The State Department for Environment and Climate Change has proposed a Ksh 247 million increase in its recurrent budget for the 2025/26 financial year to support operations, settle legal obligations, and strengthen environmental programs.
The Supplementary Estimates for FY 2025/26 were presented by Environment and Climate Change Principal Secretary Dr. Eng. Festus Ngeno to the Departmental Committee on Environment, Forestry and Mining, chaired by Mwala MP Eng. Vincent Musyoka, during a meeting held at a hotel in Machakos.
The PS said the additional funds are mainly required to cover operations and maintenance, legal obligations, and transfers to the National Environment Trust Fund (NETFUND).
However, the development budget is expected to decrease by KSh 231 million, affecting some environmental restoration and mining projects.
Additional funds will also support Kenya’s participation in major international environmental events and negotiations, including climate conferences and global environmental forums, which provide platforms for the State Department to mobilize resources.
Despite funding constraints, the State Department reported several achievements during the review period, including issuing Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) licences and conducting air quality monitoring in Nairobi and Mombasa.
The department also undertook enforcement actions related to the nationwide single-use plastics ban, raised tree seedlings, and rehabilitated degraded forest in the Cherangany ecosystem.
Additionally, the department trained stakeholders on environmental compliance and carbon markets, while weather agencies issued timely forecasts to support early warning systems.
However, the proposed reduction in development spending will significantly impact two major initiatives. The Kenya Gold Mercury-Free Artisanal and Small-Scale Mining Project and the Restoration and Management of Ecosystems for Climate Change Resilience Project.
The PS decried that the budget cuts could reduce forest rehabilitation targets and decrease tree seedling production.
He urged Parliament to increase financial allocations and avoid frequent budget cuts, arguing that adequate funding is necessary for Kenya to effectively address climate change impacts and fulfill its environmental mandate.
