Speaker
Description
Kenya continues to suffer decreased air quality levels attributed to the overreliance on
biomass as a primary source of energy coupled with rapid economic development. This has
resulted in environmental degradation and widespread health challenges arising from
prolonged exposure to poor air quality. To address this problem, Kenya institutionalized a
devolved governance system to make decisions regarding air pollution management.
However, little is known about the effectiveness of the devolved air quality management and
governance system. This paper therefore aimed at assessing the outcomes and challenges
in management of air pollution in a devolved governance system in Kenya. The paper
explored the views of multi-actors involved in management and governance of air pollution in
both Nairobi and Kisumu counties. The study highlights the conflicting roles of national and
county government in the management of air pollution coupled with power influence over
resources and the limited opportunities for citizen involvement in decision-making processes
in the management and governance of air pollution in Kenya. County Governments therefore
need to be further empowered in order to play a robust role in the enforcement of air
pollution standards within their jurisdiction which will ultimately influence the overall air
quality levels in Kenya.
