integrated coastal zone management (iczm) action plan for kenya ...

Integrated Coastal Zone Management (ICZM) Action Plan for Kenya 

Ministry of Environment 

and Mineral Resources 

NEMA -Kenya 

INTEGRATED COASTAL ZONE 

MANAGEMENT (ICZM) ACTION PLAN 

FOR KENYA, 2010 - 2014 

Towards Integrated Management of Kenya’s Coastal and 

Marine Resources

Integrated Coastal Zone Management Action Plan for Kenya 

INTEGRATED COASTAL ZONE MANAGEMENT 

ACTION PLAN FOR KENYA 

Lead Institution 

National Environment Management Authority 

Main Sponsors: 

UNEP/GEF-WIO-LaB Project 

Global Environment Program 

Co-Sponsors: 

European Union 

Regional Programme for the Sustainable Management of the 

Coastal Zone of the Countries of the Indian Ocean 

DANIDA - Danish International Development Agency 

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Sources of Information for Action Plan development 

i) Government Institutions 

‐ Ministry of Environment and Mineral Resources 

‐ National Environment Management Authority 

‐ Coast Development Authority 

‐ Kenya Marine & Fisheries Research Institute 

‐ Kenya Wildlife Service 

‐ Ministry of Fisheries Development 

‐ Kenya Forestry Service 

‐ Ministry of Lands 

‐ Ministry of Local Government 

‐ Ministry of Tourism 

‐ National Museums of Kenya 

‐ Department of Resource Survey and Remote Sensing (DRSRS) 

ii) Civil Society (NGOs, Private sector and CBOs): 

- World wide Fund for Nature (WWF) 

- Kenya Sea Turtle conservation Committee (KESCOM) 

- Watamu Marine Association 

- Malindi Green Town Movement 

- East African Wildlife Society 

- Eco-ethics International – Kenya Chapter 

- Lafarge Ecosystems Ltd 

- Coastal Oceans Research and Development in Indian Ocean (CORDIO) 

- Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) 

- Kenya Marine Forum, Lamu 

iii) ICZM Steering Committee 

iv) United Nations Environmental Programme (UNEP)/Nairobi Convention Secretariat 

v) Individual Experts 

For further information please contact: 

The Director General 

National Environment Management Authority 

P.O. Box 67839-00200, NAIROBI, KENYA 

Tel; 254-02-605522/6/7, Fax 254-02-608997 

Email: dgnema@nema.go.ke, Website: www.nema.go.ke 

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TABLE OF CONTENTS 

LIST OF FIGURES.............................................................................................. .vi 

LIST OFTABLES..................................................................... .............................vii 

ACRONYMS .............................. .........................................................................viii 

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT ...................................................................................... 10 

FOREWORD .......................................................................................................... 12 

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY .................................................................................... 13 

CHAPTER 1: COASTAL ENVIRONMENT OF KENYA ................................... 15 

1.1 Introduction ....................................................................................................... 15 

1.2 The Biophysical Setting of the Coastal Zone ............................................. 15 

1.2.1 Geographical extent .............................................................................. 15 

1.2.2 Climate ................................................................................................. 16 

1.2.3 Geology and geomorphology ................................................................ 17 

1.2.4 Hydrology ............................................................................................. 17 

1.2.5 Oceanography ....................................................................................... 19 

1.2.6 Coastal Ecosystems ............................................................................... 21 

1.2.7 Demography .......................................................................................... 21 

1.3 Significance of the Kenya Coast .......................................................... 22 

1.5 The history of ICZM in Kenya ............................................................. 24 

1.6 Why Integrated Coastal Zone Management ....................................... 25 

1.7 Purpose of the ICZM Action Plan ........................................................ 26 

1.9 Action Plan formulation process .......................................................... 26 

1.10 Planning and Review period .................................................................. 26 

CHAPTER 2: COASTAL AND MARINE ENVIRONMENT AND ITS 

GOVERNANCE ..................................................................................................... 28 

2.1 Uniqueness of the Land-water Interface 

2.2 Resources and Socio-economic opportunities ............................................ 28 

2.3 Socio-economic opportunities......................................................................36 

2.4 Review of the existing Policy and Legal Framework ................................. 37 

2.4.1 Review of National Policy Framework ................................................. 37 

2.4.2.1 Environment Management and Coordination Act, 1999 ...................... 40 

2.4.2.2 Review of the Sector based Laws ........................................................ 41 

2.4.3 Review of International Agreements and Conventions ....................... 43 

2.5 Review of Institutional Frameworks .......................................................... 44 

2.6 Environmental Management Tools ............................................................. 45 

2.6.1 Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) ............................................. 45 

2.6.2 Environmental Audit (EA) .................................................................... 46 

2.6.3 Marine Protected Areas (MPA) ............................................................ 46 

2.6.4 Integrated Coastal Zone Management (ICZM) ..................................... 46 

CHAPTER 3: VISION, GOAL, GUIDING PRINCIPLES AND STRATEGIC 

OBJECTIVES ......................................................................................................... 48 

3.1 Vision .......................................................................................................... 48 

3.2 Overall Goal ................................................................................................ 48 

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3.3 Guiding Principles ...................................................................................... 48 

3.4 Thematic Areas ........................................................................................... 49 

3.5 Strategic Objectives .................................................................................... 49 

CHAPTER 4: THEMATIC AREAS AND STRATEGIES ................................... 50 

1.1 Thematic Area 1: Integrated Planning and Coordination ........................... 50 

1.2 Thematic Area 2: Promotion of Sustainable Economic Development ....... 51 

1.3 Thematic Area 3: Conservation of the Coastal and Marine Environment . 53 

1.4 Thematic Area 4: Environmental Risks and Management of 

shoreline changes ........................................................................................ 57 

4.5 Thematic Area 5: Capacity Building, Information and Public Participation58 

4.6 Thematic Area 6: Institutional Arrangements and Legal Frameworks ...... 59 

CHAPTER 5: IMPLEMENTATION FRAMEWORK ......................................... 61 

5.1 Overview .................................................................................................... 61 

5.2 Stakeholder involvement ............................................................................ 61 

5.3 Capacity building ....................................................................................... 61 

5.4 Resource mobilisation ................................................................................ 61 

5.5 Implementation plan ................................................................................... 62 

CHAPTER 6: MONITORING AND EVALUATION .......................................... 91 

6.1 Introduction ................................................................................................ 91 

6.2 Institutional Framework for Monitoring and Evaluation ........................... 91 

6.3 Data Collection, processing and storage .................................................... 91 

6.4 Progress Reports ......................................................................................... 91 

6.5 Communication and dissemination of information .................................... 91 

REFERENCES....................................................................................................... 93 

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LIST OF FIGURES 

Figure 1.1: Map of Kenya’s Coast and the EEZ (Source: Survey of Kenya) ............. 16 

Figure 1.2: Monthly rainfall averages for all years from 1987-1997 

(Source: Nguli 2005) ................................................................................ 17 

Figure 1.3: Map of the Kenya coast showing the major Rivers draining to the coast..18 

Figure 1.4: Surface currents in Indian Ocean during the North East Monsoon 

in January and February (Source: Schott & McCreary, (2001) ............... 20 

Figure 1.5: Surface currents in Indian Ocean during the South East Monsoon 

in July & August (Source: Schott & McCreary, (2001) .......................... 20 

Figure 2.1: Tana Mangabey (Source: J. Wieczkowski). The species is highly 

endangered and estimates indicate 30% of its habitat in Tana River 

basin has been cleared ............................................................................. 29 

Figure 2.2: African Fish Eagle in Tana Delta (Source: Michael Toulouse). 

The delta harbours key breeding sites for the bird ................................... 29 

Figure 2.3: Charcoal burning and illegal logging are some of the threats facing 

coastal forests ........................................................................................... 30 

Figure 2.4: Degraded Mangrove Habitat at Ngomeni: Source: J. Kamula ................. 31 

Figure 2.5: A healthy Mangrove habitat at Mida Creek. Source J. Kamula ............... 31 

Figure 2.6: Exposed fringing reef along Kilifi coastline. The waves are breaking 

at the reef crest. Doesn’t Fit we need a picture of coral reefs 

surrounded by fish to show its use as a resource ..................................... 32 

Figure 2.7: A seagrass bed in Kanamai, Kilifi (Source: NEMA database). These 

habitats serve as important foraging grounds for dugongs & sea turtles. . 33 

Figure 2.8: Tana River delta and Sabaki Estuary. Note the high suspended 

sediment discharging from the two rivers at the time of the 

aerial survey ............................................................................................... 34 

Figure 2.9: Sand dunes in Lamu Island. The sand dunes serve as important water 

catchment for Lamu town & surrounding areas of the island ................... 35 

Figure 2.10: Vasco da Gama Pillar in Malindi & Giriama grave markers and 

ancestral figures, ‘Vigango’ that are typical features of the Kayas sites ... 35 

Figure 2.11: Principal economic activities and their contribution to livelihood 

and income of the coastal people (Source: GOK State of Coast 

Report, 2009) ............................................................................................. 37 

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LIST OF TABLES 

Table 1.1: Population Data for the Six Coastal Counties, 2009...................................22 

Table 2.1: Coastal and marine threatened species and/or flagships species in 

Kenya (Source: GOK State of coast Report,2009) .................................. 36 

Table 2.2: Major Multilateral Environmental Agreements Signed by Kenya ............. 43 

Table 4.1: Integrated Planning and Coordination Strategic Objectives and 

Strategies ..................................................................................................... 51 

Table 4.2: Promotion of Sustainable Economic Development Strategic 

Objectives and Strategies ............................................................................ 52 

Table 4.3: Conservation of the Coastal and Marine Environment Strategic 


Table 4.4: Environmental Management & Risks Strategic Objectives and 

Strategies ..................................................................................................... 58 

Table 4.5: Capacity Building, Education, Awareness, and Research Strategic 


Table 4.6: Institutional Arrangements and Legal Frameworks Strategic 


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ACRONYMS 

ACT Action 

CBOs Community Based Organizations 

CDA Coast Development Authority 

CITES Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species 

CMS Convention on Migratory Species 

CORDIO Coastal Oceans Research and Development in Indian Ocean 

DANIDA Danish International Development Agency 

EACC East African Coastal Currents 

ECC Equatorial Counter Currents 

EEZ Exclusive Economic Zone 

EIA Environmental Impact Assessment 

EMCA Environmental Management and Coordination Act 1999 

EA Environmental Audit 

GDP Gross Domestic Product 

GEF Global Environment Facility 

GOK Government of Kenya 

ICZM Integrated Coastal Zone Management 

IUCN International Union for Conservation of Nature 

IWRM Integrated Water Resources Management 

KESCOM Kenya Sea Turtle conservation Committee 

KFS Kenya Forestry Service 

KMA Kenya Maritime Authority 

KMFRI Kenya Marine and Fisheries Research Institute 

KWS Kenya Wildlife Service 

LDC International Convention on the Prevention of Marine Pollution by 

Dumping of Wastes and other Matter (London Dumping Convention), 

1972 

MARPOL International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships, 

1973 

M&E Monitoring and Evaluation 

MEA Multilateral Environmental Agreements 

MPA Marine Protected Areas 

MTP Medium Short Term Plan 

NEMA National Environment Management Authority 

NEC National Environment Council 

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NES National Environment Secretariat 

NGO Non-Governmental Organizations 

NMHA National Museum and Heritage Act, 2006 

OUT Outputs 

PI 

Performance Indicators 

PPP Public – Private- Partnership 

RDA Regional Development Authority 

(ReCoMaP) Regional Programme for the Sustainable Management of the Coastal and 

Marine Environment of the Western Indian Ocean Countries 

SC Somali Currents 

SO Strategic Objective 

STRAT Strategy 

TARDA Tana and Athi Rivers Development Authority 

TED Turtle Excluder Device 

UNCLOS United Nations Law of the Sea Convention, 1982 

UNEP United Nations Environment Programme 

UNCCD United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification 

UNESCO United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation 

UNFCCC United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change 

USAID United States Agency for International Development 

WCS Wildlife Conservation Society 

WIO Western Indian Ocean 

WIO-Lab UNEP Project on Addressing Land-based sources and Activities causing 

pollution in the Western Indian Ocean 

WWF World Wide Fund for Nature 

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ACKNOWLEDGEMENT 

The National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) gratefully acknowledges 

the financial support given by the government of Kenya, United Nations Environment 

Programme/Nairobi Convention Secretariat GEF/WIO-LaB Project, Danish 

International Development Agency (DANIDA) and the European Union through the 

Regional Programme for the Sustainable Management of the Coastal and Marine 

Environment of the Western Indian Ocean (ReCoMaP) for the preparation of this 

ICZM Action Plan. 

Stakeholders including government lead institutions, NGOs, private sector players, 

Expert groups and community based groups played a significant role in preparation of 

Plan by providing, through one-on-one consultation and stakeholders meetings, 

invaluable information. Their contribution is highly appreciated. 

Special thanks are accorded to Dr. Peter Scheren, Mr. Dixon Waruinge and Dr. Johnson 

Kitheka of the UNEP-GEF/WIO-LaB Project for the technical input availed. We also 

thank Kenya Marine and Fisheries Research Institute (KMFRI) for availing data and 

maps required in preparation of the Plan. 

We expect the ICZM Action Plan to contribute immensely to integration and 

coordinated action planning and decision-making processes by stakeholders, thus 

contributing to sustainable development in the coastal zone. We urge policy makers, all 

institutions, experts and individuals from various sectors to make good use of this plan 

as a guide in planning and implementation of programmes in the coastal zone as we 

seek to achieve a health and clean environment for all. 

Last but not the least, NEMA coordinated development of the ICZM Action Plan 

through the ICZM Steering Committee, culminating in the final report that was 

validated by stakeholders. This final Plan is therefore a testimony to their hard work 

and dedication to the process and we look forward to their guidance and advice during 

the implementation phase. We wish to thank the following members ICZM Steering 

Committee for assisting the Authority to generate the Action Plan: 

Members of the ICZM Steering Committee 

1. Dr. Mohamed Omar - Kenya Wildlife Service 

2. Mr. Peter Mbiriri - Kenya Maritime Authority 

3. Dr. Saeed Mwaguni - Mombasa Polytechnic University College 

4. Dr. Daniel Munga - Kenya Marine Fisheries Research Institute 

5. Mr. Alex Mutiso - Lafarge Ecosystems (Bamburi Co. Ltd) 

6. Mrs Dorcus Sigana - University of Nairobi 

7. Mrs. Gladys Mumia - Kenya Association of Hoteliers, Mombasa 

8. Mrs Elizabeth Mueni - Fisheries Department, Mombasa 

9. Ms Mwanasiti Bendera - Coast Development Authority 

10. Mrs Lillian Ayimba - Ministry of Tourism 

11. Captain Geoffrey Namadoa - Kenya Ports Authority 

12. Mr. Ibrahim Busolo - National Museums of Kenya 

13. Ms. Monica Karangi - Physical Planning, Mombasa 

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14. Mr. Tobias Alando - Kenya Association of Manufacturers, Mombasa 

15. Mr. Stephen Katua - National Environment Authority 

16. Mr. Baraza Wangwe - National Environment Authority 

17. Mr. James Kamula - National Environment Authority 

Dr. Ayub Macharia 

Ag. Director General, National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) 

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FOREWORD 

It is recognized that the Kenya coast has some of the world’s most valuable coastal and 

marine ecosystems that contribute not only to the natural stability of the area, but also 

to the livelihoods of the people. Coastal ecosystems provide important functions and 

support various economic activities such as tourism, maritime industry, agriculture, 

fisheries, forestry and mining among others that form the economic backbone of the coast 

region and contribute to the national economy in general. 

The resources are however under threat from a variety of causes that if not addressed 

immediately, will in the long-term impair the resource base, undermining livelihoods. 

Among the major threats include pollution, physical alteration and destruction of 

habitats, over-exploitation of resources, uncontrolled development, coastal erosion and 

climate change. These threats are anthropogenic in origin and have to be contained in 

order to restore the health and functions of the ecosystems; sustain livelihoods and 

achieve sustainable development. 

EMCA 1999, Sec. 55 (2) empowers NEMA, in consultation with the relevant lead 

agencies, to conduct a survey of the coastal zone and prepare an integrated national 

coastal zone management plan based on the report of such survey. The first State of the 

Coast report has since been prepare and used to inform the process for drafting of this 

ICZM Action Plan. The goal of the ICZM Action Plan is to conserve the coastal and 

marine environment and to ensure that its resources are utilised in a sustainable manner 

for the benefit of coastal communities and the national economy. Inspired by the need 

to balance environmental management interests with economic development interests, 

the ICZM Action Plan is set to foster a coordinated and integrated approach to resource 

utilization and management for sustainable development. 

The Action Plan is rooted in the understanding that the coastal and marine environment 

is a limited spatial area and a distinctive system in which a range of environmental and 

socio-economic interest interconnect in a manner which requires a dedicated and 

integrated management approach. Its preparation was participatory, involving 

stakeholders from various sectors including government agencies, private sector, 

NGOs, expert groups and local communities at District, Provincial and National levels, 

contributing key information and data required in the drafting process. 

The ICZM Action Plan has proposed a number of interventions that are to be 

incorporated into sectoral development plans and programmes which, if adopted, will 

result in a coastal zone with healthy ecosystems that sustain socio-economic 

development, contributing to the achievement of the objectives of Vision 2030 and the 

and Medium Term Plan (MTP) 2008- 2012. The Government is committed to 

implementing the ICZM Action Plan and I therefore look forward to all government 

institutions, private sector, civil society and the general public to support it. 

Hon John Michuki, EGH MP 

Minister for Environment and Mineral Resources 

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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 

The ICZM Action Plan has been developed pursuant to sec 55 of the Environmental 

Management and Coordination Act (EMCA) 1999 which provides for development of 

integrated coastal zone management plan for the country. It is the first ICZM Action 

Plan for Kenya. The Action Plan has identified key priority themes and activities that 

will be implemented in the period 2010- 2014 to address the numerous issues and 

resource management challenges facing the coastal and marine environment with a 

view to realising sustainable development of Kenya’s coastal zone. In general, it 

provides a broad framework for sound management of the coastal zone through intersectoral 

coordination and integration of environmental considerations into socioeconomic 

planning and implementation at all levels. This is brought about by the desire 

to balance environmental management interests with economic development interests. 

In implementing the ICZM Action Plan, the country will not only manage its coastal 

resources effectively, but also contribute to regional and international obligations in the 

protection of important fragile ecosystems and maintaining their integrity for 

sustainable development in line with vision 2030. 

The ICZM Action Plan is a product of an extensive and highly participatory process 

involving stakeholders from the government sector, NGOs, private sector, experts and 

local community groups. The State of the Coast Report provided key information in 

terms of highlighting the key issues that the Action Plan seeks to address. Other 

documents such as State of Environment Reports, National Environment Action Plan, 

the Climate Change Response Strategy, UNEP/WIO-Lab Strategic Action Plan and 

reports by various research institutions also provided crucial information in drafting of 

the Action Plan. 

The Action Plan is divided into six chapters. Chapter one gives the introduction and 

presents the coastal and marine environmental profile. The bio-physical and socioeconomic 

characteristics of Kenya’s coastal zone is presented, outlining the sensitivity 

of its habitats, and identifies the issues and management challenges that need to be 

addressed. The chapter also describes the rationale for and preparatory process of the 

ICZM Action Plan. 

Chapter two presents an overview on the characteristics of Kenya’s coastal marine 

environment; the socio-economic opportunities available, the national governance 

framework, and the relevant international agreements that give impetus to coastal and 

marine zone management. The chapter also highlights the various tools supporting 

management of coastal and marine environment. 

Chapter three introduces the vision expected of the Kenya coast zone as an area with 

healthy coastal systems supporting both ecosystem functions for maintenance of 

environmental integrity and for provision of livelihoods and sustainable development. 

The overall goal and guiding principles and strategic objectives for achieving the goal 

and the vision are also outlined. 

The thematic areas, strategic objectives and strategies for the ICZM Action Plan are 

articulated in detail in chapter four. The thematic areas of the action plan include 

Integrated Planning and Coordination; Promotion of Sustainable Economic 

13


Development; Conservation of Coastal and Marine Environment; Environmental Risks 

and Management of Shoreline change; Capacity Building, Information and Public 

Participation; and, Institutional and Legal Framework needed to operationalise the Plan. 

Chapter five presents the ICZM Action Plan implementation framework/modalities. 

Articulated in the implementation framework is the need for wide stakeholder 

involvement; capacity building and resource mobilisation to in order to ensure effective 

and efficient implementation process. A detailed implementation matrix is also 

tabulated in this chapter showing the activities to be undertaken, expected outputs, 

performance/M & E indicators, the agencies responsible, time frames and activities 

estimate costs. The estimated cost of implementation of the ICZM Action Plan for the 

five years is KSh 1.66 Billion. 

Monitoring and evaluation of the ICZM Action Plan are discussed in Chapter six. This 

is in recognition of the fact that the successful implementation of the strategies given in 

the Plan will depend on how effectively the planned activities are executed monitored 

and evaluated to ensure that whatever is to be implemented remains on course, or, if 

amendments are made, then they are put in place in order to achieve the desired 

outcomes. 

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Chapter 1: Coastal Environment of Kenya 

1.1 INTRODUCTION 

The Kenya coast is endowed with a variety of resources that support livelihoods and 

economic development in addition to maintaining the health and functioning of marine 

and coastal ecosystems. The resources include mangroves and other coastal forests; 

estuaries; coral reefs; marine species; and open sea marine resources among others. The 

resources are however under threat from a variety of causes, which if not adequately 

addressed will in the long-term undermine the livelihoods of the local communities, 

impair the productivity of economic activities supported by the resources as well as 

result in biodiversity loss. Among the major threats facing the coastal and marine 

environment include pollution, over-exploitation, destructive fishing practices, 

uncontrolled development, coastal erosion and climate change among others. Human 

activities including urbanization and industrial development; and unplanned shoreline 

development among others have led to physical alteration and destruction of key 

habitats and other resources which support livelihoods and economic development. 

These problems have been compounded by the lack of institutional coordination 

framework and failure by sectoral efforts to recognize the interdependence and 

interconnectedness of the coastal environment resulting in poor planning, conflicting 

policies and duplication of efforts. 

To reverse the situation and restore the integrity of coastal ecosystems, intervention 

through the adoption of the Integrated Coastal Zone Management (ICZM) approach is 

emphasized. The ICZM Action Plan has identified various measures and strategies that 

need to be implemented to reverse environmental degradation and promote sustainable 

development in the coastal zone. 

1.2 The Biophysical Setting of the Coastal Zone 

1.2.1 Geographical extent 

Kenya has approximately 600 km of coastline bordering the Western Indian Ocean. 

One of the main distinctive features is a fringing reef system which runs parallel in a 

south-westerly direction from the Somali border in the north to the Tanzanian border in 

the South. The Tana River which discharges into Ungwana bay and Sabaki river which 

discharges north of Malindi town are two notable rivers draining into the Indian ocean. 

The Lamu archipelago with its extensive mangrove forests, Mombasa Island, the 

southern complex of Gazi bay, Chale Island, Funzi Bay, Wasini Island and others are 

other distinct features of the coast. 

15


Figure 1.1: Map of Kenya’s Coast and the EEZ (Source: Survey of Kenya) 

1.2.2 Climate 

Climate and weather systems in the Kenya coast are dominated by the large scale 

pressure systems of the Western Indian Ocean and the two distinct monsoon periods. 

From November/December to early March, the weather is dominated by the Northeast 

Monsoon, which is comparatively dry. During March and April, the wind blows in an 

east-to-southerly direction with strong incursions of maritime air from the Indian Ocean 

bringing heavy rains. In the months of May to August, the South-easterly Monsoon 

influence sets in and the weather becomes stable with cooler temperatures. Between 

September and December, the Northeast Monsoon, dominates again. 

The annual rainfall pattern in the Kenya coast is influenced by the Monsoon winds with 

the main rains coming between late March and early June and decreasing from August. 

The short rains come in October and November decreasing rapidly to a minimum in 

January and February. During the rain seasons the coastal strip receives the highest 

amounts of rain with the amount decreasing inland. Mean annual rainfall ranges from 

510mm in the drier northern hinterland to over 1,016mm in the wetter areas. Relative 

humidity is high all year round reaching its peak during the wet months of April to July. 

16


900 

800 

Stn:Mombasa Airport 

1997 

700 

Monthly rainfall (mm) 

600 

500 

400 

300 

1996 

200 

1995 Mean 

100 

0 

Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 

Years, 1987-1997 

Figure 1.2: Monthly rainfall averages for all years from 1987-1997 (Source: Nguli 2005) 

The windiest time of the year at the Kenya coast is during the Southeast Monsoon from 

May to September while the calmest months are March and November. 

1.2.3 Geology and geomorphology 

Three physiographic zones are observed in the Kenyan coastal zone. The Nyika lies at 

600m above sea level and represents the highest ground covered by the Duruma 

sandstone series and the older rocks to the west. The foot plateau occurs at an elevation 

between 140m and 600m above the present sea level while the Coastal Plain is the 

lowest and rises from sea level to 140m. On average, the geomorphology of the coastal 

Plain is dominated by a series of raised old sea level terraces. 

The soils of the coastal region show considerable variety. The porous parent rocks of 

sedimentary origin generally give rise to soils of low fertility. However, patches of 

highly productive soils occur in areas of alluvial deposits. The principal soil types in the 

region include a narrow strip of coastal sands towards the north where it is permeated 

by narrow bands of grum soils brown clay soils. The soil south of Lamu is composed of 

bi-alternate bands of loams beyond which the grum soils are permeated by thick bands 

of ash and pumice soils. 

1.2.4 Hydrology 

There are two main rivers that drain into the Indian Ocean in Kenya - the River Tana 

and River Sabaki. Each of these rivers has catchments that extend from the Mount 

Kenya region and the Aberdare Ranges in Central Kenya. According to the State of the 

Coast Report (GOK 2009), these rivers discharge large amounts of freshwater and 

sediments into the Indian Ocean. River Tana has a catchment area of 127,000 km 2 and 

discharges an average of 4,000 million m 3 of freshwater and 6.8 million tonnes of 

17


sediment annually while River Sabaki drains a catchment area of 70,000 km 2 . The 

sediment load of the River Athi-Sabaki has increased tremendously from 50,000 

tons/year in 1950’s to the current rates which range from 5 x 10 6 to 13 x 10 6 tons/year. 

This increase has been attributed to catchment degradation as well increase in the 

capacity of the river to transport sediments to the coast. Poor land use practices 

upstream have been identified as the major cause of the high sediment load in these 

rivers. The sediment discharge threatens the sustainability of coastal habitats such as 

mangroves and corals reefs and the aesthetic quality of beaches. 

Before entering the ocean, the Tana River branches off to a complex network of tidal 

creeks, flood plains, coastal lakes and mangrove swamps forming the Tana Delta. The 

Delta covers some 1,300 square kilometres behind a 50m high sand dune system, which 

protects it from the open sea in Ungwana bay. 

Figure 1.3: Map of the Kenya coast showing the major Rivers draining to the coast 

There is also a number of semi-perennial and seasonal rivers such as Mwache, 

Kombeni, Tsalu, Nzovuni, Umba, Ramisi, Mwachema and Voi, all of which drain into 

the coastal region from arid and semi-arid catchments. These rivers have moderate 

18


loads of silt and their water quality tends to be high. The rivers and coastal lakes are 

important sources of freshwater for both domestic and industrial uses. 

The coast region also has a significant potential in terms of groundwater resources due 

to its geological structure, which promotes rapid infiltration and percolation of 

rainwater to recharge groundwater aquifers. Potential groundwater yields vary from 

place to place depending on physiographic and hydraulic factors in addition to 

geological influences. The highest ground-water yields are experienced in areas 

covered with kibiongoni beds, and Magarini and Kilindini sands on the coastal belt. 

Areas covered with Jurassic shales and Pleistocene limestone of the low plateau and 

coastal belt tend to yield relatively poor quality water and yields are normally lower 

compared with the Kilindini and Magarini sands. Areas with Triassic sandstone 

geology also have relatively high groundwater yields. 

Salt water intrusion to groundwater aquifers is very common in water sources located 

near the coastline and in areas where there is massive extraction of the groundwater. 

1.2.5 Oceanography 

There are four oceanic currents influencing the Kenya coast. These are the South 

Equatorial Current, the East African Coastal Currents (EACC), the Equatorial Counter 

Currents (ECC) and the Somali Currents (SC). The net onshore currents result in the 

sinking of surface waters along most of the Kenyan coast. The exception is near Kiunga 

where some mild up-welling is occurs during the Northeast Monsoon. 

During the Southeast Monsoon winds, the EACC joins up with Somali currents beyond 

Malindi and flow northwards right to the horn of Africa. However in the Northeast 

Monsoon, the EACC only reaches as far north as Malindi or Lamu, where it meets the 

opposing Somali Current. The meeting of the EACC and the Somali Currents causes 

upwelling which is thought to be responsible for high fisheries productivity in Northern 

Kenya coast. 

19


Figure 1.4: Surface currents in Indian Ocean during the North East Monsoon in January and 

February (Source: Schott and McCreary, 2001) 

Figure 1.5: Surface currents in Indian Ocean during the South East Monsoon in July and 

August (Source: Schott and McCreary, 2001) 

The Kenya coastal waters are characterised by semi-diurnal tides with approximately 

two tide cycles every 24 hour period. Except for limited periods in the year, however, 

the cycles of high and low water of each successive tide differ appreciably from the 

20


corresponding tide before and the tide following. The tides can therefore be designated 

as mixed semi-diurnal tides. 

1.2.6 Coastal Ecosystems 

Coastal ecosystems in the Kenya coast include coastal forest, mangroves, sea grass 

beds, and bush land, coastal grasslands, marine beaches and dunes, estuaries and other 

wetlands. There is also a complex system of bays and some coral islands. 

The forests are characterised by dense or moderately dense stands of tall trees and drier 

woodlands rich in wildlife. Human settlements have encroached and drastically reduced 

the size of coastal forests. There are also an estimated 357,200 ha of coastal evergreen 

bushland characterised by woody plants with an abundance of wildlife except for 

monkeys, baboons, birds and rodents. 

The coastal high bush merges into the hinterland foreland region through transitional 

vegetation dominated by Acacia species followed by Coastal palm stands on open grass 

lands. These are important areas for birds and monkeys. Many open areas at the coast 

are dominated by rank growth of grass of about 2-3 m high. Then there are the coastal 

beaches and dunes, usually characterised by bare sand dunes but often lightly vegetated 

by highly specialised colonising plants and high woody vegetation cover. 

Species at risk of extinction are also found in the Kenya coast. These include 

mammals, birds, fishes and plants. Such species need protection, if coastal biodiversity 

is to be sustained. 

As a result of historic sea level rise or subsidence, a large number of estuaries and other 

wetlands have formed in the Kenya coast. Examples are the Tudor, Mtwapa, Mida, 

Kilifi and Lamu Creeks. These creeks are dominated by mangrove forests and 

associated plants that generally shelter the coastline from high energy waves. Several 

human induced changes have however occurred in the estuaries. 

Other ecosystems include seagrass meadows found in the muddy or sandy areas of the 

lagoon and coral reef system, which occurs as coral flats, lagoons, reef platforms and as 

fringing reefs. Seagrass beds form important foraging grounds for endangered species 

such as dugongs and marine turtles as well as important resource fish families while 

coral reefs provide a habitat for many fish species, support a nation-wide artisanal 

fishery dominated by local and migrant fishers and protect the coastline from ocean 

waves. As a result of extensive use with little effort control, reefs have been generally 

over-fished and suffer from destructive fishing techniques. 

1.2.7 Demography 

According to the 2009 Population and Housing Census, there are 38,610,097 people in 

Kenya. Of these, 3,325,307 people reside in the Coast Province (see Table 1.1). Thus 

the coast province supports about 8.6 % of the national population. The coastal 

population is growing at the rate of 2.9 % p.a. which is almost equal to the national 

21


average of 3.0 % p.a. (GOK – 2009 Census). The population in the Province has 

increased by 22.6% from between 1999 and 2009. 

Around 40.6% of the coastal population lives in urban areas while the remaining 59.4% 

resides in rural areas. Mombasa County has over 97% of its residents living in its urban 

area. Important urban areas include Mombasa, Kwale Town, Ukunda, Mtwapa, Kilifi 

Town, Malindi Municipality, Watamu, Garsen and Lamu. 

Table 1.1: Population Data for the Six Coastal Counties, 2009 

Parameter Mombasa Lamu Kwale Kilifi Taita- Tana- Total 

Taveta River 

Population 939,370 101,539 649,931 1,109,735 284,657 240,075 3,325,307 

size 

Population 4,292 16 79 88 17 6 40 

density 

(persons 

per sq km) 

Urban 915,101 13,243 62,529 237,415 92,844 27,837 1,348,969 

population 

Source GOK, 2010 

1.3 Significance of the Kenya Coast 

It is recognized that the Kenya coast has some of the world’s most valuable coastal and 

marine ecosystems that contribute to the livelihoods of the people. These resources are 

of high importance to coastal communities and the country as a whole. The economic 

activities supported by the natural resources base in the coastal zone include tourism, 

Maritime and shipping, agricultural industry, fisheries, forestry and mining. Due to its 

socio-economic dynamics which offer great opportunities for livelihoods and leisure, 

the Kenyan coast has also over the centuries attracted a multiplicity of ethnic and racial 

groups. 

While the Kenya coast has important ecosystems that support local livelihoods and 

contribute to national economic growth, the resources are under threat from a variety of 

causes, which if not adequately addressed will in the long-term undermine the 

livelihoods of the local communities, impair economic activities productivity as well as 

result in biodiversity loss. Among the major threats facing the resources include 

overexploitation of resources; loss and modification of habitat; destructive fishing 

practices; pollution, uncontrolled and unplanned development of beach fronts with total 

blockage of beach access routes and the effects of climate change. These factors 

cumulatively impact negatively on the community and economy at large as manifested 

by decline in water quality due to poor sanitation and inadequate waste management 

practises; loss of aesthetic value; shortages of firewood and building materials; 

increased shoreline erosion; resource use conflicts; and reduced productivity of coastal 

fishery which supports livelihood and is a source of income for many coastal 

communities. 

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Recognizing this problem, Kenya like other West Indian Ocean (WIO) states has 

recognised the urgent need to embrace ICZM approach to manage and develop the 

coastal zone. The approach, which has been institutionalised in the country’s 

framework environmental law, EMCA 1999, seeks to improve the quality of life of 

local communities through sustainable development approaches while safeguarding and 

maintaining the integrity of the environment and associated resources. 

1.4 Coastal Zone Issues and Management Challenges 

The coastal zone issues and management challenges include: - 

i) Poorly planned and uncoordinated coastal development as a result of a sectoral 

approach in planning and management. 

ii) Weak institutional and legal frameworks that do not adequately address the 

complex cross-sectoral problems facing coastal zone 

iii) Lack of effective strategies to promote community empowerment and 

sustainable livelihoods. 

iv) Poor waste management practices, especially in urban centres posing a public 

health risk. 

v) Declining water quality and inadequate sources of potable. 

vi) Shoreline change manifested in beach erosion and accretion, posing a threat to 

coastal developments. 

vii) Destruction and loss of coastal and marine habitats as a result of overexploitation, 

poor land use practices, encroachment and unplanned and 

unregulated human settlement and urban development. 

viii) Inadequate communication, education and awareness on coastal zone 

management issues. 

ix) Uncoordinated research and monitoring programmes that do not adequately 

inform the management of coastal zone resources on issues affecting them. 

x) Inadequate mechanisms to address emerging issues affecting the coastal zone, 

such as climate change, droughts, floods and Tsunami and storm surges among 

others. 

xi) Inadequate partnership and cooperation between government and nongovernment 

stakeholders at local, national and regional level in development 

and management of the coastal zone. 

xii) Inadequate mechanisms to preserve and conserve natural and cultural heritage 

23


A main challenge in managing coastal resources and its environment is the existence of 

multiple jurisdictions with a stake in the area. This makes coastal zone management a 

secondary responsibility of most jurisdictions, but a primary responsibility of none. In 

the present arrangement where management is sectoral, the management focus 

objective is only on economic and development goals, which ignore the 

interconnections within coastal ecosystems to the detriment of sustainability. There is 

thus a need to adopt the ICZM approach in development and management of the coastal 

zone and its associated resources. 

1.5 The history of ICZM in Kenya 

The issues and challenges facing the sustainable utilisation and management of coastal 

and marine resources as outlined in the previous section have been recognised by the 

Government of Kenya, as is the need for an integrated management approach to 

complement sectoral approach. Integrated Coastal Zone Management (ICZM) brings 

all stakeholders involved in the development, management and use of the coastal zone 

within a framework that facilitates coordination and integration of activities and 

decision making process with a view to promoting sustainable development. 

Early efforts to evolve the ICZM approach in Kenya were made by the National 

Environment Secretariat (NES), working within the Regional Seas Programme of the 

United Nations Environment Program UNEP in 1984. The efforts eventually involved 

other government agencies including the provincial administration, but actual efforts 

picked momentum in 1993 with the development of UNEP’s 1992 EAF/5 Project on 

the “Protection, Development and Management of the Coastal and Marine Environment 

of Eastern Africa”. 

The Arusha Resolutions of 1993 laid the basis for recognising the strong 

interdependence of ecosystems and economics of the coastal region. Upon signature of 

the Resolutions, countries of the Eastern Africa Region committed themselves to 

establish policies that promote and enhance integrated planning and management of 

coastal areas. The Arusha Resolutions also recognised the importance of the Nairobi 

Convention on the Protection, Management and Development of the Coastal and 

Marine environment of the Eastern African Region. 

The first pilot project to demonstrate ICZM approach in managing the coastal zone in 

Kenya was done in early 1990s Nyali-Bamburi-Shanzu area. The project, which aimed 

at managing the resources of the area sustainably through integration of environmental 

concerns in development plans for the areas, was implemented by a multi-sectoral team 

under the coordination of CDA. 

Later in 1999, the Environmental Management and Coordination Act (EMCA 1999) 

Sec. 55 empowered NEMA, in consultation with the relevant lead agencies, to prepare 

a survey of the coastal zone and prepare an integrated national coastal zone 

management plan based on the report of such a survey. Efforts coordinated by NEMA 

through the ICZM Steering Committee have since led to the production of the first 

State of the Coast Report providing a situational analysis of the opportunities and 

threats facing the coastal zone environment and drafting of ICZM policy which was 

validated by stakeholders in March 2010. 

24


Development of the ICZM Action plan constitutes a major milestone not only in 

operationalisation of sec 55 of EMCA 1999 but also in the history of ICZM in the 

country. It seeks to guide the work of stakeholders involved in coastal zone 

management and development in an effort to foster a more coordinated and integrated 

approach in management and development of the coastal zone. The Action Plan was 

developed through a consultative and highly participatory process overseen by NEMA 

through the ICZM Steering committee. The State of the Coast Report provided key 

information in terms of highlighting the key issues that the Action Plan seeks to 

address. Other documents such as State of Environment Reports, National Environment 

Action Plan, the Climate Change Response Strategy, UNEP/WIO-Lab Strategic Action 

Plan and reports by various research institutions also provided crucial information in 

drafting of the Action Plan. 

1.6 Why Integrated Coastal Zone Management 

ICZM involves comprehensive assessment, setting of objectives, planning and 

management of coastal ecosystems and resources while taking into account traditional, 

cultural and historical perspectives and conflicting interests and uses all within the 

limits set by natural dynamics. It is a continuous and evolutionary process for achieving 

sustainable development in the coastal and marine environment and covers the full 

cycle of information collection, planning, decision-making, management and 

monitoring of implementation (Behrens, 2002). It is a process by which interventions 

(policy, laws, regulations, programs, plans) are devised and implemented to change the 

way people use and interact with coastal ecosystems and their resources in order to 

attain the highest possible flow of benefits over time without preventing future 

generations from enjoying similar benefits. 

ICZM uses the informed participation and cooperation of all stakeholders to assess the 

societal goals in a given coastal area, and to take action towards meeting these 

objectives. “Integrated” in ICZM refers not only to the integration of objectives, but 

also the integration of all relevant policy areas, sectors and levels of administration. It 

also means integration of the terrestrial and marine components of the target territory, 

in both time and space with the main objective of maximizing net social benefits 

society can obtain from coastal and marine resources and ecosystems for eternity 

subject to sustainable development, equitable distribution of benefits and rational use of 

the resources (UNESCO,2006). 

ICZM is important because it helps those managing the coastal and marine environment 

and its resources obtain answers to questions like: 

• What is the best way to manage coastal and marine areas and their resources, 

while maintaining the resilience of their systems 

• How can coastal and marine areas and resources be best developed to provide 

desired products and services to meet human needs, while maintaining viable 

and diverse ecosystems 

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1.7 Purpose of the ICZM Action Plan 

The purpose of the ICZM Action Plan is to elaborate the actions required to address 

numerous issues and resource management challenges facing the coastal and marine 

environment as identified in the State if the Coast Report and guided by the draft ICZM 

Policy. 

1.8 Geographical Scope 

The geographical extent of the coastal zone which the Action Plan covers is defined by 

the administrative boundaries of districts bordering the Indian Ocean while the 

Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) is the seaward boundary. However, the ecosystem 

approach will be applied in the management of the resources as some of the pressures 

affecting the coastal environment are external to the coastal zone such as river 

catchment areas. Achieving successful implementation of the plan will require close 

cross-sectoral coordination, consideration and integration of environmental 

consideration into sectoral plans and policies and use of participatory approach in 

designing and implementation of programmes, which is the spirit of the ICZM concept. 

1.9 Action Plan formulation process 

The ICZM Action plan is a product of an extensive and highly participatory process 

involving stakeholders from the government, NGO and private sectors, experts and 

local community groups. NEMA jointly with the ICZM Steering Committee 

spearheaded development of the action plan. Stakeholders contributed towards the 

action plan formulation through expert group working sessions, one-on-one 

consultation with government lead institutions and NGOs, and a series of stakeholder 

workshops. 

Production of the Action plan was preceded by generation of the first State of the Coast 

Report pursuant to EMCA 1999 Sec. 55 which obliges NEMA in consultation with the 

relevant lead agencies to prepare a survey of the coastal zone and prepare an integrated 

national coastal zone management plan based on the report of such a survey. The report 

provided key information in terms of highlighting the key issues that the action plan 

seeks to address. Other documents such as reports generated recently under the UNEP 

WIO-Lab project and reports by various research institutions also provided crucial 

information in formulation of the action plan. 

The final action plan inclusive of the views solicited from the various stakeholder 

forums and the literature analysis was validated in a national stakeholders’ workshop 

held in June 2010 in Mombasa. 

1.10 Planning and Review period 

Given the crosscutting nature of environment and indeed coastal development 

management, it is important to ensure coordination of all relevant planning cycles to 

allow for proper mainstreaming and alignment of the ICZM Action Plan into other 

Kenyan planning processes. These include Vision 2030, National Environment Action 

Planning, District Development Planning, National Climate Change Response Strategy 

and Sector Planning at all management levels (i.e. County and National). 

26


The structural changes prescribed in the new Constitution of Kenya necessitates a 

review of various legislations directing and guiding planning processes and these 

extensive reviews offer an opportunity to address the need for alignment and the 

mainstreaming of cross sectoral concerns across the planning systems. The ICZM 

Action Planning should be included in such a comprehensive review which may lead to 

adjustment of the planning cycle suggested in the present plan. As such adjustment is 

being awaited; the planning period for the ICZM Action Plan is 2010-2014. There will 

be a mid-term evaluation of the ICZM Action Plan and a review of the same after the 

five years. 

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Chapter 2: Coastal and Marine Environment 

and its Governance 

This chapter presents an overview of the characteristics of Kenya’s coastal marine 

environment; the socio-economic opportunities that are derived from these resources; 

as well as policy, legislative and institutional frameworks guiding the governance of the 

resources including the relevant international agreements that give impetus to coastal 

and marine zone management. The chapter also highlights the various tools supporting 

coastal and marine environment management. 

2.1 Uniqueness of the land-water interface 

The land and sea parts of the coastal zone are connected by intensive flows of matter 

such as water run-off, aerial transfer of water vapour and salts, and ingression of seawater. 

In coastal areas as a whole various economic activities have combined to utilize 

natural as well as cultural heritage and archaeological resources in the production of 

goods and services. Examples of coastal resource uses include extraction of biotic 

resources, freshwater, salt, energy, wood, agricultural products and mining of minerals 

and sand. Activities in the service industry include tourism/recreational activities and 

transport among others. 

The interaction between people and their economic activities on one side and the 

environment on the other is the main cause of degradation of the coastal environment 

and its resources. Increased population pressure coupled with associated demands for 

basic services has resulted in over-exploitation of coastal resources and increased social 

pressure over coastal ecosystems. This has in return led to biodiversity loss and reduced 

capacity of coastal ecosystems to provide ecosystem services. 

2.2 Resources and Socio-economic opportunities 

The coastal and marine resources are the backbone of Kenya’s coastal economy, 

providing ecosystem functions and resource base for socio-economic development. The 

resources support various economic activities including tourism, fisheries, salt 

manufacturing, shipping, agriculture and construction industry among other activities. 

i) Land resources 

Apart from the use of land for human settlements and other socio-economic activities 

including tourism and conservation, land resources have been used extensively for 

agricultural production. Important agricultural crops are horticultural crops (vegetables 

and tropical fruits), sisal, cotton, cashewnuts and bixa. Maize and cassava are also 

grown as food crops. 

ii) Minerals 

There are several mineral resources being exploited along the Kenyan coast. These 

include salt, gypsum, iron ore, lead, barite, lime, lime stone, clay and apatite. A major 

28


discovery of titanium deposits of high quality has been made in Kwale District. 

However, this is yet to be developed. 

Mineral and sand extraction is a source of income and livelihood for a significant 

number of people in the coast. However, despite this contribution to the local economy, 

mineral extraction is associated with many impacts on communities and on the 

environment. For instance, salt mining in Gongoni area in Malindi is associated with 

salt water intrusion of fresh water aquifers and is also responsible for destruction of 

mangrove forest in the surrounding areas. Fossil coral mining for building block is 

associated with the creation of open pits desiccating and reducing the value of the 

landscape. Clay mining for pottery has been associated with degradation of mangrove 

habitats in addition to creating open pits. 

Extraction and utilization of the mineral resources therefore call for prudent and 

coordinated measures to streamline the activities with a view to making mining a 

sustainable industry that supports economic development for enhanced livelihoods 

while safeguarding the environment. 

iii) 

Wildlife resources 

The Kenya coast has considerable area for wildlife in the marine and terrestrial parks 

and reserves. In the terrestrial national parks and reserves are to be found, the “Big 

Five” of Africa including the lion, leopard, buffalo, rhinoceros, and the elephant while 

in the marine parks are dolphins, sharks, dugongs and an array of fish. Other significant 

population of wildlife is found in reptiles and birds. 

Figure 2.1: Tana Mangabey (Source: J. 

Wieczkowski). The species is highly endangered 

and estimates indicate 30% of its habitat in Tana 

River basin has been cleared 

Figure 2.2: African Fish Eagle in Tana Delta 

(Source: Michael Toulouse). The delta harbours 

key breeding sites for the bird 

29


Wildlife resources have attracted tourism trade, supporting the country’s economy in 

addition to providing livelihood to local communities. Examples where communities 

have ventured into wildlife conservation and sustainable use initiatives include 

Arabuko Sokoke where butterfly farming for export is thriving; Haller Park Nature 

Trail and Mamba Village known for crocodile farming for direct consumption and 

tourism. 

iv) 

Coastal forests 

The coastal forests exist as isolated blocks covering a total area of about 83,800 

hectares in a narrow belt which extends inland for about 30 km. The largest of these 

forest patches is the Arabuko Sokoke forest reserve. Other forest patches include the 

Boni-Lungi, Dakacha, Dodori, Shimba Hills Forest reserve and the Kaya forests. 

The coastal forests harbour unique communities of flora with high drought resilience, 

high levels of adaptation, endemicity of birds, mammals and other fauna. They play a 

significant role in the hydrological cycle, enhance soil moisture content, mitigate 

against soil erosion and promote the flow of clear water in rivers. Coastal forests also 

serve as important carbon sinks, reducing green house gases that cause global warming 

while Kaya forests are of spiritual and cultural importance to the Mijikenda community. 

Moreover, coastal forests have been exploited for timber, wood-fuel and herbal 

medicines. 

Threats to coastal forests arise from the requirement of more land for expanding human 

settlements, over-exploitation, charcoal burning, clearing of land for agriculture and 

other socio-economic activities. 

Figure 2.3: Charcoal burning and illegal logging are some of the threats facing coastal forests 

v) Mangrove forests 

There are between 53,000 - 61,000 hectares of mangrove forests along the coast with 

the largest stands occurring in Lamu District (67 %) and the Funzi-Vanga system in the 

south coast. The mangrove ecosystems are critical habitat for a variety of fish species 

and invertebrates, which depend on it for feeding and nursery grounds. The habitat also 

hosts a wide variety of bird life, and provides a line of defence against shoreline erosion 

and excessive suspended sediment from terrestrial sources. The artisanal fishers rely on 

30


the mangrove ecosystem for a substantial part of their catch, while other nonconsumptive 

uses of mangrove forests include aesthetic use of forest bio-diversity in 

eco-tourism and bee keeping. Extractive uses of mangrove forests include exploitation 

for timber, construction poles, wood-fuel and herbal medicines. 

Mangrove forests have important ecosystem functions such as acting as carbon sinks, 

and spiritual and cultural functions as shrines for some local communities. 

Figure 2.4: Degraded Mangrove habitat at 

Ngomeni: Source: J. Kamula 

Figure 2.5: A healthy Mangrove habitat in Mida 

Creek. Source J. Kamula 

Threats to mangrove forests come from the spread of human settlements and economic 

activities which compete for land space, over-exploitation, clearing of land for 

agriculture and siltation among other activities. In recent years, mangrove forests have 

been cleared to make way for fish ponds, prawn farms, salt pans, residential houses, 

industries and dump sites. 

vi) 

Coral reefs 

Coral reefs exist along most of the Kenya coast. They occur as lagoons, reef flats and as 

fringing reefs. The total area of coral reefs in Kenyan waters is estimated to be around 

50,000 ha. The fringing reef system is broken at places where river mouths, creeks and 

bays open into the ocean. 

The best known reefs are in the Watamu-Malindi area, most of which are within the 

boundaries of two Marine National Reserves and Parks. Marine fauna in coral reefs 

include molluscs, turtles, parrot fish and the crown-of-thorns star fish, which are 

specialised to feed on coral polyps. Fish groups associated with coral include moray 

eels, damsel fishes, acathurida, cardinal fish, wrasses, angelfish, scorpion fish, etc. 

Other fauna found in reef systems include the long spined sea-urchin, the giant sea 

anemone and lobsters. 

31


Figure 2.6: Exposed fringing reef along Kilifi coastline. The waves are breaking 

at the reef crest. 

Coral reefs are among the world’s valuable ecosystems in terms of biological diversity 

and productivity and as a source of livelihood for many coastal communities. Apart 

from providing natural defence of the shoreline from wave-erosion, and being the 

source of sand that replenishes local beaches, reefs and associated lagoons support 

fisheries. Kenya’s coral reefs are important for fisheries, with the tourism industry 

providing the main market for fish products supporting the local economies of Lamu 

and Malindi. Tourism however also poses a threat to the reefs as large quantities of 

shells and corals are collected for trade. Many species are being over-exploited and 

unsustainable collection has led to habitat damage. Despite controls, large quantities of 

coral and shells are still exported from Kenya. 

These pressures coupled with silt deposition from rivers draining agricultural land, 

pollution and the effects of climate change have diminished both the productivity and 

species richness and diversity of the coral reef habitats. Recovery of degraded reefs is 

documented to be slow and could take up to 50 years. 

vii) Seagrass beds 

Seagrass beds are found predominantly in the sandy and muddy area of the coastal 

lagoons. Twelve species of seagrass have been recorded from Kenyan waters but data 

on their distribution, densities and productivity is very scanty. 

Seagrass beds provide habitat for a variety of commercially important fish species, 

supporting mature fish whose early life stages are found in estuaries and mud-flats. 

They also provide important feeding grounds for threatened and/or endangered species 

such as the green turtle, the hawksbill turtle and the dugong. Seagrass beds are 

trawlable using larger mesh sizes and in this way various species of rays, octopus and 

holothurians can be fished. 

32


Figure 2.7: A seagrass bed in Kanamai, Kilifi (Source: NEMA database). These habitats 

serve as important foraging grounds for dugongs and sea turtles. 

The major threat to seagrass meadows is excessive sedimentation of shallow coastal 

waters resulting from erosion of agricultural lands. Turbidity from a number of causes 

also tends to cut down the light penetration and seagrasses cannot thrive under such 

conditions. 

viii) River basins, deltas and estuaries 

The Tana and Athi-Galana-Sabaki Rivers are the largest river basins in Kenya. These 

together with the relatively smaller basins drained by the River Umba, River Ramisi 

and River Mwache discharge a combined average of 10 million cubic metres of 

freshwater and between 10-20 million tonnes of sediment annually into the Indian 

Ocean according to studies carried out. 

Threats to river basins emanate from erosion, caused by poor land use practises 

upstream, nutrient loading from fertiliser use in agriculture, pollution, etc, all of which 

impact coastal habitats and the aesthetic value of beaches adversely affecting marine 

ecosystems and the tourism industry. 

Estuaries have their shores fringed by mangroves and associated plants and are 

importance as habitat for fish. However, silt deposition from rivers and the clearing of 

riparian land expose the soft shores of estuaries to erosion and accretion in some areas 

as seen north of Malindi bay, leading to negative impact on the natural systems. 

33


Figure 2.8: Tana River delta and Sabaki Estuary. Note the high suspended sediment discharging from the 

two rivers at the time of the aerial survey 

Tana delta is the only major ocean delta in Kenya. It is low lying and characterised by 

diverse habitats including riverine forests, grasslands, woodlands and bush land, lakes, 

mangroves, sand dunes and coastal waters. During the rain season, it is subjected to 

flooding resulting to changes in the network of channels and canals. This maintains 

high levels of productivity in a dynamic balance revolving around the frequency, extent 

and duration of the flooding. This influences a wide variety of habitat types and helps 

in flushing wastes, controlling salinity, disperses and nurtures larval stages of a number 

of coastal organisms. 

The Tana delta has both ecological and socio-economic importance which are currently 

threatened by anthropogenic activities in the region. 

ix) 

Beaches and sand dunes 

Sand beaches are common along the Kenyan coastline, with river discharge being the 

source of terrigenous sediment that supplements the replenishment of sand to beaches 

and dunes. There are an estimated 27,000 ha of beach and sand dunes in Kenya with 

prominent wind-blown dunes stretching from Malindi to Lamu, enriched with the high 

loads of suspended sediment from R. Sabaki and Tana. Dunes are stabilized by 

associated vegetation by binding loose sand with their root system. 

Beaches provide nesting grounds for sea turtles, and offer important habitat for shore 

and migratory birds and provide access points to the sea for fishing, recreation and 

tourism. Sand dunes assist in the retention of freshwater tables protecting against 

saltwater intrusion. The supply of drinking water to Lamu town, Ngomeni and 

Mambrui is sourced from adjacent dune areas. 

Threats to beaches and dunes emanate mainly from the extraction of sand which is used 

for construction. 

34


Figure 2.9: Sand dunes in Lamu Island. The sand dunes serve as important water catchment for 

Lamu town and surrounding areas of the island 

x) Natural and cultural heritage 

National and world heritage areas attract tourism, supporting regional economic 

development. Both domestic and international tourism contribute towards the 

conservation of cultural heritage in Kenya. In recent years, however, cultural heritage 

has been under increasing pressure from population growth, deforestation, farming and 

uncontrolled tourism. Seven Kaya sites have been listed as UNESCO Heritage Sites 

which is a safeguard measure for the protection of this natural and cultural heritage. 

Figure 2.10: Vasco da Gama Pillar in Malindi & Giriama grave markers and ancestral 

figures, ‘Vigango’ that are typical features of the Kayas sites 

35


ix) Species at Risk 

The Kenya coast hosts mammals, birds, fishes and plants that are endemic to Kenya. 

The area also harbours habitats for majority of Kenya’s internationally threatened 

species. Of the 159 species of trees and shrubs that are considered threatened, 60 of 

them come from the coast; of the 71 species of threatened birds, 19 inhabit the coast 

while out of the 9 threatened mammal species, 5 are found in the coastal environment. 

Table 2.1: Coastal and marine threatened species and/or flagships species in Kenya 

(Source: GOK State of coast Report, 2009) 

Genus/Species Scientific Name Conservation Where found 

(local name) 

status 

Sharks Carcharhinidae None Juveniles borne in shallow, 

mangrove areas; adults in 

offshore reefs and deep oceanic 

waters 

Whale shark Rhinocodon typus None Entire coastline beyond the reef 

slope 

Humphead wrasse Cheilinus undulatus None Off-shore reef areas 

Ceolocanth 

Deep waters – below 1000m 

Seahorses Hippocampus kuda None Inner shore seagrass areas 

Coconut crabs Birgus latro None Mpunguti Island 

Spiny lobsters Palinuridae None Inner shore and off shore reefs 

Groupers Serranidae None Inner shore and off shore reefs 

Triton Shell Charonia tritonis None Reef flats and sandy areas 

Threats to the species include habitat loss occasioned by the physical destruction and 

alteration of their habitats through many socio-economic activities and climate change. 

2.3 Socio-economic opportunities 

Key sectors in the coastal economy include tourism, fisheries, agriculture, forestry and 

trade. The contribution of tourism to the national economy is about 12% of the GDP of 

which about 60% comes from coastal tourism. 

36


Figure 2.11: Principal economic activities and their contribution to livelihood and income of the 

coastal people (Source: Mclanahan et al, 2005) 

Fisheries contribution to the national economy stands at 5% of the GDP of which about 

5.6% comes from marine fisheries while the contribution of tourism to the coastal 

economy accounts for 45%. The port and shipping sector contributes 15%, agricultural 

industry 8% while forestry accounts for 4%. This is a significant contribution to 

Kenya’s Gross Domestic Product. Over time however, these resources have been under 

pressure from a rising population and rapid development. 

2.4 Review of the existing Policy and Legal Framework 

2.4.1 Review of National Policy Framework 

In this section a review of national level policy instruments that are relevant to the 

management of the coastal and marine environment has been carried out. The objective 

is to single out those policies that add synergy, or, require harmonisation for successful 

implementation of the ICZM Action Plan. 

The Draft Environmental Policy, 2009 

The aim of the draft National Environment Policy (2009) is to provide a framework for 

sound environmental and natural resource governance by mainstreaming environmental 

considerations into sectoral policies and strengthening regional and international 

cooperation in environmental management. Key objectives of the policy include: 

(a) Providing a framework for integration of environmental considerations into the 

various sectoral policies, development plans and decision making processes. 

(b) Ensuring sustainable management of terrestrial and aquatic resources for 

national economic growth and improved people’s livelihood and well-being. 

37


(c) Promote and enhance collaboration, synergy, partnerships and participation in 

the protection and conservation of the environment by all stakeholders. 

The key issues addressed by the policy include the harmonization of sectoral policy 

instruments with the framework environmental law (EMCA) 1999 in order to enhance 

sustainable environmental management. 

The Draft Integrated Ocean Policy, 2009 

The draft Integrated Ocean policy, derived from provisions of the 1982 Law of the Sea 

Convention (UNCLOS), Section 5(5) of the Maritime Zones Act 1989, and the 

Presidential Proclamation of June 2005, gives Kenya sovereign rights with respect to 

exploration, exploitation, conservation and management of ocean resources. The policy 

focuses on resource management in territorial waters and the EEZ. Measures should be 

put in place to ensure implementation of the Ocean policy and ICZM Action plan create 

synergy and avoid duplication of effort. 

The National Oceans and Fisheries policy, 2008 

The overall objective of the National Oceans and Fisheries policy is to enhance the 

fisheries sector’s contribution to the economy and livelihood improvement through 

effective private-public-partnerships. It recognises the inter-jurisdictional aspects of 

marine fisheries, calling for collaboration and cooperation in the management of 

migratory/shared stocks. 

The Water Policy, 1999 

The Water Policy seeks to address problems of water supply and sanitation using an 

integrated approach to water resources management. This approach recognises the 

inextricable link between the provisions of water supply and wastewater discharge. The 

use of effluent discharge standards and permits for water abstraction and disposal have 

provided economic instruments for water pollution control, encouraging participation 

of communities and private institutions as service providers with the government 

undertaking the role of a regulator. 

Draft Wetland Policy, 2009 

The draft Wetland Policy (2009) recognizes the importance of the variety of wetlands 

found in the coastal, marine and inland areas, in the provision of goods and services 

which support social economic activities. The Policy seeks to foster an integrated 

approach that would promote conservation and sustainable use of wetlands. 

The wetlands policy will complement the other sectoral policies on environment and 

development. Further, adoption of the policy will fulfill Kenya’s obligations under the 

Ramsar Convention and other relevant Multilateral Environmental Agreements and 

Protocols. The objectives of the draft Wetland policy address issues that are very 

38


pertinent with the development, management and sustainable exploitation of the coastal 

zone and its resources. 

National Land Policy, 2009 

The National Land Policy provides a framework to ensure the maintenance of a system 

of land administration and management that will provide all citizens with the 

opportunity to access and use land. It also provides for economical, equitable and 

environmentally sustainable use of land resources taking into consideration issues of 

efficiency, effectiveness and economical operation of the land market. To achieve this 

the National Land Policy requires that all policies, regulations and laws dealing with 

land based resources be harmonised with the framework established by the 

Environmental Management and Coordination Act, 1999. 

Recognising the coastal zone as fragile, the Policy has set guidelines for formulating 

land use and management practises. Since the sector has major implications on the 

coastal and marine environment, urgent reforms related to land tenure and access would 

contribute immensely in attainment of ICZM Action Plan objectives. 

Draft Forestry Policy, 2009 

The draft Forest Policy envisages a radical change in the way forests are managed. It 

provides mechanisms for mainstreaming the private sector and community participation 

in the management of state forests to reduce forest destruction and ensure sustainable 

supply of forest ecosystem services. The policy recognises multiple uses of forest 

resources for socio-economic development. Implementation of the policy will result in 

sustainable management of coastal forest resources thus contributing to achievement of 

the action plan objectives. 

Draft Wildlife Policy, 2008 

The draft Wildlife Policy provides a framework for conserving Kenya’s rich diversity 

of species, habitats and ecosystems for the benefit of its people and the global 

community. It recognises the role of various actors in wildlife management including 

giving responsibilities to local communities and land owners. The draft policy further 

offers incentives to promote community participation in conservation which is in line 

with the ICZM principles. 

Draft Tourism Policy, 2009 

The draft National Tourism policy provides for stakeholders to partner with 

government to develop the tourism sector and deliver sustainable growth in the 

industry. Implementation of the policy will address impacts of sectoral activities on the 

environment as well as socio-cultural degradation related to tourism activities. 

Regional Development Authorities Policy, 2007 

39


The Regional Development Authorities (RDA) Policy (2007) was formulated to 

provide framework to guide the implementation of the mandate of the Ministry of 

Regional Development Authorities. The goal of the policy is to achieve equitable and 

balanced national socio-economic development through the promotion of sustainable 

utilization of natural resources for economic development in the regions. The policy has 

redefined functions of the RDAs to include:- 

• Formulation of integrated regional development plans in close consultation with 

other stakeholders, 

• Management of natural resources, specifically addressing gaps in regional 

resource mapping, promotion of resource based investments and formulation of 

a framework through which communities would benefit from such investments. 

The RDA Policy and legal provisions have a direct bearing on streamlining and 

strengthening the roles and functions of CDA and TARDA in coastal zone development 

and management. 

Summary of the National Policies 

While numerous policy frameworks relevant for the conservation of the coastal zone 

exist, what has become apparent in their enforcement is that a large number of statutes 

have led in certain cases to duplications, overlaps, inconsistencies, and a system of very 

weak penalties. Although EMCA prevails in cases where sectoral policies conflict, it is 

imperative effective implementation of the sectoral policies requires harmonisation of 

overlapping ones as well provision of adequate financial and technical backstopping. 

The proposed ICZM Policy is anticipated to provide a better coordination and 

integration framework thus helping to overcome the challenges presented by the 

sectoral approach to management of coastal resources. 

2.4.2 Review of the National Legislative Framework 

2.4.2.1 Introduction 

In addition to the framework environmental law, several sectoral laws govern the 

management of coastal and marine environment. This has made coastal management 

the secondary responsibility of most of these sectors, but a primary responsibility of 

none leading to poor governance of the resources, duplication of efforts and wasted 

resources. In this section, a review of the various sectoral laws and the institutional 

framework relating to coastal zone management has been done. 

Environment Management and Coordination Act, 1999 

The Environmental Management and Coordination Act (EMCA), 1999 is the 

framework law on environmental management in Kenya. Section 55 of EMCA 

institutionalises ICZM as a tool for the management and conservation of the coastal and 

marine environment. The proposed ICZM policy finds a legal anchor in the Act. 

Moreover, the Act obliges NEMA in consultation with the relevant lead agencies to 

undertake a survey of the coastal zone and prepare an integrated national coastal zone 

40


management plan, based on the survey. Production of this survey report has since been 

done - the State of the Coast Report. The report provided useful information in the 

ICZM Action Plan development. 

2.4.2.2 Review of the Sector based Laws 

Kenya’s socio-economic activities and processes are organized per sector. As such, 

policy statements, legislations and corresponding institutions are also sector based. In 

this section, the relevant sectoral laws governing the coastal marine environment are 

briefly analysed. 

The Fisheries Act, 1991 

The Fisheries Act (Cap 378) and its various subsidiary regulations is the instrument for 

fisheries management in Kenya. The Act restricts destructive practices and protects fish 

breeding areas. It has outlawed use of under-size nets, beach seining, use of spear guns, 

and dynamite fishing among others. 

Sea Turtles are protected from hunting and harassment under the Fisheries Act Cap 378 

(1991). The Act prohibits any person or vessel in Kenyan waters from fishing sea 

turtles. A number of restrictions including seasonal restrictions on trawling, the need 

for an approved turtle excluder device (TED) on trawlers, ban on the use of 

monofilament nets, seine nets, harpoons and spear guns have been declared as illegal 

fishing implements (Kenya Gazette notice no. 7565) . Coral reef fisheries outside of 

protected areas are covered by this Act. 

Science and Technology Amendment Act (Cap 250), 1977 

Research in the fisheries sector, which is guided by the Science and Technology 

Amendment Act (Cap 250), is implemented by the Kenya Marine Fisheries Research 

Institute (KMFRI). The Institute undertakes research in freshwater and marine fisheries 

including chemical and physical oceanography, aquaculture, environmental and 

ecological studies. Data and information from reach work inform decision making and 

management of fisheries resources. 

Merchant Shipping Act of 2009 

The Merchant Shipping Act 2009 makes provision for, among others, the registration 

and licensing of Kenyan ships. It further has a crucial role in regulating shipping 

activities in the inshore areas and extending to the EEZ, provides for maritime safety, 

security, pollution control and environmental conservation. The provisions of the Act 

can be synergistic to the proposed ICZM policy. 

The Water Act, 2002 

The Water Act (2002) has adopted the IWRM principles in the management of water 

resources. It provides for stakeholder participation in water resources management 

alongside water pollution prevention and monitoring. 

41


The physical Planning Act, 1996 

The Physical planning Act of 1996 provides for the preparation and implementation of 

physical development plans. It further provides for spatial planning of areas and this 

could conceivably apply, inter alia, to the unique coastal ecosystems. However, given 

the sectoral approach to planning and inadequate development control along the coast, 

most physical development have not mainstreamed environmental concerns, resulting 

in uncontrolled and unplanned development manifested in informal settlements, loss of 

beach access points, beach encroachment and degradation of sensitive areas. To address 

these issues planning and zoning of the coastal areas need to take into consideration 

environmental concerns and coastal dynamics and embrace consultative and 

participatory approach in line with the ICZM principles. 

The Forest Act, 2005 

The Act applies to all forests and woodlands on state, local authority and private land. 

The essence of applying the Forest Act to all forests is to transform all types of forests 

into viable production systems capable of supporting forest industries besides 

conservation. The Act facilitates and promotes the participation of the private sector 

and communities in forest management. The Act has recognised mangrove areas and 

those covered by coastal forests, including kaya forests as areas requiring better 

management. 

The Wildlife Conservation and Management Act, 1985 

The current Wildlife (Conservation and Management) Act provides for wildlife 

management in Kenya. The system of wildlife conservation established under the Act 

comprises protected areas in which other forms of land-use are excluded. These areas 

are put under public control for the propagation, protection and preservation of wildlife. 

The law provides for four types of wildlife protected areas, namely: national parks, 

national reserves, local sanctuaries and game reserves. 

On coastal zone protection, the Act provides for protection of Marine Protected Areas 

(MPAs) by providing a 30 m setback line from the highest watermark where no 

permanent development is allowed. In Marine Reserves, the Act restricts traditional 

fishing methods. Similarly, seagrass beds, which are not cited directly under any legal 

instrument, are protected under the Wildlife Conservation and Management Act. The 

dugong is also a protected species under the third schedule, (protected animals) cited in 

the Wildlife (Conservation and Management) Act, Cap 376 (revised edition 1985). 

Coast Development Act, 1990 

This Act establishes Coast Development Authority to plan and coordinate 

implementation of development projects in the whole of the Coast Province and the 

EEZ. It gives powers to the Authority to plan, coordinate, gather and disseminate 

information, and to generally manage and develop coastal resources in a sustainable 

manner. 

42


National Museums and Heritage Act, 2006 

The National Museums and Heritage Act, 2006 consolidates and repeals the Antiquities 

and Monuments Act 1983 (Cap. 215) and the National Museums Act 1983 (Cap. 216) 

into one law that governs museums and heritage in Kenya. It provides for the 

establishment, control, management and development of national museums, and for 

identification, protection, conservation and transmission of cultural and natural heritage 

of Kenya. Protected under this Act is natural and cultural heritage such as 

archaeological finds, submerged settlements and shipwrecks within territorial seas of 

Kenya as well as historical monuments. The Act has also adopted the undertaking of 

EIA to protect heritage sites. 

Summary 

In summary, Kenya is endowed with good legislations for managing its coastal 

environment. However, a challenge exists in the sectoral legislations as their 

implementation has in most cases failed to recognise the interconnectedness and 

interlinkage between the resources and development thus the call for ICZM. 

2.4.3 Review of International Agreements and Conventions 

The increasing complexity and interconnectedness of global environmental issues has 

necessitated world cooperation in addressing them. As such the government is 

signatory to a number of international Conventions, Protocols and Agreements on 

environmental protection including those relevant to the coastal and marine 

environment. 

The table below lists the international agreements that the country is party to and help 

to galvanise focus and political attention on the environment while providing the basis 

for international and regional cooperation. 

Table 2.2: Major Multilateral Environmental Agreements Signed by Kenya 

Name of Convention Focus Area National Focal 

Institution 

African Convention on the Conservation of Nature 

and Natural Resources, 1968(as revised in 2003) 

Natural Resource 

Convention 

Kenya Wildlife 

Service 

Convention on Wetlands (Ramsar 

convention)1971 

wetlands Kenya wildlife 

service 

UNESCO Convention Concerning the Protection 

of the World Culture and Natural heritage (1972) 

Culture and 

Heritage 

National Museums 

of Kenya 

Washington Convention on International Trade in 

Endangered Species(CITES, 1973) 

Trade 

Kenya Wildlife 

Service 

Bonn Convention on the Conservation of 

Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS 1979) 

Wildlife Kenya Wildlife 

Service 

UN Convention on the Law of the Sea 

(UNCLOS,1982) 

Oceans 

Governance 

Attorney Generals 

Office 

London Convention on the Prevention of Marine 

Pollution by Dumping of Wastes and Other 

Matter(1972) 

Protocol to the Convention on Prevention of 

Dumping at Sea Ministry of 

Transport 

43


Marine Pollution by Dumping of Waste and Other 

Matter (1996) 

International Convention for the Prevention of 

Pollution from Ships, as amended in 

1978(MARPOL 1973/78) 

International Convention on Oil Pollution 

Preparedness, Response and Cooperation(1990) 

Convention for the Protection, Management and 

Development of the Marine and Coastal 

Environment of the East African Region with its 

Protocols (Nairobi Convention,1985 ) 

Vienna Convention For the Protection Of The 

Ozone Layer Supplemented By The 1987 

Montreal Protocol On Substances That Deplete 

The Ozone Layer(1985) 

Basel Convention on the Control of Tran 

boundary Movement of Hazardous Wastes and 

Their Disposal(1989) 

Bamako Convention on the Ban of the import into 

Africa and the Control of Tran boundary 

Movement and Management of Hazardous Wastes 

Ship Based 

Pollution 

Oil Pollution at 

Sea 

Costal and 

Marine 

Conservation 

Ozone Layer 

Protection 

Hazardous Waste 

Hazardous Waste 

Ministry of 

Transport 

Ministry of 

Transport 

National 

Environmental 

Management 

Authority (NEMA) 

Ministry Of 

Environment and 

National Resources 

Ministry of 



Ministry of 



within Africa(1991) 

Convention on Biological Diversity(1992) Biodiversity Ministry of 


Mineral Resources 

United Nations Framework Convention on 

Climate Change (UNFCCC,1992) 

United Nations Convention to Combat 

Desertification (UNCCD,1994) 

Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic 

Pollutants(POPS, 2001) 

Rotterdam Convention on the Prior Informed 

Consent Procedure for Certain Hazardous 

Chemicals and Pesticides in International 

Trade(1998) 

Global Programme of Action for the Protection of 

the Marine Environment from Land Based 

Activities (1995) 

Climate Change 

Desertification 

Chemicals 

Chemicals 

Marine 

Environment 

Ministry of 


Natural Resources 

Ministry of 



Ministry of 



Ministry of 



NEMA 

2.5 Review of Institutional Frameworks 

Institutions with mandates on coastal and marine environment management have 

evolved with time. The enactment of EMCA in 1999 established NEMA to exercise 

general supervision and co-ordination over all matters relating to the environment. The 

Act also establishes National Environment Council (NEC), which is charged with 

policy formulation, setting of national goals, objectives and priorities for the protection 

of the environment and the promotion of co-operation among stakeholders. EMCA has 

also established Provincial and District Environment Committees as forums for 

stakeholder engagement in environmental protection and conservation. 

44


Other institutions cutting across administrative jurisdictions include the Kenya Wildlife 

Service and the Regional Development Authorities. While KWS mandates are more 

specific to ensure that wildlife resources are conserved and used for national economic 

development and benefit of the people of Kenya, TARDA and CDA advice on coordination 

of development generally, and takes care of development activities along 

river basins. The CDA mandate in particular has broad mandates in its area of 

jurisdiction, with functions such as carrying out surveys and studies that ensure 

sustainable utilization of coastal resources including those of the EEZ. It also has 

mandates to develop up-to-date long range development plan for the coastal area. 

The Kenya Maritime Authority (KMA), whose broadest function is administration of 

the Merchant Shipping Act, is mandated to monitor, regulate and oversee maritime 

affairs in the country. 

Many constraints and limitations with regard to relevant national institutional 

arrangements for the management of coastal and marine environment have been 

identified. For instance, inadequacy of financial and technical resources due to under 

funding by the Government is a key constraint. The low funding affects the capacity of 

the institutions to execute their mandates. 

Despite the good intentions of each sector institution, overlapping and uncoordinated 

jurisdictions is leading to duplication of efforts and wasted resources. Inadequate public 

participation including the private sector and civil society are other factors which 

compound the problem. Operating in sectoral disciplines excludes coordination making 

it difficult to give focused attention to addressing cross-sectoral issues. Therefore 

embracing ICZM as a management tool would integrate actions and decision making 

processes thus helping to overcome duplication of efforts and conflicts in law 

enforcement. 

2.6 Environmental Management Tools 

Various environmental management tools have been developed and used in Kenya in 

an attempt to reduce impacts of development on the environment. Such tools include 

environmental impact assessment and auditing, marine protected areas and integrated 

coastal zone management. Each of these is discussed briefly hereunder. 

2.6.1 Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) 

Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) is the process of identifying, predicting, 

evaluating and mitigating the biophysical, social and other relevant effects of 

development proposals prior to major decisions being taken and commitments made. 

EIA is a powerful decision-making tool in environmental management and its impact is 

visible since the enactment of the EMCA (1999) as project proponents are required to 

submit EIA reports to assist in determining whether or not the proposed project will be 

approved depending on its adverse effects on the general environment. The EIA 

process, guided by the provisions of EMCA (EIA & Audit) Regulations, 2003 has 

provided a direct role for interested and affected public to participate in management of 

the environment in a structured approach. It is in the spirit of the Act that several 

proposed large scale coastal projects e.g. titanium mining and offshore oil exploration 

45


received significant public input. Projects that are required to carry out EIA are listed in 

the second schedule of EMCA 1999. 

2.6.2 Environmental Audit (EA) 

Environmental Audits (EAs) are intended to quantify environmental performance and 

environmental position. EAs aim to define what needs to be done to sustain or improve 

on indicators such as performance and position. EMCA (1999) provides for 

Environmental Audits (EA) as a compliance monitoring and evaluation tool to gauge 

how well existing projects/facilities perform with respect to environmental standards, 

including appraisal of the production systems, environmental health and safety 

measures, sustainable use of natural resources, and mitigation of impacts. 

2.6.3 Marine Protected Areas (MPA) 

Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) are areas designated to enhance conservation of 

marine resources and to address the declining state of the marine biodiversity and 

fisheries. MPAs are important tools for the management of marine biodiversity 

hotspots, populations of over-exploited species and overall health of the oceans. The 

first MPA was established in Kenya in 1968 when the Malindi/Watamu Marine Park 

and Reserve was gazetted. Today a total of 9 MPAs have been established in the 

country. MPAs are provided for in the Wildlife Conservation and Management Act 

(1989) with the level of protection varying for MPAs designated as reserves or parks. 

In marine reserves, the Wildlife Act allows some extractive use, while prohibiting 

others. Marine parks on the other hand are completely protected from all extractive 

activities. Under the Act, all biological resources within a park are protected and no 

removal or disturbance of any living or non-living marine resource is permitted, except 

as necessary for monitoring or research to evaluate management effectiveness. 

Decreased human disturbance within MPAs has resulted in increases in the abundance, 

diversity and productivity of marine organisms with spill over effects, seen in areas 

adjacent to MPAs. However, as sizes of MPAs have remained relatively small relative 

to increasing pressure from a growing population, efforts to manage resources 

sustainably outside the MPAs have necessitated adoption of ICZM as a tool for coastal 

management across the area. 

2.6.4 Integrated Coastal Zone Management (ICZM) 

Integrated Coastal Zone Management (ICZM) is a process for the management of the 

coast using an integrated approach in an attempt to achieve sustainable development. It 

is a dynamic, multidisciplinary and interactive approach which has grown conceptually 

and operationally in the last four decades since its inception in the USA in the 1970’s. It 

has gained widespread acceptance as a management system and vehicle for rational and 

sustainable utilization of coastal zone resources. 

In Kenya, the adoption of ICZM as a resource management and development tool 

began in early 1990s following the Arusha Policy Resolutions on the process in 1993. 

A pilot project involving various stakeholders was implemented in JomoKenyatta 

46


Public beach to demonstrate ICZM principles and gain lessons for replication in other 

areas along the coast. 

Later, the Kenya government institutionalized the ICZM as a management tool through 

EMCA of 1999. Key milestones including stakeholder awareness on ICZM as a new 

tool in coastal zone management; coordination and integration of decision making 

processes and sectoral efforts have been made following the operationalisation of 

EMCA provision on ICZM. The current ICZM Action plan will contribute in further 

realisation of ICZM objectives. 

47


Chapter 3: Vision, Goal, Guiding Principles and 

Strategic Objectives 

3.1 Vision 

A coastal zone with healthy ecosystems and resources that sustain socio-economic 

development and well-being of the current and future generations. 

3.2 Overall Goal 

The overall goal of the ICZM Action plan is to conserve the coastal and marine 

environment and to ensure that its resources are utilised in a sustainable manner for the 

benefit of coastal communities and the national economy. 

3.3 Guiding Principles 

The vision and overall goal of the ICZM Action Plan will be pursued through a strategy 

that integrates the following key principles: 

i) use of ecosystem-based approach which recognises the relationships and interlinkages 

between all components of the wider ecosystem including the 

human/social component; 

ii) 

iii) 

iv) 

Coordination, integration and co-management. Environmental management 

efforts will be integrated across all sectors and programmes that strengthen comanagement 

of resources and stakeholder involvement will be developed and 

implemented. 

use of a participatory and inclusive approach, which entails involvement of 

stakeholders, and consensus building on matters of planning, and decision 

making; 

application of a precautionary principle. Where information is inadequate for 

decision making, the precautionary principle will apply. Lack of full scientific 

information should not prevent implementation of measures to minimise harm 

to the environment; 

v) application of best available science and adaptive management, where the 

best available knowledge, scientific information and data are used to support 

application of ICZM; 

vi) 

promotion of stewardship in coastal resource management to ensure 

sustainable development for posterity; 

vii) application of multiple resource use management, adopting integrated 

approach to manage ecosystems as a whole jointly to address impacts on both 

ecosystems and on the environment; 

48


viii) application of the polluter pays principle, where those who pollute the coastal 

and marine environment, meet the cost of cleaning and the cost of the pollution 

to resource users; 

ix) Provision for a balance between development and conservation 

requirements to ensure conservation and sustainable development of the 

coastal zone; 

x) domestication of Multilateral Environmental Agreements (MEAs) and Regional 

Instruments to foster international and regional cooperation for better 

management of transboundary issues 

3.4 Thematic Areas 

Six strategic or thematic areas were identified and prioritised for action. These thematic 

areas are: 

Thematic Area 1: Integrated Planning and Co-ordination 

Thematic Area 2: Sustainable Economic Development 

Thematic Area 3: Conservation of the Coastal and Marine Environment 

Thematic Area 4: Environmental Risks and Management of Shoreline change 

Thematic Area 5: Capacity Building, Information and Public Participation 

Thematic Area 6: Institutional and Legal Frameworks for ICZM 

3.5 Strategic Objectives 

In order to achieve the overall goal of the ICZM Action plan, a number of strategic 

objectives have been identified: The strategic objectives are to: - 

i) Promote integrated planning and coordination of coastal developments across 

the various sectors; 

ii) Promote sustainable economic development to secure livelihoods of coastal 

communities; 

iii) Conserve the coastal and marine resources and environment for sustainable 

development; 

iv) Manage environmental risks associated with changes in shoreline and climate; 

v) Develop capacity in research and education and enhance stakeholder awareness 

and participation in sustainable resource management; 

vi) Establish effective institutional and legal frameworks for ICZM in the county; 

49


Chapter 4: Thematic areas and Strategies 

1.1 Thematic Area 1: Integrated Planning and Coordination 

Development activities in the coastal zone have occurred with little planning and 

coordination. The planning and management of development activities has always been 

sectoral. This has a led to changes in land use patterns, affecting negatively both 

environmental quality and economic stability for the local community. 

The goal set for this thematic area is to bring about coordinated planning for the orderly 

development of the Kenya coast. This will be addressed through the following three 

strategic objectives:- 

1. Planning and management of coastal development; 

2. Provision of infrastructure based on spatial planning; 

3. Coordination and communication mechanisms within and between 

government, community and other stakeholders 

Strategic Objective 1: Planning and management of coastal development 

Development activities in the coastal zone have been sectoral and with little planning 

and organisation. This has led to changes in land use patterns, affecting negatively 

environmental quality and threatening the economic stability of local communities. 

Among other things, the loss of access to the beach and fishing grounds, degradation of 

critical habits and pollution have affected the ecological and economic functions that 

support and sustain livelihoods thus the need for policies to guide planning and 

management of coastal development. 

Strategic Objective 2: Provision of infrastructure based on spatial planning 

With the rapid increase in population, the development of human settlements and 

urbanization has out-paced the ability of local authorities to plan and provide 

infrastructure and public services. As result informal settlements have mushroomed in 

many of the coastal urban centres with little basic services such as sewer systems, water 

supply and sanitation facilities. Consequently, the environment, public health and the 

quality of life of coastal communities has been undermined, leading to a requirement 

for appropriate planning and implementation of infrastructure strategies that ensure 

sustainable development. 

Strategic Objective 3: Coordination and communication mechanisms within and 

between government, community and other stakeholders 

A top-down approach in development planning and management has been exercised by 

government. There has been poor communication and coordination which has allowed 

alienation between the different sectors of government, stakeholders and target 

communities. To overcome this deficiency, strategies that ensure inclusiveness and 

participation have been given to meet this strategic objective. 

50


Table 4.1: Integrated Planning and Coordination Strategic Objectives and Strategies 


Strategies 

SO1: Planning and i) Guide and coordinate planning and management of 

management of coastal development in the coastal zone; 

development 

ii) Put in place appropriate guidelines for managing 

development and growth in the coastal zone; 

iii) Strengthen the capacity of institutions responsible for 

coastal planning and development; 

iv) Integrate development planning in the coastal zone with 

issues of environmental safety and aesthetics; 

v) Coordinate implementation of the National Land Policies 

to address issues of land tenure. 

SO2: Provision of 

infrastructure based on 

spatial planning 

SO3: Coordination and 

communication 

mechanisms within and 

between government, 

community and other 

stakeholders 

i) Promote and support the provision of amenities and 

infrastructure based on spatial planning; 

ii) Promote private-public partnership to undertake ICZM 

programmes; 

i) Ensure the support and involvement of relevant 

administrative bodies and sectors concerned with the 

management of the coastal area; 

ii) Ensure the inclusion of communities and all other 

stakeholders in the planning of coastal zone management 

programs; 

iii) Promote strategies that will enhance communication among 

government, NGOs, CBO’s, and communities. 

1.2 Thematic Area 2: Promotion of Sustainable Economic Development 

Over-harvesting of coastal natural resources has resulted in their depletion and in 

degradation of the habitats that support the resources. This has resulted to competition 

and resource use conflicts. Wise use of the resources will thus be promoted through 

strategic objectives that promote empowerment of the communities to embrace 

sustainable livelihoods and develop and implement resource use conflict resolution 

mechanisms. 

Strategic Objective 1: Promotion of community empowerment and sustainable 

livelihoods 

Traditional natural resource-based economic activities e.g. artisanal fishing and 

mangrove harvesting have supported local livelihoods for generations. However, 

habitat destruction and over-harvesting of the resources have resulted in restricted 

mangrove exploitation and a decline in catches for certain fish species in near-shore 

waters. This situation has resulted in less income from the traditional resources forcing 

young fishers to switch to other sectors of the economy. Strategies that promote 

community empowerment and sustain livelihoods will be promoted. 

51


Strategic Objective 2: Resolving resource use conflicts and benefits sharing 

Rapid urbanization, high levels of poverty and competition for coastal resources and 

space is exerting pressure on the coastal environment, and has resulted in resource use 

conflicts. Tourism development has encroached into fishing grounds thereby reducing 

the traditionally rich fishing areas in recreational areas. In addition, blockage of public 

access routes by development of tourist facilities has limited access to the fish landing 

sites while revenues generated from tourism hardly benefit local communities. 

Declaration and delineation of Marine Protected Areas without consultation with local 

communities has restricted resource users without providing viable alternatives. While 

large scale agriculture and fishing generate appreciable incomes, negative 

environmental and socio-economic impacts from these activities deny local 

communities land. Prawn trawling is known to destroy fish habitat and fishing gear 

used by artisanal fishers. At the borders, trans-boundary conflicts have also arisen as a 

result of destructive fishing methods from neighbouring countries. 

To resolve resource use conflicts and rationalise benefit sharing from coastal and 

marine resources and to balance local and national interests, strategies to enforce 

rationale use of resources will be pursued. 

Table 4.2: Promotion of Sustainable Economic Development Strategic Objectives and 

Strategies 


SO1: Promotion of 

community 

empowerment and 

sustainable livelihoods 

SO2: Resolving 

resource use conflicts 

and benefits sharing 

Strategies 

i) Promote off-shore fishery; 

ii) Promote alternative livelihoods; 

iii) Introduce mechanisms for co-management, rehabilitation of 

coastal ecosystems and sharing of benefits; 

iv) Promote shared responsibility with the private sector, 

NGOs and CBOs in the conservation and management of 

resources; 

v) Restore and promote traditional values and practices that 

ensure sustainable management and exploitation of 

resources; 

i) Ensure equity in access to land, water space and use of 

coastal resources; 

ii) Promote zoning schemes that resolve land and water space 

use conflicts; 

iii) Promote awareness and education programmes on 

resolving use conflicts, environmental impacts of resource 

use and sustainable exploitation of resources; 

iv) Promote a code of conduct for tourists and tourism 

operators that is sensitive to cultural and religious values of 

local communities; 

v) Ensure an increase in benefits to local communities from 

52


revenues accrued from the utilization of coastal natural 

resources in key sectors of tourism, fisheries, mining and 

others; 

vi) Promote the development of guidelines on management of 

wildlife to minimise human wildlife conflicts, while 

promoting benefit sharing derived from the wildlife. 

1.3 Thematic Area 3: Conservation of the Coastal and Marine Environment 

Coastal ecosystems including freshwater resources, coastal forests, mangroves, coral 

reefs, sea grass beds, estuaries, deltas, beaches, and sand dunes represent important 

resources that sustain livelihoods of coastal populations. However, destruction and 

alterations of these habitats, over-exploitation and pollution are impacting the ability of 

these resources to provide livelihood options in addition to undermining their 

ecosystem functions. 

To conserve the coastal and marine environment, six strategic objectives have been 

developed. These are: - 

i) Preserving, protecting and restoring the integrity of coastal and mangrove 

forests 

ii) Preserving, protecting and restoring the integrity of coral reefs and sea-grass 

beds 

iii) Preserving, protecting and restoring the integrity of estuaries and delta 

iv) Preserving, protecting and restoring beaches and sand dunes 

v) Preserve, protect and ensure the integrity of cultural and natural heritage 

vi) Improving the management of municipal wastewater and solid waste 

vii) Improving water quality 

viii) Provision of potable water supplies 

Strategic Objective 1: Preserving, Protecting and Restoring the Integrity of Coastal 

and Mangrove forests 

Conversion of coastal and mangrove forest cover to farmland and clearing of 

mangroves for the establishment of saltpans have reduced the land under forest 

considerably. Excessive/uncontrolled logging for timber, wood-fuel and charcoal 

production, illegal cultivation and encroachment coupled with excision for settlements 

and agricultural production are major threats to the forests. Further, climate change is 

expected to enhance degradation of the forest habitats. To stem these threats, strategies 

have been given to preserve the integrity of these habitats. 

Strategic Objective 2: Preserving, Protecting and Restoring the Integrity of Coral 

Reefs and Sea-grass Beds 

The discharge of municipal wastewater, port development, deforestation and bad 

agricultural practices along coastal river basins and catchment areas have resulted in 

high loads of suspended sediments into coastal waters, suppressing coral and sea-grass 

growth and impacting the biodiversity negatively. Trawling for prawns has damaged 

53


sea-grass habitats while global warming has caused sea water surface temperatures to 

rise is resulting in coral bleaching. Moreover, there is inadequate awareness on the 

importance of these habitats and poor enforcement of relevant regulations to protect 

these ecosystems. Implementation of strategies that meet this policy objective is 

desirable. 

Strategic Objective 3: Preserving, Protecting and Restoring the Integrity of Estuaries 

and Deltas 

Recent hydroelectric power generation and agricultural development activities along 

River Tana basin have affected the ecological balance of Tana delta. Most notably, 

draining of land for agriculture and control of water flow for irrigation and hydropower 

production have resulted in reduced stream flow and saltwater intrusion into 

delta environments. Strategies that promote sustainable environmental flows along the 

river basin including the delta will be promoted. 

Strategic Objective 4: Preserving, protecting and restoring beaches and sand dunes 

Marine beaches and sand dunes are the resources for recreation and supply of 

freshwater in the coastal environment supporting livelihood through tourism and water 

for human and industrial use. However, adverse human influences including 

infrastructure development along beaches, sand harvesting and poor waste management 

demand that strategies are put in place to preserve, protect and restore these systems. 

Strategic Objective 5: Preserving, protecting and ensuring the integrity of cultural 

and natural heritage 

The interlinkage of the cultural and natural heritage makes the coastal region unique 

and attractive for multi-sectoral investments and developments including expansion of 

infrastructure, housing, tourism and port development. The development occurs handin-hand 

with population growth and rapid urbanisation, causing increasing demand for 

agricultural land for food production. However, they exert significant pressure on 

heritage sites, manifested as encroachment onto national monuments, archaeological 

sites, and forests. The pressures on heritage result from, among others, inadequate 

awareness and education, weak legislation and protection programmes and inadequate 

development plans. This calls for appropriate measures to mitigate the destruction of 

heritage sites and enhance sustainable management for the socio-economic and cultural 

development. 

Strategic Objective 6: Improving municipal wastewater and solid waste management 

Rapid urbanisation in the coastal area has resulted in the increased generation of large 

volumes of solid waste and sewage. The development of infrastructure to manage the 

waste has generally been inadequate, causing pollution of land and water systems in 

most urban centres. The effects of this include the spread of water borne diseases, loss 

of aesthetic value of the environment, and impact on productivity and biodiversity of 

natural water systems. The strategies given in table 4.3 below are meant to address 

these problems. 

Strategic Objective 7: Improving water quality 

54


Pollution from on-site sanitation systems of coastal developments, municipal 

wastewater discharges, storm-water, leachate from solid waste and oil spills are the 

main causes threatening water quality. Groundwater in particular is the most impacted 

by the extensive use of on-site sanitation systems, a problem compounded by overextraction 

of groundwater aquifers causing not only salt water intrusion, but also a 

decline and scarcity of freshwater. Implementation of the strategies listed in table 4.3 

below will address these issues and improve on the quality of freshwater sources. 

Strategic Objective 8: Provision of potable water supplies 

Supply of portable water has not kept pace with population growth and urban 

development. Consequently, majority of the population has resorted to abstraction of 

groundwater by sinking boreholes and shallow wells. Some tourism facilities have 

resulted in use of the available brackish groundwater for their washroom needs. Overextraction 

of groundwater and destruction of water catchments exacerbate the water 

supply problem and threatened the ecosystem hydrological functions thus the need for 

strategies to address these issues. 

Table 4.3: Conservation of the coastal and marine environment Strategic Objectives 

and Strategies 

Strategic 

Strategies 

Objectives 

SO1: Preserve, 

Protect and Restore 

the Integrity of 

Coastal and 

Mangrove forests 

SO2: To Preserve, 


the integrity of 

coral reefs and 

seagrass beds 

i) Ensure mainstreaming of management of coastal forests and 

mangroves into land use planning; 

ii) Promote IWRM strategies to ensure the conservation of water 

catchments and riparian areas, 

iii) Promote multi-sectoral approach in managing coastal and 

mangrove forest areas; 

iv) Promote co-management of coastal and mangrove forests; 

v) Ensure developments proposed for areas in and adjacent to forest 

areas are subjected to EIA; 

vi) Strengthen the regulations governing protection of coastal, Kaya 

forests and mangrove areas to facilitate their conservation; 

i) Regulate fishing, including trawling, and tourism activities in 

seagrass and coral areas; 

ii) Promote good land management practices that address the 

erosion problem, causing siltation on coral reefs and seagrass 

beds; 

iii) Promote best practices and develop guidelines and standards for 

sea-bed mining and oil exploration; 

iv) Strengthen local authorities to enforce by-laws regulating 

municipal waste management; 

v) Implement the National oil spill contingency plan; 

vi) Promote the build up of knowledge base on the coral reef and 

seagrass ecosystems through scientific research and monitoring; 

55





Estuaries and 

Deltas 



the Integrity of 

Beaches and Sand 

Dunes 

SO5: To preserve, 

protect and ensure 


cultural and natural 

heritage 

SO6: To improve 

municipal 

wastewater and 

solid waste 

management 

vii) Promote the use of indigenous knowledge and scientific 

information in the exploitation and management of coral reef and 

seagrass resources; 

viii) Domesticate the United Nations Framework Convention on 

Climate Change, (UNFCCC), and related Multilateral 

Environmental Agreements (MEAs). 

i) Ensure good land use practices to manage erosion and minimize 

the high loads of suspended sediments and siltation; 

ii) Promote integrated river delta planning and management to 

rationalize diversion, damming of rivers and flood control and to 

ensure equitable allocation of freshwater for ecological functions 

iii) Declare deltas as conservation areas with zoning regimes to 

ensure protection of biodiversity in line with the Wildlife 

Conservation and Management Policy; 

iv) Promote adoption and use of best practices in planning and 

implementation of river basin development plans for 

environmental sustainability. 

i) Promote adoption, use and replication of best practises in 

planning of development near delta and sand dune areas 

ii) Declare beaches and dune areas as protection areas; 

iii) Enforce the setback limits in development near beaches and sand 

dunes 

i) Promote cultural tourism and ensure proper planning and visitor 

management to minimize negative cultural impacts on local 

communities. 

ii) Promote community participation in the conservation and 

management of heritage sites through the use of indigenous 

knowledge and observing cultural values. 

iii) Promote public-private-partnership in the preservation, 

conservation and sustainable management of heritage sites 

iv) Promote awareness and education targeting local community and 

other stakeholders on the importance of cultural and natural 

heritage in socio-economic development 

v) Promote development of non-consumptive uses of natural 

heritage sites for the benefit of the community e.g. bee keeping, 

butterfly farming, ecotourism etc. 

vi) Enforce EIA regulations to control development in heritage sites 

iv) Strengthen the capacity of local authorities to effectively manage 

urban waste; 

v) Promote public-private sector-partnership in waste management; 

vi) Promote public awareness on good waste management practices 

to ensure a clean and healthy environment; 

vii) Enforce the EMCA (Waste Management) Regulations 2006; 

viii) Develop and implement pollution prevention and control 

guidelines for the coastal zone 

56


SO7: To improve 

water quality 

SO8: Provision of 

potable water 

supplies 

i) Promote IWRM strategies to safeguard water quality; 

ii) Enforce EMCA (Water Quality) Regulations 2006; 

iii) Ensure sustainable extraction of groundwater to control the 

problem of saltwater intrusion into water aquifers; 

iv) Promote public awareness on the importance of protecting 

natural water systems and development; 

v) Implement the national Oil Spill Response Contingency plan 

i) Promote alternative sources of freshwater to reduce pressure on 

groundwater sources; 

ii) Promote suitable management strategies that protect water 

catchments and water supply aquifers; 

iii) Promote policies that ensure equitable allocation of freshwater 

for ecological and social needs; 

iv) Promote public awareness on the importance of protecting 

natural water systems and development 

1.4 Thematic Area 4: Environmental Risks and Management of shoreline 

changes 

Shoreline changes occur as a natural phenomenon. The changes can however be 

induced and exacerbated by human influences resulting in environmental management 

risks. Currently, the impact of climate change is compounding the risk associated with 

shoreline changes in the coast. Two strategic objectives have been developed to address 

this thematic area. They include: - 

1) To minimize the impacts of shoreline change, and 

2) To mainstream climate change mitigation and adaptation measures into coastal 

development plans and programmes 

Strategic Objective 1: Minimizing the impacts of shoreline change 

Mining of sand, limestone and coral, destruction of natural protective systems and 

construction of structures along the shoreline influence the hydrological cycle, causing 

shoreline change and instability. For example, the construction of sea-walls to protect 

capital investment from beach erosion has become a common practice. This has in turn 

affected shoreline dynamics resulting in exacerbated erosion problems in adjacent 

unprotected areas. In other areas, beach accretion, attributed to excessive supply of 

alluvial or lagoonal sediments is also causing shoreline instability. As the sea level rise 

as a result of climate change the problem is poised to aggravate. 

Strategic Objectives 2: To mainstream climate change mitigation and adaptation measures 

into coastal development plans and programmes 

Environmental disasters related to cyclic droughts and floods, tsunamis and storm 

surges are issues of concern. These issues have been aggravated by climate change, 

attributed to anthropogenic activities that increase levels of greenhouse gases in the 

atmosphere, resulting in global warming. Climate change is a phenomenon that is still 

57


inadequately understood, but one which is bound to affect our environment and 

development activities. 

Effects of climate change include impacts on forests, wildlife and biodiversity, tourism 

and agriculture. Higher global temperatures contribute to sea-level rise through melting 

of glaciers ice caps and through thermal expansion leading to inundation of low lying 

coastal areas and infrastructure, with adverse impacts on coastal wetlands and marine 

ecosystems. Other effects of global warming include wet areas getting wetter and dry 

ones getting dryer, and changed patterns of incidences of disease outbreaks. 

Considering the trend in climate change related issues, there is need for information 

dissemination, systematic research, policy direction and development of strategies for 

mitigating the effects in the coastal zone. 

Table 4.4: Environmental Risks & management of shoreline changes Strategic 

Objectives and Strategies 

Strategic 

Strategies 

Objectives 

SO1: To minimize 

the impacts of 

shoreline change 

SO2: To mainstream 

climate change 

mitigation and 

adaptation measures 

into coastal 

development plans 

and programmes 

i) Develop and implement a Shoreline Management Plan for the 

entire coast based on understanding of the natural coastal 

processes and dynamics; 

ii) Ensure that land use plans along the shoreline are informed by 

the Shoreline Management Plan and monitoring data; 

iii) Harmonise, strengthen and enforce the regulations guiding 

development along the land/water interface. 

i) Implement strategy for protection of the coastal area against the 

impacts of climate change; 

ii) Promote study of the vulnerability and resilience of the coastal 

resources to the impacts of climate change; 

iii) Develop early warning systems for natural disasters such as 

Tsunami and effects of sea-level rise and its effect and impact 

on vulnerable areas; 

iv) Promote sharing and dissemination of knowledge and 

technology in the response to climate change; 

v) Promote the implementation of appropriate preventive and 

adaptive measures to mitigate against the impacts of climate 

change and other natural hazards 

4.5 Thematic Area 5: Capacity Building, Information and Public 

Participation 

Inadequate capacity, education, awareness and research in institutions and insufficient 

human resources to address coastal zone management issues have been identified as 

bottlenecks to sustainable coastal development. To address the inadequacy, two 

strategic objectives are presented. These include: 

58


i) Education, awareness and information programs on coastal zone management 

ii) Research and monitoring programs on the coastal zone management 

Strategic Objective 1: Education, awareness and information programs on coastal 

zone management 

Improving levels of education and access to information on coastal zone issues imparts 

knowledge and creates awareness on coastal zone management. Increased education 

and awareness will promote stakeholders participation in planning and development of 

ICZM activities which ensure successful implementation and sustainability of coastal 

programmes. As such, strategies are presented to realise this strategic objective. 

Strategic Objective 2: Research and monitoring programs on the coastal zone 


Effective coastal zone planning and management requires a thorough understanding of 

the driving forces that influence the area dynamics, including trans-boundary factors. 

This requires data on trends and use of the coastal resources. Presently, efforts at 

relevant research and monitoring programmes focusing on the coastal zone are modest 

and uncoordinated. This strategic objective will be realised through strategies that 

promote coordinated research and monitoring programmes that generate data and 

information to inform policy development and resource management decisions and 

actions. 

Table 4.5: Capacity Building, Information and Public Participation 

Strategic 

Objectives 

SO1: Education, 

awareness and 

information 

programs on 

coastal zone 


SO2: Research and 

monitoring 

programs on the 


Strategies 

i) Develop and implement ICZM Education and Awareness strategy; 

ii) Mainstream traditional knowledge and practice in the conservation, 

planning and management of coastal resources; 

iii) Establish mechanisms for information dissemination to decision 

makers, communities and other stakeholders; 

iv) Promote the integration of environmental best practises into socioeconomic 

development activities 

v) Support the scaling-up of best practices in coastal resources 


i) Promote the coordinated generation and dissemination of data and 

information, for use in planning and decision making; 

ii) Establish information management system on coastal resources to 

support planning and decision making 

4.6 Thematic Area 6: Institutional Arrangements and Legal Frameworks 

Single sector institutional arrangement and legal frameworks lacking in mechanisms for 

coordination have been blamed for the poor planning and development in the Kenya 

coast. ICZM helps to address conflict of interest arising from different sectors in the 

59


coastal zone through integration and coordination of sectoral efforts and decision 

making processes. The practice and adoption of ICZM as a development tool in the 

country is however yet to gain ground due to low understanding of the concept and 

weak legal and institutional framework. To address this gap, two strategic objectives 

have been identified for implementation to strengthen the institutional arrangements 

and legal framework for ICZM. They include:- 

i) Instituting Legal framework for ICZM 

ii) Strengthen institutional framework in support of ICZM 

Strategic Objective 1: Instituting Legal framework for ICZM 

Current legislations and policies on coastal management have been formulated to 

capture sector specific management issues. The result has been conflicting legislation, 

duplication of effort, and weaknesses in policy implementation and enforcement in the 

area. Whereas EMCA has provided for the harmonisation of sectoral laws, a legal 

framework is required for effective governance and sustainable development of the 

coastal zone. 

Strategic Objective 2: Strengthen institutional framework in support of ICZM 

NEMA in consultation with the relevant lead agencies is mandated to prepare an 

integrated national coastal zone management plan and to coordinate implementation of 

environmental projects and programmes for the sustainable development of the region 

and its resources. To achieve this, strategies that bring synergy, cooperation and close 

collaboration of national lead agencies, local government, research institutions, private 

sector and civil society have been developed. 

Table 4.6: Institutional Arrangements and Legal Frameworks Strategic Objectives and 

Strategies 


SO1: Instituting Legal 

framework for ICZM 

SO2: Strengthen 

institutional framework 

in support of ICZM 

Strategies 

i) Review and harmonise sectoral laws and develop ICZM 

legal framework 

i) Put in place institutional framework in support of ICZM 

ii) Finance the operations of the ICZM institutional framework 

. 

60


Chapter 5: Implementation Framework 

5.1 Overview 

The ICZM Action Plan provides the framework to guide the work of stakeholders 

involved in conservation and development of the coastal zone in an effort to foster a 

more coordinated and integrated approach to management of the coastal zone. Its 

preparation was guided by national priorities as contained in major policy documents 

including Vision 2030 and the Medium Short Term Plan 2008 -2012; National 

Environment Action Plan; NEMA Strategic Plan; District Development Plans; and 

National Climate Change Response Strategy among others. Full and effective 

implementation of the Action Plan will require embracing a participatory approach as 

well as investing in capacity building and mobilising adequate resources for its 

implementation. 

5.1.1 Stakeholder involvement 

Implementation of the ICZM Action Plan will adopt a participatory approach to ensure 

that implementation of the activities is a national and local priority with strong 

involvement of all actors including government agencies, NGOs, Learning institutions, 

Private sector, CBOs, general public and development partners. In light of its mandate 

to supervise and coordinate environmental programmes in the country, NEMA will take 

a lead role in implementation of the action plan including stakeholder engagement and 

coordination. The engagement of stakeholders in the implementation process will be 

guided by their statutory mandate and capacity. Stakeholders will be involved at all 

stages of project preparation and implementation including monitoring and evaluation. 

The activities implementation matrix coming later in this chapter has identified the 

stakeholders to be involved in implementation of various activities enumerated therein. 

5.1.2 Capacity building 

It is recognised that various institutions involved in coastal zone conservation and 

management have considerable technical capacities in various disciplines. These 

capacities, which are found within specialised departments of government, state 

corporations, private sector, research and learning institutions will be utilised in 

implementation of the ICZM Action Plan. It is however recognised that not all 

disciplines have adequate capacity and therefore the need for the government to 

continue investing in capacity building is imperative. Training shall be undertaken to 

build capacity at both national and local level institutions that will be involved in 

implementing the ICZM Action Plan. This will be achieved through short course 

training; refresher courses; seminars and exchange visits among others. It is expected 

that implementation of the plan may also seek technical support from international 

research and development partners. 

5.1.3 Resource mobilisation 

Effective implementation of the Action Plan requires allocation of adequate human as 

well as financial resources. Potential sources of funding include Government budgetary 

61


allocations; Constituency Development Funds; Support from NGOs, Private Sectors, 

CBOs and religious organisations. Development Partners provided major support in 

preparation of the Action plan and therefore their involvement in supporting the 

implementation phase will contribute to the realisation of the vision for sustainable 

development in the coastal zone. It is imperative to note that scarcity/inadequacy of 

resources is often a key constraint in implementation of projects and programmes in 

many sectors of the economy and hence the need for prioritisation of activities 

implementation. 

5.1.4 Implementation plan 

The detailed Implementation Plan is presented in the Matrix immediately after this 

section. The matrix has outlined the key activities to be implemented under each 

thematic area. The matrix has also highlighted the activities’ expected outputs, 

performance/monitoring and evaluation indicators, actors and timeframe for activity 

implementation. Included in the matrix is also an estimate cost for each activity. The 

Plan Implementation Matrix will be a critical and important tool for: 

i) Informing the development of project concepts and proposals 

ii) Mobilizing, allocating and utilizing resources during plan implementation; 

iii) Efficiently and effective management and coordination of plan 

implementation process; 

iv) Soliciting collaboration and support from partners and all other stakeholders 

in the coastal zone; 

v) Monitoring progress, evaluating results/outputs and assessing 

outcome/impact, documentation and dissemination of results of impact; 

vi) Facilitating mid-term and end-of-plan reviews/evaluations 

62


INTEGRATED COASTAL ZONE MANAGEMENT ACTION PLAN 

IMPLEMENTATION MATRIX 

Thematic Area 1: Integrated Planning and Coordination 

Strategic 

Objective 

SO 1.1: 

Planning & 

Management 

of Coastal 

Development 

Action 

Strategies 

STRAT 1.1.1: 

Guide and 

coordinate 

planning and 

management of 

development in 

the coastal zone 

Expected 

output 

OUT 1: 

Guidelines 

developed and 

published 

OUT 2: 

Baseline GIS 

for coastal zone 

spatial analysis 

developed 

OUT 3: Zone 

plans 

developed 

OUT 4: Urban 

environmental 

profiles for all 

towns 

developed 

Actions 

ACT 1: Develop 

guidelines for 

integrated coastal area 

management and 

planning 

ACT 2: Develop and 

maintain baseline GIS 

for coastal zone 

resources, land use, 

and critical 

ecosystems 


action area/zone plans 

for various ecosystem 

and development areas 


urban environmental 

profiles to facilitate 

planning for various 

activities 

Performance/M & E 

Indicators 

PI 1: Integrated 

coastal area 

management and 

planning guidelines 

PI 2: Up-to date 

baseline coastal zone 

GIS system 

PI 3: At least 5 action 

area/zones included 

in the regional, local 

and special area plans 

PI 4: State of the 

urban environment 

profiles (Mombasa, 

Kilifi, Malindi, 

Lamu) 

Responsibility 

& Partners 

Lands, 

CDA,NEMA, 

local authorities, 

KWS, NGOs, 

CBOs, 

Lands, NEMA, 

Local 

government, 

KMFRI, 

Physical 


Lands, NEMA, 

Local 

government, 

CDA, all 

sectors, civil 

society 

Lands, NEMA, 

Local 

government, 

CDA, all 

sectors, civil 

society 

Cost (KSh) Duration 

5,000,000 1 year 

20,000,000 5 years 

25,000,000 5 years 

12,000,000 5 years


OUT 5: Coast 

regional 

physical 

development 

plan generated 

OUT 6: Land 

capability and 

land-use plans 

developed 

OUT 7: A 

strengthened 

ICZM 

committee 

OUT 8: 

Management 

Information 

System in place 

OUT 9: 

Environmental 

and socioeconomic 

concerns 

mainstreamed 

in planning 


physical development 

plan for the coast 

ACT 6: Develop land 

capability and land use 


ACT 7: Strengthen the 

ICZM steering 

committee to assist in 

development and 

environmental control. 

ACT 8: Establish a 

shared natural 

resource management 

information system 

ACT 9: Mainstream 

environmental and 

socio-economic 

concerns including 

climate change in 

planning and 

development 

PI 5: Coast regional 

physical development 

plan 

PI 6: Land capability 

and land-use plans 

PI 7: A strong ICZM 

committee 

PI 8: NRM 


management system 

PI 8: Development 

plans incorporating 

environmental and 


concerns 

Lands, NEMA, 

Local 

government, 

CDA, civil 

society 

Lands, NEMA, 

Local 

government, 

CDA, civil 

society 

Lands, NEMA, 

Local 

government, 

CDA, civil 

society 

NEMA, Lands, 

CDA, Local 

authorities, 

KMFRI, NGOs 

Ministry of 

planning, 

national 

development 

and vision 2030, 

CDA and other 

agencies 

35,000,000 3 years 

10,000,000 2 years 

3,000,000 5 years 

6,000,000 2 years 

3,000,000 2 years 

64


STRAT 1.1.2: 

Put in place 

appropriate 

strategies for 

managing 

development 

and growth in 


OUT 1: 

Harmonised 

development 

plans for 

counties and 

constituencies 

OUT 2: County 

Development 


implemented 

OUT 

3: Inventories 

of various 

coastal natural 

resources 

prepared 

OUT 

4: Critical 

habitats/ecosyst 

em carrying 

capacity 

established 

OUT 5: Joint 

enforcement 

operations 

ACT 1: Harmonise 

county development 

plans and constituency 


ACT 2: Support 

implementation of 

County Development 

Plans in the Coast 

region 

ACT 3: Inventorise 

and profile the 

available stocks with 

respect to natural 

resources 

ACT 4: Establish the 

carrying capacity of 

key critical 

habitats/ecosystems to 

control development 

in critical habitats 

ACT 5: Support joint 

enforcement of EIA/ 

EA and other 

regulations 

PI 1: Harmonised 

county and 

constituency 


PI 2: Coastal 

County Development 

plans implementation 

Programme 

PI 3: Inventories 

and profiles of 

available natural 

resources 

PI 4: Critical 

habitats carrying 

capacity assessment 

reports 

PI 5: Number of joint 

enforcements 

CDA, TARDA, 

Planning 

ministry, local 

government 

Local 

governments, 

CDA, Vision 

2030, all 

stakeholders 

KMFRI, 

NEMA, KFS, 

KWS, NGOs, 

DRS, Fisheries, 

academia 

KMFRI, 

NEMA, KFS, 

KWS, NGOs, 

DRS, Fisheries, 

Academia 

NEMA and lead 

institutions 

5,000,000 2 years 

10,000,000 5 years 

30,000,000 5 years 

50,000,000 3 years 

10,000,000 5 years 

65


OUT 6: M &E 

tools developed 


ICZM Monitoring and 

Evaluation tools 

PI 6: ICZM M & E 

tools 

NEMA, CDA, 

Academia, 

Stakeholders 

6,000,000 2 years 

SO 1.2: 

Provision of 

infrastructure 

based on 

spatial 


STRAT 1.1.3: 

Strengthen the 

capacity of 

institutions 

responsible for 

coastal planning 

and 

development 

STRAT 1.1.4: 

Coordinate 

implementation 

of the national 

land policies to 

address issues 

of land tenure 

STRAT 1.2.1: 

Promote and 

support the 

provision of 

amenities and 


based on spatial 


OUT 1: 

Capacity for 

institutions 

with planning 

mandate 

supported 

OUT 1: Land 

tenure issues in 

the coastal 

region 

addressed 

OUT 

1: Environmen 

tal standards 

mainstreamed 

in 


development 

projects 


capacity development 

plan for all institutions 

with planning mandate 

ACT 1: Implement 

Land policy to 

address land tenure 

issues in the coastal 

region 

ACT 1: Enforcement 

of environmental 

regulations and 

standards in the 

provision of 

infrastructure and 

amenities 

PI 1: Capacity 


PI 1: Reduction in 

land tenure issues in 


PI 1: compliance 

with environmental 

quality standards by 


development projects 

Physical 

Planning, 

NEMA and 

stakeholders 

Ministry of 

Lands, Local 

Authorities and 

stakeholders 

NEMA, private 

sector, 

industries, 

government 

agencies, NGOs 

and other 

stakeholders 

6,000,000 1 year 

20,000,000 5 years 

10,000,000 5 years 

66


STRAT 1.2.2: 

Promote 

private-public 

partnership to 

undertake ICZM 

programmes 

OUT 1: ICZM 

PPP strategy 


the government policy 

on PPP in ICZM 

PI 1: Number of 

PPPs initiatives in 

support of ICZM 

NEMA, lead 

institutions, 

Private sector 

5,000,000 5 years 

OUT 2: 

Mechanisms/in 

centives to 

encourage 

private sector 

investment 

developed 


mechanisms/incentive 

s to encourage private 

sector investment in 

the use and 

conservation of 

natural resources 


mechanisms/incentiv 

es developed and 

implemented 

NEMA, private 

sector, lead 

institutions and 

stakeholders 

15,000,000 5 years 

SO 1.3: 

Coordination 

and 

Communicatio 

n Mechanisms 

amongst 

stakeholders 

STRAT 1.3.1: 

Ensure the 

support and 

involvement of 

relevant 

administrative 

bodies and 

sectors 

concerned with 

the management 

of the coastal 

area 

STRAT 1.3.2: 

Ensure the 

inclusion of 

communities 

and all other 

OUT 1: 

Environmental 


committees 

strengthened 

OUT 2: ICZM 

activities 

included in PC 

of lead and 

partner 

institutions 

OUT 1: 

Community 

and other 

stakeholders 

planning forum 

ACT 1: Strengthen 

environment 


committees (county, 

regional, etc) to 

discharge their 

mandates 


ICZM proposed 

activities into 

performance contracts 

of lead and partner 

institutions 


forum for community 

and other stakeholders 

participation in 

planning and access to 

PI 1.3.1.(i): Number 

of environment 


committees trained 

PI 2: Number of PCs 

with ICZM activities 

incorporated 


meetings and 

diversity of 

participation 

NEMA, lead 

institutions 

All participating 

agencies 

NEMA and 

stakeholders 

15,000,000 5 years 

5,000,000 5 years 

5,000,000 5 years 

67


stakeholders in 

the planning of 



programs 

STRAT 1.3.3: 

Promote 

strategies that 

will enhance 

communication 

among 

stakeholders 

established 

OUT 2: 

Communitybased 

development 


OUT 1: 

Communicatio 

n Strategy 

developed and 

implemented 


ACT 2: Embrace 

community demand 

driven developmental 

planning approach 


implement 

communication 

strategy that supports 

participatory 

development planning 

at all levels 


Community-based 


PI 1: Communication 

strategy 

CDA, TARDA, 

Planning 

ministry, local 

government, 

stakeholders 

NEMA, CDA 

and stakeholders 

Thematic Area 2: Promotion of Sustainable Economic Development 

Strategic 

Objective 

SO 2.1: 

Promotion of 

community 

empowerment 

and 

sustainable 

livelihoods 

Action 

Strategies 

STRAT 2.1.1: 

Promote offshore 

fishery 

STRAT 2.1.2: 

Promote 

alternative 

livelihoods 

Expected 

output 

OUT 1: 

Increased 

exploitation of 

off-shore 

fisheries by 

local fishers 

OUT 1: 

Diversified 

economic base 

Actions 

ACT 1: Empower 

local fishers to venture 

off-shore 

ACT 1: Empower 

local communities to 

diversify means of 

livelihood 


Indicators 

PI 1: Landings from 

off-shore fisheries 


livelihood options 


& Partners 

Fisheries, 

NGOs, CDA, 

fisher folk 

All 

Stakeholders 

5,000,000 5 years 

10,000,000 1 years 

Cost (KSh) 

Duration 

40,000,000 5 years 

30,000,000 5 years 

68


SO 2.2: 

Resolving 

Resource use 

conflicts and 

benefit 

sharing 

STRAT 2.1.3: 

Introduce 

mechanisms for 

co-management, 

rehabilitation of 

ecosystems, and 

sharing of 

benefits 

STRAT 2.1.5: 

Promote 

traditional 

values and 

practices that 

ensure 

sustainable 


resources 

STRAT 2.2.1: 

Ensure equity in 

access to land 

and water space 

and use of 

coastal resources 

OUT 1: Well 

conserved 

CMAs 

OUT 2: 

Community 

based ICZM 

initiatives 

OUT 1: 

Traditional 

knowledge and 

best practices 

documented 

and 

mainstreamed 

OUT 1: 

Equitable 

access to 

marine & 

coastal 

resources 

OUT 2: 

Conflict 

resolution 

mechanisms 

developed 

ACT 1: Establish 

community managed 

areas (CMAs) in 

marine and terrestrial 

environment 

ACT 2: Community 

involvement and 

participation in ICZM 

planning & 


ACT 1: Document 

traditional knowledge 

as well as best 

practices and 

mainstreaming into 

natural management 

systems 

ACT 1:Promote access 

and establish benefit 

sharing schemes 


conflict resolution 

mechanisms 

PI 1: The number of 

CMAs and CMA 

agreements 


community based 

ICZM initiatives 

PI 1: Report & 

publications on 


and best practices 

PI 1: Benefit sharing 

schemes in place 



mechanisms 

KWS, KFS, 

Ministry of 

Fisheries, 

CBOs and 

NGOs, NEMA 

CDA, NEMA 

and 

stakeholders 

NMK, KWS, 

Ministry of 

Fisheries, KFS, 

CBOs & 

NGOs, KMFRI 

NEMA and 

stakeholders 

NEMA, CDA, 

Fisheries, 

KWS, NGOs 

and 

stakeholders 

50,000,000 5 years 

5,000,000 5 years 

10,000,000 5 years 

10,000,000 5 years 

10,000,000 5 years 

69


OUT 3: conflict 

resolution 

awareness 

programs 

conducted 

OUT 4: humanwildlife 

conflicts 

measures 

implemented 

OUT 5: 

Visitors 

sensitised on 

cultural and 

religious values 

ACT 3: conduct 

awareness and 

education programs on 



programmes to 

address 

human/wildlife 

conflicts 


acceptable code of 

conduct to safeguard 

cultural and religious 

values 


awareness and 

education programs 

in regard to conflict 

resolution 



conflicts incidences 

PI 5: Codes of 

conduct related to 

cultural and religious 

values 

NEMA, CDA, 

Fisheries, 

KWS, NGOs 

and 

stakeholders 

KWS, Local 

authority, 

Fisheries, 

NGOs, KFS 

Ministry of 

Tourism, NMK 

10,000,000 5 years 

6,000,000 5 years 

5,000,000 5 years 

Thematic Area 3: Conservation of the Coastal and Marine Environment 

Strategic 

Objective 

SO 3.1: 

Preserve, 

Protect and 

Restore the 

Integrity of 

Coastal and 

Mangrove 


Action 

Strategies 

STRAT 3.1.1: 

Ensure 

mainstreaming 

of the 


critical habitats 

including coastal 

forests and 

mangroves into 

land use 


Expected 

output 

OUT 1: 

Critical habitats 

inventories and 

valuation 

carried out 

OUT 1: ESAs 

mapped and 

Management 

Plans 

developed and 

implemented 

Actions 

ACT 1: Conduct 


valuation of critical 

habitats including 

coastal forest to 

generate accurate 

baseline information 

ACT 2: Map 

ecologically sensitive 

areas (ESA) and 

develop management 

plans for the areas 


Indicators 

PI 1: Critical habitats 


valuation reports 

PI 1: ESA maps and 

survey reports, Site 

specific EAS 

management Plans 


& Partners 

KFS, Ministry 

of Forestry, 

KWS, Physical 

Planning 

Department 

KWS, KMFRI, 

NEMA, 

Physical 

Planning, 

Fisheries 

Cost (KSh) 

Duration 

15,000,000 3 years 

20,000,000 5 Years 

70


OUT 3: Socioeconomic 

assessment of 

utilization of 


carried out 

OUT 4: 

Integrated 


plans for 

critical coastal 

habitats 

developed 

OUT 5: 

Existing MPAs 

network 

expanded 

through comanagement 

approach 

ACT 6: Critical 

habitats 

monitoring and 

evaluation plan 

developed and 

implemented 

OUT 7: Coastal 

zone 

environmental 

change 

indicators 



assessment of 

utilization of critical 

habitats including 

coastal and mangrove 

resources 


integrated 

management plans for 


including coastal and 

mangrove forests 

ACT 5: Expand the 

current MPAs network 

through establishment 

of co-managed MPAs 


implement a critical 

habitats and shoreline 


evaluation 

plan/strategy 


indicators for 


reporting on State of 

the Coast Environment 


assessment Reports 



management plans 

PI 5: At least 2 new 

co-managed MPAs 

P1 6: Critical habitats 


evaluation plans 

P1 7: Coastal zone 

environmental 

change indicators 

KFS, KEFRI, 

KWS, 

Academia. 

KMFRI 

NEMA, KFS, 

Ministry of 

Forestry, KWS, 

Physical 

Planning 

Department 

KWS 

collaborating 

with relevant 

stakeholders 

NEMA, KFS, 

KWS, KMFRI, 

community 

groups 

NEMA, KWS, 

TOURISM, 

KMFRI, 

NGOs, 

Fisheries, 

6,000,000 2 years 

6,000,000 2 years 

30,000,000 5 years 

8,000,000 2 years 

3,000,000 2 years 

71


STRAT 3.1.2: 

Promote IWRM 

strategies to 

conserve water 

catchments; 

coastal and 

mangrove 


STRAT 3.1.3: 

Promote multisectoral 

approach in 

managing 


mangrove forest 

areas 

developed 

OUT 8: MEAs 

relevant for 


conservation 

domesticated 

and 

implemented 

OUT 1: 

Stakeholder 

inventory 

developed 

OUT 2: 

Catchment 

areas mapped; 

degraded areas 

rehabilitated 

OUT 1: 

Functional 

forest 

conservation 

PPPs 

OUT 2: 

alternative uses 

of critical 

habitats fully 

explored and 

promoted 

ACT 8: Domesticate 

and implement MEAs 

relevant for coastal 

zone conservation 


inventory of 

stakeholder involved 

in coastal forest and 

catchment areas 

ACT 2: Map 

catchment areas and 

rehabilitate degraded 

ACT 1: Forge privatepublic-partnerships 

in 

forest conservation 


implement alternative 

critical habitats uses 

e.g. bee keeping, 

tourism ,etc 


MEAs domesticated 

and implemented 

PI 3.1.2.(i): 

Inventory of 

stakeholders involved 

in coastal forest and 

catchment areas 

conservation 

PI 2: Catchment 

maps; rehabilitated 

areas 


PPPs in coastal forest 

conservation 

PI 2: Sustainable 

alternative uses for 

critical habitats in 

place 

Planning, 

NEMA, 

MEMR, 

stakeholders 

WRMA, KFS, 

NGOs, 

communities 

WRMA, KFS, 

NGOs, 

community 

groups, 

KFS, KMFRI, 

KWS, CDA, 

KEFRI, Private 

Sector, NGOs 

Forestry, 

KMFRI, KWS, 

CDA, private 

sectors, 

academia 

8,000,000 5 Years 

2,000,000 1 year 

15,000,000 2 years 

2,000,000 5 years 

15,000,000 5 years 

72


STRAT 3.1.4: 

Promote comanagement 

of 


mangrove 


STRAT 3.1.5: 

Strengthen 

capacity and 

enforce 

regulations to 

foster critical 

habitats 

conservation 

OUT 3: 

Payment for 

Ecosystem 

Services (PES) 

schemes 

developed and 

implemented 

OUT 1: Comanaged 

conservation 

areas 

established 

OUT 2: 

Healthy forest 

systems 

OUT 3: 

Developments 

in forest areas 

adhering to 

environmental 

standards 

OUT 1: 

Enhanced 

capacity in 

enforcement of 

regulations 

OUT 2: Critical 

habitats 


guidelines 

developed 


implement schemes on 

Payment for 

Ecosystem Services 

(PES) 


community 

involvement in coastal 

forest management 

ACT 2: Restore 

degraded critical 

habitats 

ACT 3: Enforce EIA 

and other regulations 

to conserve forest 

areas 

ACT 1: Invest in 

capital and human 

capacity on critical 

habitats 


implement critical 

habitats management 

and use guidelines 

PI 3: Number of PES 

in place 

PI 1: Co-managed 

conservation areas 


rehabilitation plans 

PI 3: EIA/Audit 

reports, 


building plans 



guidelines 

Forestry, 

KMFRI, KWS, 

CDA, Private 

sector 

KFS, KWS, 

Fisheries, CDA 

KFS, KWS, 

Fisheries, CDA 

NEMA and 

lead 

government 

institutions 

Ministry of 


NMK 

NEMA, 

Ministry of 


NMK, KMFRI, 

Fisheries 

15,000,000 5 years 

15,000,000 5 years 

30,000,000 4 years 

6,000,000 5 years 

6,000,000 5 years 

3,000,000 2 years 

73


SO 3.2: To 

Preserve, 

Protect and 

Restore the 

integrity of 

STRAT 3.1.6: 

Strengthen 

guidelines on 


wildlife to avoid 


conflict 

STRAT 3.2.1: 

Regulate fishing, 

including 

trawling, and 

tourism 

OUT 3: Best 

practice 


coastal mining 

developed 

OUT 4: 

Informed 

public on 



OUT 5: 

Established 

PPP 

OUT 6: Bylaws 

strengthened to 

address critical 

habitats 

conservation 

OUT 1: 

wildlife 

corridors 

secured and 

buffer zones 

established 

OUT 1: 

Maximum 

Sustainable 

Yields (MSY) 

established 

ACT 3: Develop best 

practice guidelines for 

coastal mining 

ACT 4: Undertake 


conservation education 

and awareness 

programs 

ACT 5: Forge public 

private partnerships to 

co-manage coastal and 

marine resources 


bylaws to provide for 


conservation 

ACT 1: Secure 

wildlife corridors and 

create buffer zone to 

stem human/wildlife 

conflict 

ACT 1: Assess 

fisheries sustainability 

status through stock 

assessment 

PI 3: Best practice 

guidelines for mining 

in the coast 


training and 

awareness programs 


functional PPPs 

PI 6: Bylaws 

providing for 




wildlife corridors 

secured and buffer 

zones established 

PI 1: Status report 

NEMA, Mines 

and Geology 

Department 

Ministry of 


CDA 

Ministry of 

Forestry, 

KWS, CDA 

Local 

Authorities, 

KFS, NEMA, 

KWS, NGOs 

KWS, KFS, 

NGOs, CBOs, 

stakeholders 

Fisheries 

Department, 

KWS, Tourism 

2,000,000 2 years 

15,000,000 5 years 

10,000,000 5 years 

6,000,000 2 years 

20,000,000 5 years 

3,000,000 1 year 

74


Coral Reefs 

and seagrass 

beds 

activities in 

seagrass and 

coral areas 

STRAT 3.2.2: 

Promote good 

land 


practices that 

address the 

erosion problem, 

causing siltation 

on coral reefs 

STRAT 3.2.3: 

Ensure good 

land use 

practices to 

manage erosion 

and minimize 

sediments loads 

in river basins 

OUT 2: 

Critical habitats 

vulnerability 

studies 

conducted 

OUT 3: 

Improved 


coral reefs 

OUT 4: 

Enhanced 

compliance 

with fishing 

regulations 

OUT 1: 

Improved water 

quality in Tana 

and Athi Rivers 

OUT 1: 

Improved 


both River 

Tana and Athi 

basins 


critical habitat 

vulnerability studies 

ACT 3: Develop coral 

reefs management 


ACT 4: Enforce law 

and regulations on 

fishing gear 


implement river basin 

management plans 


implement Integrated 

Management plans for 

Tana and Athi Rivers 

PI 2: Vulnerability 

assessment reports 

PI 3: Coral reef 



fishing gear 

complying with 

fishing regulations 

PI 1: Healthy coral 

reef ecosystem 



for River Tana and 

Athi 

Fisheries 

Department, 

KWS, Tourism 

Fisheries 

Department, 

KWS, NGOs, 

KMFRI 

Fisheries 

Department, 

KWS, 

fishermen 

Agriculture, 

CDA, KWS, 

KFS, TARDA, 

NGOs 

WRMA, 

TARDA,NEM 

A, NGOs, 

KWS, CBOs 

6,000,000 1 year 

10,000,000 2 years 

15,000,000 5 years 

15,000,000 5 years 

5,000,000 2 years 

75


SO 3.3: 

Preserve, 

Protect and 

Restore the 

integrity of 

Estuaries and 

Deltas 

SO 3.4: To 

Improve the 

Management 

of Solid waste 

STRAT 3.3.1: 

Declare and 

estuaries deltas 

as conservation 

areas with 

zoning regimes 

to ensure 

protection of 

biodiversity 

STRAT 3.4.1: 

Strengthen local 

authorities to 

effectively 

manage urban 

waste 

OUT 2: 

Sustainable use 

of accreted 

areas 

OUT 1: Tana 

Delta mapped 

and areas for 

designation as 

Ramsar site 

delineated 

OUT 2: 

Improved 


estuaries 

OUT 3: 

Vulnerability 

and land 

capability maps 

developed 

OUT 1: 

Strategic 

installation of 

solid waste 

receptors 

OUT 2: Solid 

waste dumping 

site in place 


guidelines on use of 

accreted lands on river 

banks, beaches e.g. 

Malindi 

ACT 2: Map and 

designate Tana Delta 

as a Ramsar site 


implement 

management plans for 

estuaries e.g. Sabaki 

Estuary 

ACT 3: Map and zone 

the Tana Delta based 

on vulnerability and 

land capability map 

ACT 1: Strategic 

installation of solid 

waste receptors with 

regular collection 

programs 

ACT 2: Acquire, 

designate and develop 

landfill 

PI 1: Guidelines on 

use of accreted land 

PI 1: Tana Delta 

baseline map; 

Ramsar site 

PI 3: Estuaries 


PI 3: Zoning maps 

PI 1: Improved waste 



landfills in place 

WRMA, 

TARDA, 

NEMA 

NEMA, KWS, 

WRMA, 

TARDA 

NEMA in 

collaboration 

with relevant 

stakeholders 

Planning, 

WRMA, 

TARDA, 

KMFRI 

Municipal, 

water service 

board 

Municipal, 

water service 

board 

2, 000,000 2 years 

20,000,000 4 years 

10,000,000 5 years 

10,000,000 3 years 

6,000,000 5 years 

5,000,000 5 years 

OUT 3: Solid 

waste dumping 

ACT 3: Identify and 

designate solid waste 


designated solid 

Local 

Authorities, 

3,000,000 5 years 

76


STRAT 3.4.2: 

Promote publicprivate 

sectorpartnership 

in 

waste 


STRAT 3.4.3: 

Promote public 

awareness on 

good waste 


practices 

sites identified 

and designated 

OUT 4: Best 

waste 


practices 

recognized and 

upscaled 

OUT 1: 

improved waste 


OUT 2: Youth 

groups actively 

participating in 

solid waste 


OUT 3: Pilot 

Waste 

recycling 

programmes 

developed 

OUT 1: Public 

training and 

awareness 

programs 

implemented 

OUT 2: 

Improved 

public 

awareness on 

waste 

dumping sites waste dumping sites NEMA, Private 

sector 

ACT 4: Develop and P1 4: Award schemes NEMA, Lead 

implement Award for best waste institutions, 

schemes for best waste management NGOs, private 

management practices practices 

sector 

ACT 1: Establish solid 

waste sorting and 

collection programs 

based on PPPs 

ACT 2: Encourage 

youth groups to 

participate in garbage 

collection and disposal 


implement garbage 

recycling projects 


implement waste 

management education 

and awareness 

programs 

ACT 2: Sensitize the 

public and private 

sector on EMCA 

regulations on waste 



successful 

partnerships 

P3 : Number of 

youth groups actively 

participating in solid 

waste management 

PI 3: Number of pilot 

Waste recycling 

programmes 

PI 1: Awareness/ 

Training reports 

P1 1: Awareness 

reports 

Local 

Authorities, 

NEMA 

NEMA, CSOs, 

Local 

Authorities 

NEMA, CSOs, 

Local 

Authorities 

NEMA, CSOs, 

Local 

Authorities 

NEMA, CSOs, 

Local 

Authorities 

6,000,000 2 years 

5,000,000 5 years 

5,000,000 5 years 

15,000,000 4 years 

5,000,000 3 years 

5,000,000 5 years 

77



STRAT 3.4.4: 

Enforce the 

EMCA (Waste 

Management) 

Regulations 

2006 

OUT 3: 

Demonstration 

sites on best 

waste 


practices 

developed 

OUT 1: solid 

waste 


regulations 

enforced 

OUT 2: 

Improved 

compliance 

with 

environmental 

standards 

OUT 3: 

Pollution hot 

spots in the 


mapped 

OUT 4: Coastal 

zone pollution 

prevention and 

control 

guidelines 

developed 


demonstration sites on 

best waste 

management practices 

ACT 1: Enforce solid 


regulations 


joint inspection and 

monitoring missions 


map pollution (solid 

wastes and effluent 

discharge) hot spots 


coastal zone pollution 

prevention and control 

guidelines 


demo sites on best 


practices 


licenses issued, 

inspection reports, 

prosecution reports 

PI 2: Inspection and 

monitoring reports 

PI 3: Inventory of 

pollution hotspots in 


PI 4: coastal zone 

pollution prevention 

and control 

guidelines 

NEMA, CSOs, 

Local 

Authorities 

NEMA, Local 

Authorities, 

Lead 

institutions 

NEMA, Local 

Authorities, 

Lead 

institutions 

Local 

Authorities, 

NEMA, 

KMFRI 

20,000,000 3 years 

5,000,000 5 years 

8,000,0000 5 years 

4,000,000 2 years 

NEMA 2,000,000 2 years 

78


SO 3.5: To 

Improve 

Water quality 

STRAT 3.5.1: 

Promote 

Integrated 

wastewater 


strategies to 

safeguard water 

quality 

OUT 5: 

Classification 

and zoning of 

sites based on 

pollution 

sources done 

OUT 1: 

Sewerage 

infrastructure in 

place and 

functional 

OUT 2: Best 

practice models 

for Municipal 

Waster Water 

Management 

(MWWM) 

developed and 

implemented 

OUT 3: pilot 

areas for 

interventions 

identified 

OUT 4: 

Adoption of 

appropriate 

MWWM 

systems and 

cleaner 

production 

technologies 

ACT 5: Classification 

and zoning of sites 

based on pollution 

sources, levels, types 

and potential threats 

ACT 1: Expand and 

refurbish the sewerage 

infrastructure and 

connectivity 


implement best 

practice models for 

Municipal Wastewater 

Management 

ACT 3: Identify pilot 

areas for interventions: 

including collection, 

treatment and disposal 

of effluent 

ACT 4: Build capacity 

and create stakeholder 

awareness on 

appropriate MWWM 

systems and cleaner 

production 

technologies 

PI 5: Sites classified 

and zoned 


sewerage 


refurbished 

PI 2: MWWM 

models in place 

PI 3: Pilot areas for 

collection, treatment 

and disposal of 

effluent 


training and 

awareness meetings 

Local 

Authorities, 

NEMA, 

KMFRI 

Municipal, 

water service 

board, CDA 

NEMA, Local 

Authorities, 

Private sector 

Local authority, 

NEMA 

Local authority, 

NEMA, water 

and sanitation 

companies, 

NGOs, CBOs 

5,000,000 2 years 

20,000,000 5 years 

15,000,000 2 years 

5,000,000 2 years 

10,000,000 2 years 

79


STRAT 3.5.2: 

Enforce EMCA 

(Water Quality) 

Regulations 

2006 

STRAT 3.5.3: 

Ensure 

sustainable 

extraction of 

groundwater 

resources 

OUT 5: 

MWWM 

systems 

improved 

OUT 6: 

Improved 

wastewater 


OUT 1: 

Improved 

public 

awareness and 

compliance to 

Water quality 

regulations 

OUT 2: 

Regular 

inspections 

carried out 

OUT 1: 

Amount of 

ground water 

resources in the 


established 

OUT 2: water 

harvesting pans 

established 

ACT 5: 

Improve/rehabilitate 

existing wastewater 

systems where 

necessary 

ACT 6: Construct 

appropriate 

wastewater 

management systems 

in Malindi & Kilifi 

ACT 1: Create public 

awareness on Water 

quality regulations 

2006 

ACT 2: Carry out 

regular inspections to 

enforce Water Quality 

Regulations 

ACT 1: Carry out an 

assess of available 

ground water 

resources in the 



water harvesting pans 


wastewater 

management systems 

improved 

PI 6: Number of new 

sewerage systems 

constructed 

PI 1; Awareness 

reports 


inspections 

PI 1: Ground water 

resources data and 

assessment reports 

PI 2: Number of pans 

established 

Municipal, 

coast water 

services 

local 

authorities, 

water and 

sanitation 

companies, 

NGOs 

NEMA, CSOs 

and other 

stakeholders 

NEMA, Lead 

institutions, 

Local 

Authorities 

WRMA, Mines 

and Geology, 

Ministry of 

Water, CDA 

WRMA, 

Ministry of 

Water and 

Irrigation, CDA 

20,000,000 5 years 

50,000,000 5 years 

3,000,000 1 year 

5,000,000 5 years 

5,000,000 2 years 

10,000,000 5 years 

80


STRAT 3.5.4: 

Promote public 

awareness on the 

importance of 

protecting 

natural water 

systems 

STRAT 3.5.5: 

Promote the 


of oil spill 

contingency plan 

OUT 3: 

Improved 

awareness on 

rain water 

harvesting 

technologies 

OUT 1: 

Enhanced 

public 

awareness 

OUT 2: 

Increased water 

availability 

OUT 3: 

Enhanced 

capacity on 

IWRM 

OUT 4: Waste 

water treatment 

plants 

established in 

urban centres 

OUT 1: 

OSMARG 

capacity 

strengthened 

OUT 2: 

Valuation of 

key 

resources/habit 

ACT 3: Sensitise the 

public on rain water 

harvesting 

technologies 


public sensitization 

and awareness 

programmes 

ACT 2: Restoration of 

degraded water 

catchments 

ACT 3: Capacity 

building on integrated 

water resource 

management (IWRM) 

through training 


waste water treatment 

plants and promote 

waste water recycling 

in urban areas 

ACT 1: Strengthening 

capacity of OSMAG 

and other institutions 

to respond to Oil Spill 

incidents 


resource valuation to 

inform processes 

seeking compensation 

PI 3; Number of 

sensitization 

meetings 


sensitization 

meetings 

PI 1: Size of water 

catchments area 

restored 


trainings/forums 

PI 3: Number of new 

wastewater treatment 

plants established 

P1 1: Effective 

OSMAG 

PI 2: Resource 

valuation reports 

WRMA, 

Ministry of 

Water and 


WRMA, 

Ministry of 

Water and 


KWS, KFS, 

KEFRI, 

WRMA 

KWS, KFS, 

KEFRI, 

WRMA 

Local Gov., 

CWSB, 

Municipal. 

KMA ,NEMA, 

OSMAG, 

stakeholders 

FiD, KWS, 

KFS, 

Academia, 

Research 

3,000,000 5 years 

2,000,000 5 years 

10,000,000 5 years 

6,000,000 5 years 

50,000,000 5 years 

6,000,000 2 years 

10,000,000 3 years 

81


ats done from oil spill incidents Institutions 

Thematic Area 4: Environmental Risks and Management of shoreline change 

Strategic 

Objective 

SO 4.1: To 

Minimize the 

Impacts of 

Shoreline 

Change 

Action 

Strategies 

STRAT 4.1.1: 

Develop and 

implement a 

Shoreline 

Management 

Plan/Strategy 

Expected 

output 

OUT 1: 

assessment of 

extent and 

magnitude of 

shoreline 

change 

assessed 

OUT 2: 


available to 

guide 

development of 

future shoreline 

change 

mitigation 

measures 

OUT 3: 

Improved 

shoreline 


OUT : 

Information on 

available 

expertise on 

Actions 


assessment of extent 

and magnitude of 

shoreline change and 

impacts on biophysical 

and socioeconomic 

dimensions 


successes and failures 

of mitigation measures 

for the purpose of 

sharing information 

and informing future 

mitigation plans 

ACT 3: Implement 

Shoreline restoration 

measures on selected 

areas as well as 

monitor the status of 

restored habitats 


awareness and 

network of existing 

expertise on shoreline 


Indicators 

PI 1: Assessment 

reports and maps on 


PI 2: defined setback 

requirements; 

Shoreline change 

mitigation plans 


successful shoreline 

restoration measures 

PI 4: Database of 

experts and 

institutions 


& Partners 

CDA, KMFRI, 

Physical 

Planning 

Department, 

Local 

Authority, 

NEMA 

CDA, KMFRI, 

Physical 

Planning 

Department, 

Local 

Authority, 

NEMA 

CDA, KMFRI, 

Physical 

Planning, Local 

Authority, 

NEMA 

CDA, KMFRI, 

Physical 

Planning Local 

Authority, 

Cost (KSh) 

Duration 

8,000,000 2 years 

4,000,000 2 years 

20,000,000 5 years 

500,000 2 years 

82


shoreline 


management in the 

region 

NEMA 

OUT 5: 

Enhanced 

capacity in 

shoreline 

change 


and restoration 

OUT 6: 

Increased 

capacity to 

address 

shoreline 

change 

OUT 7: 


public about 

shoreline 

change and its 

effects 

ACT 5: Building and 

strengthen scientific 

and technical capacity 

on shoreline change 

management, 

mitigation, restoration 

and monitoring 

ACT 6: Build 

partnerships and 

collaborate with 

regional and 

international bodies to 

address shoreline 

change in the country 

ACT 7: Create 

awareness among 

stakeholders to ensure 

key concepts/aspects 

of shoreline change are 

understood 

PI 5: Training 

reports; number of 

trained staff 

PI 6: Existing 


agreements to 

address shoreline 

change 

PI 7: Awareness 

reports 

CDA, KMFRI, 

Physical 


Authority, 

NEMA 

CDA, KMFRI, 

Physical 


Authority, 

NEMA 

CDA, KMFRI, 

Physical 

Planning, 

NEMA, local 

authorities 

5,000,000 3 years 

1,000,000 5 years 

6,000,000 2 years 

STRAT 4.1.2: 

Harmonize, 

strengthen and 

enforce the 

regulations 

OUT 1 : 

Compliance 

with shoreline 

development 

regulations 

ACT 1: Enforce 

existing regulations on 

shoreline management 

and development 

PI 1: Planned and 

controlled shoreline 

development 

Physical 

Planning 

Department & 

Coordinating 

body, NEMA 

4,000,000 2 years 

83


SO 4.2: To 

mainstream 

climate 

change 


adaptation 

measures into 

coastal 

development 

plans and 

programmes 

guiding 

shoreline 

development 

STRAT 4.2.1: 

Develop and 

implement a 

strategy for 

protection of the 

coastal area 

against the 

impacts of 


OUT 2: 

Shoreline 

change 

mitigation 

measures 

developed 

OUT 1: 

Extent and 

magnitude of 


in the coastal 


established 

OUT 2: 

Sensitive and 

vulnerability 

areas 

established 

OUT 3: 

Climate change 

mitigation/adap 

tation measures 

implemented in 

selected areas 

OUT 4: 

indicators for 


developed and 



implementation of 


mitigation measures 

ACT 1: Assessment of 

the extent and 

magnitude of climate 

change and its impacts 

in the coastal zone 


sensitivity and 

vulnerability 

assessment of the 

coastal area against the 

impacts of climate 

change 


implement climate 

change mitigation & 

adaptation measures in 

selected areas 

(mangroves planting, 

water conservation 

measures, etc) 


develop appropriate 

indicators for climate 

change in the coast 

PI 2: Guidelines for 


mitigation 

PI 1: Assessment 

reports 

PI 2: Sensitivity and 

vulnerability 

assessment 

reports/maps 

PI 3: Climate change 


adaptation plans; 

Adaptation and 

increased resilience 

to climate change 

PI 4: Checklist of 


indicators 

CDA, KMFRI, 

Physical 


Authority, 

NMEA 

CDA, KMFRI, 

Physical 

Planning 

Department & 

Coordinating 

body 

MEMR, 

NEMA, Lead 

institutions, 

NGOs, CBOs, 

Academia, 

scientists, 

stakeholders 

MEMR, 

NEMA, Lead 

institutions, 

NGOs, CBOs, 

Academia, 

scientists, 

stakeholders 

MEMR, 

NEMA, Lead 

institutions, 

NGOs, CBOs, 

3,000,000 2 years 

9,000,000 

10,000,000 2 years 

15,000,000 5 years 

3,000,000 5 years 

84


put into use 

OUT 5: 


public in on 


and its impacts 

OUT 6: 

(Improved 


sharing and 

response to 


OUT 7: 

Improved 

capacity to 

address climate 

change issues 

OUT : 

Partnerships 

with regional 

and 

international 

bodies 

established 

ACT 5: Compile and 

dissemination of 

information on climate 

change to stakeholders 

and general public 


successes and failures 

of climate change 


adaptation measures 

for sharing lessons and 

inform future plans 

ACT 7: Building and 

strengthen scientific 

and technical capacity 

to respond to climate 

change 

ACT 8: Build 


collaborate with 

regional and 

international bodies to 

address climate change 

in coastal zone 

PI 5: Information 

materials on climate 

change, impacts, 


adaptation measures; 

sensitization 

meetings reports 

PI 6: Documentation 

of successes and 

failures of climate 

change mitigation 

and adaptation 

measures 


building plans; 

number of 

scientists/specialists 

in climate change; 


partnerships; 

Academia, 

scientists, 

stakeholders 

MEMR, 

NEMA, Lead 

institutions, 

NGOs, CBOs, 

Academia, 

scientists, 

stakeholders 

MEMR, 

NEMA, Lead 

institutions, 

NGOs, CBOs, 

Academia, 

scientists, 

stakeholders 

Academia, 

MEMR, 

NEMA, Lead 

institutions, 

NGOs 

MEMR, 

NEMA, Lead 

institutions, 

NGOs, 

Research 

institutions 

6,000,000 5 years 

10,000,000 5 years 

20,000,000 5 years 

6,000,000 5 years 

85


OUT 9: 

UNFCCC 

domesticate 

and 

implemented 

OUT 10: 

Improved 


disasters/enhan 

ced response to 

disasters 

ACT 9: Domesticate 

and implement 

UNFCCC provisions 

to address climate 

change in coastal zone 

ACT 10: Prepare and 

implement disaster 

Response Plans 

(including early 

warning systems- 

Tsunami, droughts, 

floods) 

PI 9: Reports on 

UNFCCC 

domestication and 

implementation status 

PI 10: Disaster 

Response Plans; 

disaster early 

warning systems 

MEMR, 

NEMA, Lead 

institutions, 

NGOs, 

Research 

institutions 

Disaster 

Response 

Committee, 

MEMR, CDA, 

KMFRI, 

NEMA 

Thematic Area 5: Capacity Building, Information and Public Participation 

20,000,000 5 Years 

20,000,000 4 years 

Strategic 

Objective 

Action 

Strategies 

Expected 

output 

Actions 

Performance/M &E 

Indicators 


& Partners 

Cost (KSh) 

Duration 

SO 5.1: 

Education, 

Awareness 

and 


Programs on 

Coastal Zone 

Management 

STRAT 5.1.1: 

Develop and 

implement an 

ICZM education 

and awareness 

strategy 

OUT 1: ACT 1: 

Capacity and 

training needs 

established 

OUT 2: ICZM 

education and 

awareness 

materials 

developed 


ICZM capacity and 

training needs 

assessment for 

different target groups 


assortment of ICZM 

education and 

awareness materials 

for different target 

groups 

PI 1: ICZM Capacity 

and training needs 

Assessment Report 

ACT 2: Assortment 

of ICZM Education 

and awareness 

materials 

NEMA, Lead 

institutions, 

NGOs, 

Academia 

NEMA, Lead 

institutions, 

NGOs, CBOs, 

Ministry of 

education, 

3,000,000 1 year 

10,000,000 2 years 

86


OUT 3: OUT: 

Active 

participation by 

schools and 

community 

groups in 

conservation – 

clean-ups, etc 


training and awareness 

on ICZM targeting 

different groupsschools, 

community 

groups, public, 

managers and policy 

makers 

PI 3: Awareness 

reports; numbers of 

groups, schools, 

managers, policy 

makers sensitized 

NEMA, Lead 

institutions, 

NGOs, CBOs, 

Academia 

20,000,000 5 years 

OUT 5: Key 

sites identified 

and 

conservation 

measures 

instituted near 

urban centres 


flagship conservation 

sites and 

environmental 

education centres 

especially near urban 

settings 

PI 5: Key 

conservation sites; 

conservation plans; 

Environmental 

education centres 

NEMA, lead 

government 

institutions, 

Academia, 

Research 

Institutions, 

NGOs, CBOs 

20,000,000 5 years 

OUT 6: ICZM 

mainstreamed 

in learning 

institutions 

curricular 

OUT 7: ESD 

adapted in 

ICZM 

ACT 6: Promote 


management as a topic 

for study and career 

development in 

learning institutions to 

ensure future capacity 

ACT 7: Adapt ESD in 

ICZM 

PI 6: 

Experts/specialists in 

ICZM 

PI 7: ESD adapted in 

ICZM 

Ministry of 

education, 

Academia, 

NEMA 

NEMA, 

Ministry of 

Education, 

Academia 

5,000,000 2 years 

10,000,000 5 years 

87


SO 5.2: 

Research and 

monitoring 

programs on 

the coastal 


STRAT 5.1.3: 

Mainstream 

traditional 

knowledge and 

practice in the 

conservation & 



STRAT 5.1.4: 

Promote the 

integration of 

environmental 

best practices 

into socioeconomic 

development 

activities 

STRAT 5.2.1: 

Promote 

coordinated 

generation and 

dissemination of 

data and 

information for 

OUT 1: The 

role of 

traditional 

knowledge and 

practice in 

conservation 

appreciated 

OUT 2: Best 

environmental 

practices 

identified and 

documented 

OUT 3: Best 

environmental 

practices 

recognized and 

appreciated 

OUT 3: Best 

practices 

adopted widely 

- public, private 

sector 

OUT; 

Knowledge and 

understanding 

of the coastal 

zone fostered 

through 

research 


role of traditional 

knowledge and 

practice in 

conservation & 

management of coastal 

resources 


document 

environmental best 

practices and EMS 


implement incentives 

and awards schemes 

for best environmental 

practices 

ACT 4: Promote 

adoption of best 

practices in the coastal 

region through 

education & 

awareness projects 

ACT 1: Promote and 

support research to 

inform policy and 

resource management 

projects and 

programmes 

PI 1: Publications and 

reports role and 

application of 


and practice in 

conservation 

PI 2: Report on 

Environmental best 

practices and EMS 

PI 3: Best 

environmental 

practices Award 

Schemes 

PI 3: Best 

environmental 

practices monitoring 

reports 

PI 1: Research 

Reports, Policy briefs 

Research 

Institutions, 

Academia, 

NEMA, lead 

institutions 

NEMA, Lead 

institutions 

NEMA, Lead 

institutions, 

NGOs, Private 

sector, partners 

NEMA, Lead 

institutions, 

partners 

Academia, 

Research 

Institutions, 

NGOs, CBOs, 

private Sector 

5,000,000 4 years 

6,000,000 1 year 

20,000,000 3 years 

10,000,000 5 years 

80,000,000 5 Years 

88


use in planning 

and decision 

making 

OUT 5.1.4 

Networking 

and lesson 

sharing Forum 

established 

OUT 2: 

Baseline 

Coastal zone 

GIS developed 

and maintained 

regularly 

OUT 3: 

Inventory of 

Stakeholders 

involved 


conservation 


Forum for networking 

and lesson sharing 

between research 

scientists, managers & 

policy makers 


maintain baseline GIS 

for coastal zone to 

support ICZM 

activities 

ACT 3: Prepare 

inventory of 

Stakeholders involved 


conservation and 

programmes 

undertaken & update it 

regularly 

PI 4: Active Forum 

sharing information 

of coastal zone 


PI 2: Up-to date 

baseline coastal zone 

GIS system 

PI 3: Web-based 

Inventory of 

inventory of 

Stakeholders involved 


conservation and 


Thematic Area 6: Institutional and Legal Framework for ICZM 

NEMA, lead 

government 

institutions, 

ACADEMIA, 

Research 

Institutions, 

NGOs, CBOs 

NEMA, CDA, 

KMFRI, 

DRSRS, 

Physical 

Planning, 

NGOs 

NEMA, Lead 

institutions, 

NGOs 

5,000,000 5 years 

10,000,000 5 years 

4,000,000 2 years 

Strategic 

Objective 

Action 

Strategies 

Expected 

output 

Actions 


Indicators 


& Partners 

Cost 

(KSh) 

Duration 

SO 6.1: To 

instituting 

Legal 

Framework for 

ICZM 

STRAT 6.1.1: 

Review and 

harmonize 

sectoral laws 

and develop 

ICZM legal 

OUT 1: 

Integrated 

Coastal zone 

Management 

Legislation 

developed 

ACT 1: Enact 

Integrated Coastal 

zone Management 

(ICZM) Legislation 

PI 1: ICZM 

Legislation 

MEMR, 

NEMA, Lead 

institutions, 

NGOs, CBOs, 

Academia 

10,000,000 3 years 

89


framework 

SO 6.2 

Strengthen 

institutional 

framework in 

support of 

ICZM 

STRAT 6.2.1: 

Put in place 

and strengthen 

institutional 

framework in 

support of 

ICZM 

STRAT 6.2.2 

Finance the 

operations of the 

ICZM 

institutional 

framework 

OUT 2: ICZM 

Steering 

Committee 

legalized and 

strengthened 

OUT 2: Lead 

institutions & 

Environmental 

Committees 

strengthened to 

implement 

ICZM activities 

OUT 1: ICZM 

framework 

activities 

funded 

ACT 2: Legalize & 

strengthen ICZM 

Committee to assist 

NEMA in overseeing 

implementation of the 

ICZM framework 

activities 


capacity of Lead 


Environmental 

Committees to 

implement ICZM 

framework activities 


implement funding 

mechanism for ICZM 

framework activities 

PI 2: Gazetted ICZM 

Steering Committee 

PI 2: Lead 


Environmental 

Committees capacity 

building plans and 

reports 

PI 1: Funding 

mechanism for ICZM 

activities 

MEMR, 

NEMA 

NEMA, Lead 

institutions; 

MEMR, NGOs 

GOK, NEMA, 

Lead 

institutions, 

NGOs, Private 

sector 

Total Budget 

5,000,000 3 years 

20,000,000 

2 years 

5,000,000 5 years 

KSh 1.66 Billion 

90


Chapter 6: Monitoring and Evaluation 

6.1 Introduction 

Successful implementation of the strategic plan will depend on how effectively the 

planned activities and outputs are monitored and evaluated with a view to ensuring 

that the plan implementation remains on course. The purpose of monitoring and 

evaluating the ICZM Action Plan will be to ensure effective and efficient 

implementation as well as ensure environmental concerns are mainstreamed into 

development process. An effective and results based monitoring and evaluation 

system will be set up that will guarantee continuous monitoring using the identified 

indicators. 

6.2 Institutional Framework for Monitoring and Evaluation 

NEMA jointly with MEMR will spearhead a process to have the ICZM Steering 

Committee legalised and strengthened to assist in ensuring effective implementation, 

monitoring and evaluation of the action plan. NEMA will ensure monitoring and 

evaluation of activities is done in the most efficient manner with regular meetings 

held to discuss the action plan implementation. It will be organising meetings of the 

ICZM Steering Committee once every quarter where progress towards achievement of 

the various strategic objectives will be evaluated and necessary recommendations 

made to ensure implementation of the Plan is on the right track. The Committee will 

advice on whether existing or new approaches that have been developed and adopted 

are working effectively, implementation challenges encountered and possible 

remedies. 

6.3 Data Collection, processing and storage 

Data will be collected through secondary sources, field visits, workshops, exchange 

visits, rapid surveys and in depth investigation. All collected data will be processed 

and analyzed through use of computerized system. In order to guarantee efficient 

repository of generated information, NEMA will maintain databases that capture the 

information needed for M & E. 

6.4 Progress Reports 

Monitoring of the plan implementation will be done on a continuous basis and an 

annual report prepared at the end of each financial year. The report shall capture 

information on achievements made against set targets; documentation of best 

practices for purpose of replication; challenges and recommendations on the way 

forward. There will be a mid-term evaluation of the ICZM Action Plan and a review 

of the same after five years. 

6.5 Communication and dissemination of information 

NEMA will put in place an information sharing and communication strategy to ensure 

that information derived from projects implementation is widely disseminated to 

inform and influence policy decisions; foster community awareness; change attitude


towards environment and promote replication of best practices. Forums like meetings, 

review workshops, retreats and seminars will be organized regularly for the ICZM 

Committee and stakeholders to share findings and recommendations from different 

projects. Other channels like newsletters, news releases, press conferences, public 

debates and electronic (e-mails internet, websites) transmission mechanisms will also 

be used. 

92


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