February; subheading as published;

President Kibaki has decried the high number and complexity of international agreements governing environment, saying they had failed to reverse degradation.

The environment is degenerating at an unpredictable speed, he said. The president also took issue with the high number of agencies on nature and called for a more integrated structure for environmental standard, scientific discussion, monitoring and assessment.

“Effective institutional framework would give the needed emphasis to consolidate, coordinate and focus various actors from international to local levels towards achieving the objective of sustainable development,” Kibaki said.

Vice-President Mr Moody Awori read the President’s speech at the opening of the 24th Session of the Governing Council-Global Ministerial Environment Forum of the UN Environment Programme (UNEP) in Nairobi.

Challenge to developed countries

Kibaki said the world’s natural resource base continued to deteriorate although he noted that there was considerable increase in policy guidance. He took a swipe at world leaders for making commitments they hardly struggle to fulfil.

“On the other hand, commitments made at various world summits are hardly implemented. The requisite capacity and technological transfer has hardly been forthcoming.”

He challenged developed countries to join hands with the developing ones to bridge the gap. He also urged delegates to make 2008 and 2009 key years for Africa by agreeing on a special initiative for the region.

This would help the continent take environmental governance to greater heights for the benefit of the global environment, he said. The President wants UNEP strengthened. He said it could not realise its mission.

“Strengthened UNEP is a prerequisite. However, the notion of strengthening should not translate into a transformed organization but a more focused, results-oriented and efficient UNEP within its current mandate.”

Technology and economic integration

Kibaki said this would involve provision of additional resources and empowering the organization’s executive director. He, however, welcomed the Governing Council’s decision to focus on globalisation and environment, saying it was timely. He said technology and economic integration had contributed to development. He, however, observed that this came with destruction of the environment.

Kibaki called for concerted efforts to fight poverty.

For policy improvement, he said, regulatory systems should be instituted alongside sound scientific processes.

Transfer of appropriate technology should also be a priority, he added.

For this to happen, the President said, an education system aimed at improving skills for production and environmental management should be developed.

He said the challenge at the national level was to create a climate brought about sustainable development.

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