National Youth Green Growth Summit 2015 Report

7/24/2019 National Youth Green Growth Summit 2015 Report

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1| P a g e N a t i o n a l Y o u t h G r e e n g r o w t h S u m m i t 2 0 1 5 R e p o r t

THE 2nd

NATIONAL YOUTH GREEN

GROWTH SUMMIT 2015 REPORT

6th-9thOctober, 2015 at Multimedia University,

Nairobi, Kenya

YOUTH AS ACTIVE PARTNERS TO DRIVE THE GREEN GROWTH AGENDA IN KENYA


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ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

The 2ndNational youth Green Growth Summit was convened by the National Youth green

growth Secretariat (Ny2GS) under the Green growth framework that was established as

part of the discourse on green growth in preparation for and follow-up on youth

participation and involvement in national Green growth transition processes. In this

framework, a team of experts drawn from different institutions was constituted to prepare

the 2nd National youth green growth summit under the chairmanship of Haron Oichoe(Chairman, Kenya Youth Network for Sustainable Development) Co-Chaired by Alfaxard

Omwenga (CEO, National Youth Council of Kenya) and members drawn from the Ministry of

Devolution and Planning, the Council of Governors and Youth Serving organizations

advocating for Green growth Governance and capacity development.

The secretariat wishes to acknowledge huge efforts and dedication demonstrated by the

committee including Poppins Misoi, Kenya Youth Empowerment Programme, Grace

Mwaura, Green growth Secretariat, Anthony Kimani, Kenya Youth Network for Sustainable

Development, Peter Quest, Inspiration kenya, Thomas Musandu, Ministry of Environment,Natural Resources and regional Authorities, Bahati Keranga, Kenya Water Towers Agency,

Samuel Mutysia, Council of Governors, Laura Chao, Council of Governors, David Wanjohi,

Council of Governors, Florence Oduk, Council of Governors, Grace Mageka, Organisation of

African Youth, Nkatha Koronya, Council of Governors, Maurice Mureithi, National Youth

Council, Kennedy Omulo, Nairobi CountyYouth Board, Erick Sitati, Insatep International,

Betty Kwamboka, Insatep International, Joan Wanjiru, National Youth Council and Mark

Rachuonyo, Mount Kenya University and finally the report production team headed by Mr.

Jacob Odongo Olonde.

In addition, the secretariat would like to appreciate individuals from different partnerinstitution for their enormous contribution towards the success of the National Youth green

growth summit and this include; Dr. Alice Kaudia, Environment Secretary and Dr. Charles

Mutai, Climate Change Secretariat both form Ministry of Environment and natural resources,

Judy Ondumu, Chief Executive, Council of Governors, Carole Macharia, Netfund, Ann Kaari,

Kenya Forest Service, Mithika Mwenda, Secretary General, Pan-African Climate Justice

Alliance, Kumi Kitamori, OECD, Mr. Isaac Kamande, Director Youth affairs, Ministry of

Devolution and Planning, Rui Zhang, EET Unit UNEP, Ruth Charo, Africa Development Bank

and Mwende Kusewa, care International.

Finally, our special appreciation goes to our main partners starting with the Ministry of

Environment and Natural Resources, National Environment Trust Fund, Pan-African Climate

Justice Alliance, Council of Governors, Kenya Forest Service, Directorate of Youth Affairs,

National Youth Council, Kenya Meteorological Department, OECD and Kenya Water Towers

Agency.


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BACKGROUND

National Youth Green Growth Secretariat (NY2GS) is a National platform that brings

together Government institutions, Youth Civil Society Organizations, Private sector

companies, Inter-governmental organizations, Development partners and UN- Agencies to

ensure youths active involvement in green economy transition in Kenya. The secretariat

builds capacity to its members and youth across the country on issues pertaining to Green

growth for Sustainability. Ensuring collaborations with Government Agencies, creating

partnership with local and international organizations, develop youth friendly learning tools

that will achieve green jobs and propelling public private partnership as a way of achieving

Green Economy in Kenya.

The secretariat was founded in 2014 after lobbyist network brought young people together

under the Umbrella of Kenya youth network for sustainable development (KYNSD) to

ensure youthsrecommendation to Rio+20 Earth summit is taken into consideration. Young

people representing different youth serving organizations from diverse backgrounds in

Kenya engaged in consultative process towards having a coordinated platform towards

engaging Government, inter-Governmental organizations, UN- Agencies and other

development partners towards adopting youth recommendation towards the Rio+20 Global

Summit on Sustainable Development in 2012. Since then the Network has pro-actively driven

the Green growth Agenda in Kenya. With a membership of more than 180 organizations and

networks in 34 Counties, the Network engages government and other development

partners on matters affecting the citizens appropriately in a consultative manner towards

achieving green Growth.

A Definition of Green Growth

1.

In a first working definition, Green Growth is framed as a transformative

development model for enabling sustainable growth and creating prosperity by

taking a holistic approach to development, which:

Values human, social and natural capital,

Efficiently and sustainably uses ecosystem goods and services, and

Builds resilience in a changing world, where countries, industries and people are

increasingly interconnected.


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2.

In the second definition under the outcome document of the Rio+20 summit means

transitioning towards sustainable development which will contribute to eradicating

poverty as well as sustained economic growth, enhancing social inclusion, improving

human welfare and creating opportunities for employment and decent work for all,

while maintaining the healthy functioning of the Earths ecosystems.

3.

The third definition by Africa Development Bank is; the promotion and maximizationof opportunities from economic growth through building resilience, managing

natural assets efficiently and sustainably, including enhancing agricultural

productivity, and promoting sustainable infrastructure.

The Rationale for Green Growth

Enabling tool for institutional capacity development for domestic policy reform

and processes

Addressing structural change and cluster industries towards climate smartsolutions

Addressing risk induced perceptions, enabling policy predictability and increasing

productivity toward green development

Delivering green jobs and human resource skills that spurs development

Green Growth: Adapting to changing realities for development

Existing and Emerging Challenges to Kenyas Development: Rapid Population Growth;

Urbanization; Globalization , economic volatility and shifting consumption patterns; Uneven

economic growth; Lack of energy access; Lack of access to markets; Lack of education; Air

and water pollution; Land degradation ; Depletion of natural resources; Disaster Risk and

Climate change.

Summits Main Objective

It provided a platform for young people to showcase innovations, generate

partnerships, share best practices, explore opportunities and encourage uptake of

the green growth practice as a framework towards building national and county

governments sustainable economies.

The Summit brought together: Young conservationists; young people from the

informal Sector; green innovators; young researchers and research institution


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representatives; national and county policy makers; Civil Society Representatives;

Inter-Governmental Organisations; and UN-Agencies Representatives

The summit was expected to result into:

1. Youth being the key partners towards the development and implementation of the

National and County green growth Strategies2.

Enhancing national and county level planning, coordination and mainstreaming of

green growth, including enhanced participation of the private sector and other key

stakeholders.

3. Improved inter- county co-operation and lesson sharing to develop capacity on green

growth

4. Opportunities for financing for green growth, including international public

development finance but also domestic public and private sources.5.

Platforms for engaging the institutional investors community to scale up green

investment by recalibrating financial returns to incorporate development benefits

6. Opportunities for green research co-operation and technology transfer and increased

knowledge sharing and access to information.

Summit Partners: Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources, Council of Governors

UNEP, AfDB, OECD, DANIDA, PACJA, NETFUND, KFS among others.


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TOPIC ONE

Green Growth in the Context of Youth and Education for Sustainable Development

Presentations under this theme focused on the Green Growth Agenda- green growth v/s Green

Economy?

Within the overall concept of sustainable development the concept of a green economy has

established itself on a global level as the new environmental guiding principle. It refers to an

economy that is oriented towards ecological sustainability, economic profitability and social

inclusion. The United Nations Environmental Programme (UNEP) defines green economy as

an economy which results in improved human well-being and social equity, while

significantly reducing environmental risks and ecological scarcities. In its simplest

expression, a green economy can be thought of as one which is low-carbon, resource-

efficient and socially inclusive.

Practically speaking, a green economy is one whose growth in income and employment is

driven by public and private investments that reduce carbon emissions and pollution,

enhances energy and resource efficiency, and prevents the loss of biodiversity and

ecosystem services (UNEP 2011, 19).

Kenya affirmed its commitment to undertaking a transition to a green economy in line with

the outcome of the United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development (UNCSD) held

in 2012 (Rio+20 summit). The outcome document of the summit, The Future We Want,

highlighted transition to a green economy as a means towards sustainable development.

Transitioning could contribute to eradicating poverty as well as sustained economic

growth, enhancing social inclusion, improving human welfare and creating opportunities for

employment and decent work for all, while maintaining the healthy functioning of the

Earths ecosystems.

The Kenya Green Economy Assessment Report affirmed that transitioning to a green

economy has medium and long term benefits. The climate change policy framework of 2015

outlines measures towards achieving a low carbon growth through GHG emissions

reduction. It emphasizes increased investment in geothermal in the energy sector, switching


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freight movement from road to a less emitting rail in the transport sector, reforestation in

forestry and agro-forestry programmes in agriculture.

Building green economies and sustainable societies requires more than clean technologies.

Humankind will not solve the problems it faces today with the same values and approaches

that created them. Education is a key process by which enhancement of knowledge and

awareness of sustainability issues can be supported while addressing relevant values and

behavior to work towards a sustainable future.

Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) requires far reaching changes in the way

education is often practiced today. ESD aims to help people develop the attitudes, skills,

perspectives and knowledge to make informed decisions and act upon them for the benefit

of themselves and others, now and in the future. In the context of Green growth, ESD

means including key Green Economy issues into teaching and learning; for example, climatechange, climate resilience, sustainable infrastructure, resource efficiency etc.

It also requires an approach to learning that motivates and invites learners participation and

empowers them to take action for sustainable development. ESD consequently builds

individual capacities for communication, critical thinking, constructing future scenarios and

making decisions to promote green growth in a collaborative manner.

SDG no 4 is urging that we ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promotelifelong learning opportunities for all.

Objectives of the Global Action Programme (GAP) on ESD

1. Reorient education and learning so that everyone and particularly the youth have the

opportunity to acquire the knowledge, skills, values and attitudes that empower

them to contribute to sustainable development;

2.

Strengthen education and learning in all agendas, programmes and activities thatpromote sustainable development.

The GAP recognizes the role of the youth as change agents for sustainable development

through ESD. Youth have a high stake in shaping a better future for themselves and

generations after. Moreover, youth are today increasingly drivers of the educational


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process, especially in non-formal and informal learning. It is critical therefore to support

youth in their role as change agents by ensuring that:

Learner-centred non-formal and informal learning opportunities in ESD for youth are

enhanced. This includes developing and enhancing e-learning and mobile learning

opportunities for ESD.

Participatory skills that empower youth to act as change agents in global, national

and local sustainable development processes become a specific focus of formal and

non-formal education programmes within and outside of ESD

There is urgent need to target capacity building, training, and formal and non-formal

education in directions that will equip youth to pursue sustainable livelihoods and to play a

pivotal role in decision-making for sustainable development.

Most urgent is to mainstream Green Economy into all forms of Education and Training

programmes for the youth, focusing on Kenyaspriority areas.

Develop and institutionalize policy on Green Growth-Education for Sustainable

Development (ESD)

Strengthen institutions to enhance green economy transformation

Catalyze behavioral change and promote skill oriented training necessary for a green

economy Strengthen gender responsive green economy training

Accelerate creation of green jobs through Technical Vocational Education and

Training (TVETs) including apprenticeship schemes and entrepreneurship training

Promote Action research to inform Green Innovation and Technology Development

learning programmes while also including indigenous knowledge.

A Practical Action to Ensuring Greening Education

This must include greening learning institutions. This involves:

1. Green Campus: Permanently reducing the carbon footprint of students, teachers and

staff within the TVET institutions.


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2.

Green Curriculum: Meeting upcoming skills for green(er) jobs by integrating green issues

in already existing curricula and/or providing new green training programmes and

projects.

Sample Green Growth ESD Training Curriculum- that can generate green Jobs!

Sustainable infrastructure including mobility, sanitation, energy, green buildings,

Smart Agriculture Building Resilience of communities vulnerable to impacts of climate change including

disaster reduction

Sustainable Natural Resource Management including land and marine resources

Promoting Resource Efficiency related to Energy, water and waste

3. Green Research: Fostering the development of a research culture in relevant areas not

necessarily on an academic level but as a teaching and learning approach.

4. Green Community: Extending sustainable development practices at community level by

transferring knowledge to the community, as well as from bringing in experiences and

questions from private life to school.

5. Green Culture: Strengthening green values, ethical standards, attitudes and practices -

because without values, without ethics, without the changing of our lifestyle nothing will

happen.

There is always anxiety among the youth concerning the threats to their future well-being

arising from un-sustainable development policies and practices. This has led to a recognition

that youth need to work together through partnerships to influence the way governments

are addressing these problems, and to change public attitudes.

Green Economy should be seen as a priority option in opening up opportunities to address

their challenges such as unemployment. It can offer green collar jobs through ESD and

particularly Green TVETs.

SDG no. 8 is urging for the promotion of sustained, inclusive and sustainable economic

growth, full and productive employment and decent work for all.


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ESD can enhance sustainable lifestyles and youth choices particularly for social

entrepreneurship, green jobs and behavioral changes required to conserve the environment.

Therefore mobilizing youth energy and enthusiasm for action towards environmental, social

and economic productivity is timely.

Engaging the Youth

The Youth can be actively engaged in raising awareness, running educational

programmes, advocating for policy level changes, designing innovative solutions,

technologies and tools, and strengthening public participation for environmental

protection

Youth are innovative and can think out of the box for solutions that address local

needs and positively impact a large number of people as a viable business option.

SDG no. 17 emphasizes the need to strengthen the means of implementation and revitalize

the global partnership for sustainable development. Youth can play a role in exerting

pressure for the enforcement of existing rules and regulations, to ensure environmental

sustainability in Kenya.

In conclusion ESD innovations must be promoted to accelerate the role of youth in

promoting Green Growth in Kenya.


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TOPIC TWO

Green Growth in the Context of Youth and Urban Sustainability: Inspiration and Solution

Presentations were focused on:

Urban environment is seriously threatened by growing population pressures combined with

increasing demands for water, sanitation and waste collection services. The problem is

exacerbated by polluted water sources, unmonitored industrial pollution, and the fact that

responsible personnel do not always have the requisite skills to deal with these problems.

It is worthwhile to mention that youths are collaborating with County governments in the

discharge of their constitutional mandate in regards to waste management within the

strenuous budgetary allocation. There are witnessed increases in environmental awareness

amongst the urban youths playing important roles as key stakeholders leading to improvedregulation of the youth led companies, comprehensive environmental planning and

management, and creation of local partnerships for environmental projects for job creation.

Urban areas account for more than half of global primary energy use and energyrelatedCO2

emissions. Taking account of direct and indirect emissions, urban areas account for 6776%

of global energy use (central estimate) and 7176% of global energy-related CO2 emissions.

As of 2011, more than 52% of the worlds populationroughly 3.6 billionlived in urbanareas. By 2050, the urban population is expected to increase to 5.67.1 billion, or 6469%of

the world population.

Due to this increase, urban land cover is projected to expand by 56310% between 2016 and

2030. This means the majority of infrastructure and urban areas have yet to be built, which

constitutes challenges and opportunities for GHG mitigation.

Urban GHG emissions are influenced by a variety of factors. Cities have little control oversome of the most important drivers of GHG emissions such as economic geography or

income. Cities however have large control over drivers such as urban renewable energy

system integration, transport and urban infrastructure. Further, as devolution has

progressed nationally, county governments increasingly manage significant resources thus

new sources of GHG.


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GHG abatement is generally pursued as part of the urban development efforts and many of

the existing or planned urban investments can be accompanied through requirements to

meet certain mitigation standards.

For designing and implementing climate policies effectively, institutional arrangements,

governance mechanisms, and financial resources should be aligned with the goals of

reducing urban GHG emissions. These goals will reflect the specific challenges facing

individual youths and county governments. The following have been identified as key

factors:

1. Institutional arrangements that facilitate the integration of mitigation with other

high priority county agendas

2. Spatial planning competencies and political will to support youths contribution

towards integrated land-use and transportation planning; and3.

Sufficient financial flows and incentives to adequately support youth led mitigation

strategies.

The feasibility of spatial planning instruments for climate change mitigation is highly

dependent on a countys financial and governance capability. Drivers of urban GHG

emissions are interrelated and can be addressed by a number of regulatory, management,

and market-based instruments. In addition, each instrument varies in its potential to

generate public revenues such as property tax or toll lanes, while others require government

expenditures e.g. green belts and urban green, sidewalks and bike lanes, or public transport.

However, County fiscal policy itself can restrict youth led mitigation efforts e.g. property

taxes or other taxes imposed on new development, may lead to young people abandoning

their innovative efforts for more lucrative white collar engagements. On the other hand

policies and taxes such as congestion and parking charges can reduce GHG emissions with

proceeds being used to finance youth green innovative development strategies.

In conclusion, successful implementation of green growth (urban climate change mitigation)

strategies can provide co-benefits to youths and counties including savings, air pollution and

associated health benefits, and productivity increases in urban centres, providing additional

motivation to youths for undertaking mitigation activities.


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TOPIC THREE

Green Growth in the Context of Youth and Renewable Energy Initiatives

_____________________________________________________________________________

The challenges posed to national and county governments, in terms of energy security,

climate change, health impacts and poverty are pressing, making the greening of the energy

sector an imperious. Youths support to Kenyas shift to renewable energy along with major

energy efficiency improvements will play a critical role in addressing some of the most

prominent challenges Kenya is facing today.

The Rio+20Outcome Document, The Future We Want (UN 2012a, paragraphs 125 -129),

highlights the importance of this transition and emphasizes the need to address the

challenge of access to sustainable modern energy services for all including throughincreased use of renewable energy sources and other low emission technologies.

Youth involvement can play a significant role in greening the energy sector. In particular,

youths are the most important vehicle for renewable energy technology transfer due to

their high population (64% in Kenya).

Some promising youth opportunities in the renewable energy sector that were highlighted

in the presentations are:

Raw materials products or finished renewable energy supply products (e.g. solar

panels, wind turbines, and hydrogen fuel cells)

Energy produced from renewable resources (e.g. solar or wind power)

Renewable natural resources to produce energy (e.g. biofuels, biogas and biomass)

Provision of renewable energy services; and

Selling carbon credits.

As highlighted in the Green Economy Report (GER) (UNEP 2011), challenges with respect to

the energy sector include:


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Access to energy: Currently 1.3 billion people one in five globally lack any access to

electricity. Twice that number nearly 40 per cent of the worlds population relies

on wood, coal, charcoal, or animal waste to cook their food (IEA 2010a).

Climate change and emissions: Energy-related greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions are

the main drivers of anthropogenic climate change, exacerbating patterns of global

warming and environmental degradation. Global carbon dioxide (CO2) emissionsfrom fossil-fuel combustion are reported to have reached a record high of 31.6

gigatonnes (Gt) in 2011 (IEA 2012b).

Health and biodiversity: The processing and use of energy resources pose significant

health challenges, pertaining to increased local air pollution, a decrease in water

quality and availability, and increased introduction of hazardous substances into the

biosphere (UNEP2010a).

Energy security: The growth in global population and rising incomes will increase

energy demand and result in upward pressures on energy prices and growing risks of

importer dependency on a limited range of energy suppliers.

Greening the energy sector, including by substantially increasing investment in renewable

energy and the share of renewable energy in all economic sectors, provides an opportunity

to youths to make a significant contribution to addressing these challenges. This was

recently highlighted in the UNs launch of the Sustainable Energy for All initiative. The

objectives of the initiative are to (i) ensure universal access to modern energy services, (ii)

double the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix (from 15 to 30 per cent) by

2030, and (iii) reduce global projected electricity consumption from buildings and industry

(energy efficiency) by 14 per cent.

The adoption of renewable energy technologies by young people can help reduce the

carbon intensity of growth. By leapfrogging extensive use of conventional energy systems,

county and national governments can avoid the challenges of unsustainable energy

infrastructures and processes that exacerbate the already fragile development blue prints.

With the right policy and financial frameworks, a wide range of renewable energy

technologies can become accessible to a large potential market, thanks to the increasing

youthful population in Kenya.


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Energy Sector Challenges and Opportunities

Challenges and issues Strategic directions and means (for future

development)

Demand for biomass is very high.

Technology intake is a problem.

Demand for charcoal is high.

Valuation of biomass energy should

be considered.

Competition for land (Pressure on

land).

Lack of emphasis on alternative

sources of energy.

Inadequate skilled manpower.

Benefits are not tangible.

Initial investment capital is a big

challenge especially on green growth

Packaging is also a challenge.

Capacity building and awareness

creation.

Proper research and trainings on

issues of bio-fuel.

Improve on technology and look for

alternative sources.

Incentives and computing the long

term costs. (Awareness).

Develop infrastructure for bio-energy

production.

Capacity building for the experts and

financing the exercise.

Emphasis on commercial growing of

trees for energy.

Renewable technologies such as solar water heaters, solar photovoltaic (PV) panels, wind

turbines, heat pumps, mini-hydro

generators, and biogas digesters

all have the potential to make a

significant contribution towards

securing modern energy services

for the youth as well as for the

county governments.

In areas without direct connection

to an electricity grid, devolved

energy solutions can provide a way for youths to increase access to basic services such as


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heating, lighting, refrigeration and communication without incurring high infrastructure

costs. The use of renewable energy technologies for such off-grid applications is often a

cost-effective approach to increasing energy access.

Youth opportunities in the energy sector encompass several different types of goods and

services. Distinctions can, for example, be made between energy itself (such as trade in

electricity), natural resources needed to produce energy (e.g. trade in fuels such as biofuels,

coal, gas and oil and nuclear materials), manufactured products to produce energy (e.g.

wind turbines), the raw materials or components to produce energy related manufactured

products (e.g. rare earths), cross-border provision of energy services (e.g. providing

technical know-how), and carbon credits on international markets.

Kenya example of carbon credit trade opportunities in the renewable energy sector

To pursue a new roadmap for sustainable growth and energy production, the Kenyan

government has been advocating for a shift from the present carbon-intensive development

model to a low-carbon pathway (UNEP 2012e). This is evident in the renewable energy

sector, which is seen by the Kenyan government as a key sector for sustainable growth.

The rationale behind the national facilitation of renewable energy is manifold. Increasing

economic activities and a rising national population lead to a higher domestic energy

demand in Kenya, which is mostly satisfied by imports of foreign energy. The high cost ofenergy imports significantly slows economic growth in the country (World Bank 2012).

Securing investments in new renewable energy projects, however, is often challenging. An

opportune way for Kenya to attract renewable energy financing is through generating and

exporting carbon credits.

In 2008, Kenya initiated plans to actively promote renewable energy and energy efficiency

investments by implementing national feed-in tariffs (FITs) for different renewableelectricity sources (UNEP 2010c). Investment guarantees under the FIT are expected to

promote financing in renewable energy and carbon credit projects (UNEP 2012f). In 2012,

Kenya had 32 carbon projects in the pipeline for carbon credits from the Clean Development

Mechanism (CDM). On the African continent, Kenya is one of the forerunners in the

attraction of CDM projects, second only to South Africa (UNEP 2012g).


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However, while assessing manifold opportunities, the challenges and uncertainties

regarding CDM projects must not be overlooked. To attract investors, a robust, bankable

business plan is needed. The perceived risk of investment also depends on the overall

economic environment of a country, which can be crucial for the supply of private capital.

An additional barrier concerns the complexity of CDM projects and their accreditation

process. The actual registration of the project can be lengthy and transaction costs for the

CDM procedures, plus the registration fee, can make the initial phase expensive.

Way forward for the sector

To increase the benefit of green economy projects to young people, well-functioning

institutional structures are imperative. In particular, clear rules regarding the granting of

approvals to the projects within predetermined timelines could help reduce the risk of

investors milking youths of their initiatives. For their part, youths need capacity to integrate

multiple revenue streams in one project, thereby increasing the viability and resilience of the

business model.

At the same time, according to international standards, youth led projects must align with

local development needs, as perceived by public institutions and local communities (youths).

Therefore, youths and the public have to be integrated in CDM procedures and their political

influence over CDM policy need to be strengthened to promote sustainable development.


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TOPIC FOUR

Strengthening Community Adaptation towards Climate Induced Hazards

_____________________________________________________________________________

Climate is important for community development, but natural climate fluctuations disrupt

ecological, economic and social systems. Although human factors have also affected the

local climate pattern, together with natural climate variability, the long-term climate

changes are already showing clear impacts on local communities who are in dire need of

governmentsinterventions.

Devolution presents significant opportunities for achieving sustainable development goals,

including enhanced response to reduce vulnerability to climate change and improve

countrys ability to take advantage of the opportunities that climate change brings.

Implementation of Climate Change Response Strategy (NCCRS) and National Climate

Change Action Plan (NCAP 2013-2017) is thus now a shared responsibility of the national and

county governments through: interventions made by the national government through its

sector plans; interventions made by the county governments through their County

Integrated Development Plans (CIDPs); interventions made by NEMA and its partners which

cut across sectors.

The CIDPs are supposed to be living documents, regularly updated as the operating and

institutional contexts change. The Council of Governors has been working with the county

governments to ensure that relevant climate change commitments are mainstreamed in

these plans, although this process needs further reinforcement at implementation level.

In the devolution context, knowledge management is understood as a process of

identifying, gathering, synthesizing and sharing knowledge and promoting its application at

the County level. It is most effective when communities and county governments are

integrally involved in the process.

Counties have rich intellectual environment with significant capacities in research and

analysis. However there are two key challenges: first, there is limited Climate Change focus

within the ongoing climate change activity. Second, climate change programmes are not


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coordinated, and strategy outputs are not adequately disseminated, shared or applied in

ways that will ensure tangible and lasting impacts.

For county governments to respond effectively, relevant information and knowledge must

be generated and shared in a coordinated and timely manner. Decision-makers need

evidence and analysis to prioritize and target investment appropriately and understand the

anticipated return on that investment, as well as for the rational formulation of policies,

regulatory frameworks and institutions.

Youths, like county governments are particularly vulnerable to global climate change,

climate variability and sea level rise. From populations, agricultural land and infrastructure in

the coastal zone, any rise in sea level will have significant and profound effects on their

economies and living conditions; the very survival of youths will be threatened. Inundation

of outlying islands and loss of land above the high-tide mark may result in loss of exclusiveeconomic rights over extensive areas and in the destruction of existing economic

infrastructure as well as of existing human settlements.

Youths require all available information concerning those aspects of climate change, as it

may affect their ability to contribute to and embrace appropriate response strategies to be

developed and implemented.

Opportunities for youths

Support domestication of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate

Change, the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer and

other related legal instruments.

Monitor survey and collect data on climate change at local level.

Contribute to formulation and reviews of mitigation policies in the context of

integrated green growth initiatives.

Assess the effects and the socio-economic implications of the impact of climate

change and climate variability on youths.

Contribute to development of computer-based information systems covering the

results of surveys, assessments and observations as part of the development of


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adequate response strategies, adaptation policies and measures to minimize the

impact of climate change, climate variability at County level.

Improve understanding among fellow youths of the potential impacts of climate

change.

Formulate comprehensive youth-based local strategies and measures (preparation,

facilitation and collection of information) on adaptation to climate change. Promote a more efficient use of energy resources in youth development planning.

Increase youth participation in the bilateral, regional and global processes including

the adoption of measures, policies and the development of response strategies.

Create programmes to monitor and improve predictive youth capacity for climate

change and variability.

Develop and/or strengthen mechanisms to facilitate the exchange of information and

experiences among youths, and to promote technology transfer and training.

Advocate for improved youth access to financial and technical resources while

recognizing the specific vulnerabilities of youths to climate change

Provide improved access to and assist in exchange of information

Provide access to environmentally sound and energy-efficient technology to assist

youths in adopting energy conserving technologies.

Support coping activities aimed at assisting youths including providing systems for

systematic and continuous research, monitoring, surveying and data collection.

Call for improved access to financial and technical resources to assist youths in

meeting the costs associated with the development of strategies, measures and

methodologies


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TOPIC FIVE

Lessons and best Practices from Counties on Partnerships towards achieving Green Growth

_____________________________________________________________________________

Schedule Six Part 4 of the Constitution provides for the transition from a centralized to a

devolved system of governance. In this regard, it provides for the enactment of legislations

to effect the said transition. One of these statutes is the Transition to Devolved Government

Act (No. 1 of 2012), the objectives of which are to:

a)

Provide a legal and institutional framework for a coordinated transition to the

devolved system of government while ensuring continued delivery of services to

citizens;

b)

Provide, pursuant to section 15 of the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution, for thetransfer of powers and functions to the national and county governments;

It is upon this premise that devolving of environment, water, forestry and waste

management functions authorizes that the national government supports County

governments in identifying and thus facilitate capacity building to enable them develop and

manage the local resources, pursuant to section 32 of the Fourth Schedule, Part 1.

Similarly, Article 62 [3] states that all natural resources are under the control of the NationalGovernment. These natural resources include government forests, minerals and water

among others. The Constitution therefore vests the role of protection of the environment

and natural resources with the National Government (4th Schedule Part 1 Art. 22).

The same Constitution (4th Schedule Part 2 Art. 10), however, places the responsibility of

implementation of specific national government policies on natural resources and

environmental conservation on the County Governments. The role of the County

governments, therefore, is implementing national policies and County programmes

including the delivery of extension services to communities, farmers and private land

owners.


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Since the coming into place of the County Governments, youths have been involved in

management of natural resources-led to greater public participation in decision-making

which- itself a positive good- enhances good natural resources.

The devolvement of natural resource management, among other functions, to counties has

created space for more democratic natural resource governance. The decision to devolve

has proved that local communities and county governments are best placed to govern the

use of natural resources within their county as they are the ones with the greatest

understanding of it and most directly affected by it.

However, the deliberate delay by the concerned national government agencies to release

roles and responsibilities has caused unnecessary hindrance to sustainable growth hence

continued illegal logging, unabated destruction of indigenous forests ad general

environmental degradation.

To address these challenges, young peoples partnerships with county governments and

other partners should be strengthened to exploit the energy, creativity and numbers in

addressing natural resources management of public concern.


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TOPIC SIX

SDGs: Implementation Framework and the Role of the Youths

_____________________________________________________________________________

The idea of the SDGs has quickly gained ground because of the growing urgency of

sustainable development for the entire world. Although specific definitions vary, sustainable

development embraces the so-called triple bottom line approach to human wellbeing.

Almost all the worlds societies acknowledge that they aim for a combination of economic

development, environmental sustainability, and social inclusion, but the specific objectives

differ globally, between and within societies. Certainly, as yet, no consensus regarding the

tradeoffs and synergies across the economic, environmental, and social objectives has been

agreed. Still, a shared focus on economic, environmental, and social goals is a hallmark ofsustainable development and represents a broad consensus on which the world can build

The following recognizes that young people are the torch bearers of the next development

agenda:

1. Critical thinkers: Part of being young involves making sense of personal

experiences and asking questions about the world around you. Youth have the

capacity to identify and challenge existing power structures and barriers tochange, and to expose contradictions and biases.

2.

Change-makers: Young people also have the power to act and mobilise others.

Youth activism is on the rise the world over, bolstered by broader connectivity

and access to social media.

3. Innovators: In addition to bringing fresh perspectives, young people often have

direct knowledge of and insights into issues that are not accessible to adults.

Youth best understand the problems they face and can offer new ideas andalternative solutions. In Uganda, Plan International worked with student councils

to monitor education services at their schools using mobile phone reporting.

4. Communicators: Young people can be partners in communicating the agenda to

their peers and communities at the local level, across countries and regions.


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5.

Leaders: When young people are empowered with the knowledge of their rights

and supported to develop leadership skills, they can drive change in their

communities and counties. Youth-led organisations and networks in particular

should be supported and strengthened, because they contribute to the

development of civic and leadership skills, especially marginalised youth.

The SDGs are ambitious and the accountability mechanism should match this level of

ambition. The SDGs should be incorporated into national plans so citizens, including youth,

can hold governments to account through legitimate actions and participatory policymaking

mechanisms.


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TOPIC SEVEN

Inter-County Exchange Programs on hastening Green Growth and Collaborations

_____________________________________________________________________________

The primary source of legislation on the County governments activities is the Constitution of

Kenya. It provides legality and life to devolution while also requiring Counties to enact

legislation to give effect to its provisions on devolution. It creates two types of

governments; devolved County Governments and National Governments with defined roles

under Schedule Four. It provides reference to the Environmental Management Coordination

Amendment (EMCA) Bill 2014, The Water Bill, 2014; Forests Conservation and Management

Bill, 2014; Mining Bill, 2014 ;Water Bill, 2014; The Prevention and Control of Marine Pollution

Bill, 2014 ; Natural Resources (Benefit Sharing) Bill, 2014; The Climate Change Bill, 2014

among other policies and legislations.

Correspondingly, various Acts of Parliament such as the Transition to Devolved Government

Act (2012); County Government Act (2012) ; Public Finance Management Act(2012) ; The

Environment and Land Court Act, 2011; Wildlife Conservation and Management Act, No. 47 of

2013 gives Counties specific mandates to discharge to their citizens. These provides youths

with a legal platform to anchor their initiatives.

Youths partnerships with counties is founded on the environmental rights and freedoms as

presented in Article 42 of the constitution, which states: ``Every person has the right to a

clean and healthy environment, which includes the right

a. To have the environment protected for the benefit of present and future generations

through legislative and other measures, particularly those contemplated in Article 69;

and

b. To have obligations relating to the environment fulfilled under Article 70.11


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Opportunities

Devolution offers a platform to youths in regards to informed decision making at all levels of

government for equitable and sustainable development. Devolution avails choices and

opportunities to youths to support their Counties to follow universally accepted principles in

environmental decision making, with emphasis on the basic right to a clean environment

with specific provision on proactive public participation arising from Article 69 of the

constitution.

Resources

The county governments develop and maintain a variety of research, technical and advisory

resources on environment: climate change, water, minerals, marine, wetlands, forests,

waste management, wildlife and biodiversity. These resources can be availed to enhance

youth intervention towards green growth.

Youths can join Counties in the review and enactment of legal and policy frameworks such

as the Environmental Management Coordination Amendment (EMCA) Bill 2014, The Water

Bill, 2014; Forests Conservation and Management Policy and Bill, 2014; Mining Bill, 2014;

Water Bill, 2014; The Prevention and Control of Marine Pollution Bill, 2014; Natural Resources

(Benefit Sharing) Bill, 2014 and The Forests (Charcoal) Regulations, 2009.

This will ensure a well-coordinated partnership through green growth strategies such as

development programs at the County level where the direct mandate for environmental

governance and management resides.

Proposed Approach (Methodology)

The youths at the County level can be supported to achieve their objectives through the

following ways:

1. Increasing their knowledge base and repository on linkages between national

processes and county activities and aligning their institutional policies to

sustainability principles

2.

Linking youths to key sectoral stakeholders and line ministries to influence policy and

development agenda


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3.

Enhancing youth leadership role through inter and intra County participation in policy

and legal processes

4. Enhancing youths understanding of environmental issues and the need to develop in

a sustainable manner;

5. Strengthening youthscapacity to formulate and implement policies, regulations and

strategies on environment.6.

Developing and mainstreaming youth empowerment frameworks into sector plans

The contribution of youths to the implementation of the devolved system of governance is

largely on course. The required legislation, regulations, systems and structures are at various

stages of operationalization. The progress made so far sets the foundation for the

realization of the objects and principles of devolved government as provided for in Articles

174 and 175 of the Constitution respectively.


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TOPIC EIGHT

Harnessing the Potential of Youths Innovation as a Path towards Industrial Revolution

while Promoting Green Growth

_________________________________________________________________________

The interaction between youths and the transition to a greener economy is complex and can

be seen as bidirectional: youths have the potential to facilitate the transition to a green

economy, and the transition to a green economy has the potential to create new youth

opportunities.

Sustainable youth empowerment, in fact, can facilitate green growth by fostering the

adoption of environmentally friendly goods and services, including environmentally sound

technologies, thus increasing resource efficiency, generating economic opportunities,employment, and contributing to poverty eradication. To do so, the additional wealth

generated by county governments should provide youths with opportunities to reduce

income distribution inequalities, rather than exacerbate them.

The green growth, in turn, has the potential to create sustainable youth opportunities. In

particular, this can occur by opening new local markets for environmental goods and

services, by trading local products and certification-related services, and by greening local

supply chains. The adoption of more resource- and energy-efficient production methods as

part of green growth measures has an important role to play in securing long-term

competitiveness in local markets.

However, realizing this potential depends on a number of factors. Both increased pressure

on natural resources and increased GHG emissions, in connection with youth activities, bring

elements of caution when trying to achieve sustainable development objectives through

youth development.

The transition to a greener economy being by definition a holistic approach to the orderly

reform of existing economic models in a way that maximises social, economic and

environmental gains offers a real opportunity to harness youth potential for sustainable

development. In addition, youths may serve as a channel for the transfer of environmentally


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sound technologies and services, and provide a pathway to a greater variety of

environmental goods and services at a lower cost.

Considering the above, technical and financial support for young people will play a key role

in helping them to capture opportunities arising from green growth.

Environmental services

Environmental services in regards to green growth can be categorised as either

infrastructure or non-infrastructure environmental services. Infrastructure environmental

services include waste water and refuse collection and disposal, and services that typically

require significant investments, such as the construction and maintenance of physical

facilities. Such services are usually characterised as public goods and are often either

managed or regulated by governmental bodies (WTO 2010).

Non-infrastructure environmental services, such as the prevention and remediation of

pollution, have emerged as a response to environmental problems inherent in modern

industrial economies.

If well managed, trade in environmental services can provide significant benefits to youths

as well as the general public through enhanced market opportunities and improved health

and environmental sustainability, notably at county level. Improved investment and

expertise brought in by county governments and partners can create jobs and skills, and

facilitate technology transfers.

Generally, greening growth can stimulate innovation and enhance youth competitiveness,

translating into more opportunities for increasing market share for budding entrepreneurs.

Youths who are able to implement more resource efficient approaches and life cycle

management are likely to have a competitive advantage over their competitors that

continue a business-as-usual (BAU) scenario.

In other words, young entrepreneurs should be able to:

Redesign their products so that they meet any pertinent environment-related

product standards


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Reconfigure their processes so that they meet any relevant environmentally-related

process (technology and management) standards.

Certify that their products and/or their production processes meet local standards

Furthermore, youths can develop a competitive advantage by integrating environmental

and social considerations into their business models/operations leading to improved

business performance to spur innovation and to improve economic results.


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TOPIC NINE

Sustainable Consumption Models and Agribusiness towards enhancing food Security in

Kenya

_____________________________________________________________________________

Kenya has made considerable progress in developing agriculture, however, progress has

been uneven and in many dimensions we still need improvement.

Majority of Kenyas labor force is employed inagriculture, with 2.3M dairy-related jobs alone,

and with half of production now for commercial markets-75%in planned infrastructure

investments with several projects specifically aimed at increasing market access and trade.

$28B65%of Kenyas 11B in total exports areagricultural exports--including 32 global black tea

exporter and an important flower, fruit, and vegetable exporter bags of planned maize

stocks for 3 months of emergency need while nearly 15% of irrigable land was put under

irrigation in2013 to increase resilience.

Sustainable agriculture, a key aim of the Rio+20 Outcome Document The Future We Want

(UN 2012a), has a significant role to play in encouraging a move to a greener economy.

Paragraph 111 states:

We reaffirm the necessity to promote, enhance and support more sustainable

agriculture, including crops, livestock, forestry, fisheries and aquaculture, that improves

food security, eradicates hunger and is economically viable, while conserving land,

water, plant and animal genetic resources, biodiversity and ecosystems and enhancing

resilience to climate change and natural disasters.

This session shared on the trends and opportunities in the agriculture sector associated with

a transition to a green growth. It explored how young people can respond to local demandfor sustainable goods and services in this sector. Some promising green growth

opportunities that were shared include: Increasing local competitiveness by greening

agriculture; accessing sustainable local supply chains, particularly through business-to-

business certification of sustainable farming practices; creating new markets from

sustainably produced crops; responding to local level consumer demand for sustainably


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produced products; producing and exporting inputs for sustainable agriculture products;

providing cross-county technical and managerial support services for sustainable agriculture

and certification; and providing agro-tourism services.

The agricultural sector and its impacts

As set out in the Green Economy Report (GER) (UNEP 2011a), current unsustainableagricultural practices include heavy reliance on agro-chemical inputs such as fertilizers and

pesticides, inefficient irrigation techniques, fossil fuel consumption, and continuous, often

flawed, land use policies that have driven conversion of forests and wetlands into sprawling

farm lands. These unsustainable practices have led to many negative impacts on the

environment: A continuous loss of biodiversity and degradation of ecosystem services; a

constant depletion and erosion of top soil nutrients; an increasing scarcity of freshwater

agriculture uses about 70 per cent of freshwater globally; rising tensions over traditionalland rights; and aggravated water pollution caused by poor nutrient management.

There is no official definition for sustainable agriculture. However, the term has been

described by the FAO (2002) as follows:

Sustainable agriculture involves the successful management of agricultural resources to

satisfy human needs while maintaining or enhancing environmental quality and

conserving natural resources for future generations.

The greening of agriculture, as set out in the GER (UNEP 2011b), refers to the increasing use

of farming practices and technologies that simultaneously:

Maintain and increase farm productivity and profitability while ensuring the provision

of food and ecosystem services on a sustainable basis;

Reduce negative externalities, such as soil erosion, inorganic agro-chemical pollution,

and agricultural GHG emissions; and Rebuild ecological resources, such as soil fertility, water, air and biodiversity including

animal and plant-genetic diversity.


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In addition, the longer term effect of greening agriculture can result in greater crop and

livestock resilience to negative climate impacts. Farming practices and technologies that are

instrumental in greening agriculture include:

Increased use of naturally and sustainably produced nutrient inputs, diversified crop

rotations, and livestock and crop integration.

Applying minimum tillage and cover crop cultivation techniques.

Implementing integrated and other environmentally friendly biological pest and

weed management practices; and

Expanding the use of post-harvest storage and processing facilities.

The various shades of green agriculture are exemplified by a diverse, locally adaptable set of

agricultural techniques, practices and market branding certifications, organic farming, fair

trade, conservation farming, precision farming, integrated pest management, anddiversified farming.

The Principles for Responsible Agricultural Investment (Source: UNCTAD 2012b)

Principle 1: Existing rights to land and associated natural resources are recognized

and respected.

Principle 2: Investments do not jeopardize food security but rather strengthen it.

Principle 3: Processes for accessing land and other resources and then making

associated investments are transparent, monitored, and ensure accountability by

all stakeholders, within proper business, legal, and regulatory environment.

Principle 4: All those materially affected are consulted, and agreements from

consultations are recorded and enforced.

Principle 5: Investors ensure that projects respect the rule of law, reflect industry

best practice, are viable economically, and result in durable shared value.

Principle 6: Investments generate desirable social and distributional impacts and

do not increase vulnerability.

Principle 7: Environmental impacts due to a project are quantified and measures

taken to encourage sustainable resource use while minimizing the risk/magnitude

of negative impacts and mitigating them.


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Public-private partnerships (PPPs) are another means to boost innovation and increase

youth access to green technologies. Given the existence of high returns to investments in

agricultural, private investors can be involved in contractual arrangements where both

profits and risks are shared with young farmers for a certain period of time.


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TOPIC TEN

Mainstreaming Policy Development frameworks at National and Developed systems

towards unlocking the Green Growth Potential in Kenya

_____________________________________________________________________________

This session reviewed the specific provisions that enhance youth engagement in

environmental management in Kenyas new constitution as well as their implications. These

provisions are detailed in Chapter Four under Rightsand Fundamental Freedoms, Chapter

Five under Environment and Natural Resources, and Chapter Ten under Judicial Authority

and Legal System. Environmental provisions are also elaborated in the Fourth and Fifth

Schedules under Distributionof Functions between National and County Governments and

Legislation to be enacted by Parliament respectively.

The inclusion of explicit environmental provisions in Kenyas new constitution is first and

foremost recognition of the citizens right to an environment that nurtures life and provides

for human activities. As a result of the inclusion of explicit environmental provisions in the

new constitution, young people can now also be said to be better positioned to manage

their environment in an effective manner.

The constitution of Kenya provides a roadmap towards a green growth. By protection of the

environment and natural resources with a view to establishing a durable and sustainable

system of development, including, in particular (a) fishing, hunting and gathering;(b)

protection of animals and wildlife;(c) water protection, securing sufficient residual water,

hydraulic engineering and the safety of dams; and (d) energy policy.

Under devolved governance, the County Governments are responsible for implementation

of specific national government policies on natural resources and environmental

conservation, including (a) soil and water conservation; and (b) forestry.

The forty seven county governments are enabling increased self-governance by the citizens.

Due to the decentralized and local nature of these counties, the new constitution assigns to

them the specific task of implementing nation-wide policies as appropriate within their

jurisdiction.


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In discharge of their mandates, County governments have formulated a number of

legislations and established relevant institutions to ensure green growth takes effect. The

regulatory frameworks comprise of an overarching framework, the draft Environmental

Management and Coordination Act (EMACA), 2014. The framework provides for sound

environmental management by spelling out key regulatory institutions, enforcement,

planning, reporting and governance. For counties to achieve sustainable environmentalmanagement, it is imperative that existing sectorial laws are aligned with EMCA and so as to

overcome conflicts and duplication.

The most pressing challenge for Counties is to implement the new devolved system of

governance, while also strengthening their capacity to cope with internal and external

shocks. Unemployment, poverty and vulnerability to climate change remain the most critical

development challenges facing Counties.

The current environmental issues of concern in the Counties are water and air pollution,

waste management and disposal, deforestation, desertification and soil erosion which are

intertwined and is partly attributed to weak or inadequate policy and legal frameworks to

address monitoring and enforcement needs.

The Summit recognized that young people have a big role to play in influencing policy, legal

and institutional reforms in the environmental sector. Sadly, many youths at county level

specifically, have not been fully sensitized on environmental policy and legal process which

would enhance their support during policy implementation.

To address the above challenges, youths were urged to support devolution by

strengthening Counties mitigative capacity to cope with such challenges as climate change,

deforestation, water pollution, degradation and loss of biodiversity.

Thus the success of green growth will ensure that goals of youth empowerment and social

development are defined in terms of sustainability. Counties should then take a

development path that is sustainable in physical sense. To attain this, County policies and

legislations should pay attention to legal reforms in respect to youth in devolution.


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TOPIC ELEVEN

Ecosystems, utilization and Support of Local Livelihoods with Focus to the Youth

_____________________________________________________________________________

The Rio+20 Outcome Document recognizes that ecosystems make important contributions

to sustainable development through the provision of goods and services which are

environmentally sound, enhance food security and the livelihoods of the poor, and

invigorate production and sustained economic growth. The Outcome Document also

reaffirms the necessity to promote, enhance and support more sustainable ecosystems that

eradicate hunger and is economically viable, while conserving biodiversity and water

resources and enhancing resilience to climate change and natural disasters.

Utilizing opportunities in sustainable forestry products can be an important driver in thetransition to greener local economies by shifting investments towards more sustainable

forest management to create new livelihood opportunities for the poor.

This session identified the trends and youth opportunities in the forests sector associated

with green growth. It explores how youths can respond to growing local demand for

environmentally friendly goods and services.

The main causes of ecosystem destruction in Kenya are land use changes and roads formining and agricultural expansion, including biomass production, cattle ranching and

infrastructure development. Illegal logging is an additional problem.

As the pressures on forests are expected to continue, a growing young population, rising

incomes and shifts to more meat-based diets are forecast to increase the demand for food

by 70 per cent (in value terms) by2050 (Bruinsma 2009). Growing demand for first

generation biofuels would mean that they compete with food crops for land, putting further

pressure on forests.

Underlying this loss of ecosystems is: weak governance - corruption and bribery; market

factors including lack of information on sustainable land use; increasing demand for both

forest products and agricultural land.


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Opportunities

Youths can harness non-timber forest products that include food products (e.g. nuts, fruits,

edible fungi, oils, sap syrups and spices), industrial plant oils, plant gums, natural pigments,

oleoresins, fibers and flosses, vegetable tanning materials, latex, insect products, incense

woods, plant insecticides, medicinal plants and wild plants. These products can also be used

as an input into modern industries such as pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, agriculture, food

additives, industrial enzymes, bio-pesticides and personal care products.

The establishment of carbon credit markets needs certain enabling conditions necessary for

youths to seize REDD+ opportunities. In addition to the livelihood opportunities which

carbon markets may provide for youths, REDD+ is proving to be a catalyst to the green

growth by creating jobs and contributing to poverty reduction. Similarly, the Kasigau

Corridor REDD+ project in Kenya is a pioneering example of a project that has alreadybenefited from the international investment and the sale of carbon credits.

Green growth measures

Some of the measures that can lead to positive trade impacts in sustainable ecosystems

management (UNEP 2011a) include:

Investing in improved forest management and certification

Improving forest governance, legality and enforcement

Reforming the agricultural drivers of deforestation; and

Promoting payments for ecosystem services (PES) and REDD+.

Invest in sustainable forest management.


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TOPIC TWELVE

Youth Inclusion in National and County Policy and Institutional Frameworks for Sustainable

Development

This section outlines tools that national and county governments and private actors may use

to harness youth inclusion in policy and institutional frameworks.

It is important to recall that green growth strategies and ambitions vary significantly

based on different circumstances, endowments as well as political and economic

conditions and priorities. The mix of policy tools, and the timeframes for their

implementation, will consequently vary from one institution to another.

Foster youth inclusion into green public private partnerships to promote the

implementation of green innovations, through the promotion of sound business

management policies and strategic cooperation between the budding entrepreneurs

and government.

Invest in a skilled youth workforce through education and training investments tailor-

made to develop a workforce capable of applying novel, more resource-efficient

technologies and production systems in new or changed industries.

Support green policy initiatives such as institutional support that include financial

support and loans and the provision of goods and services involving the

implementation of appropriate systems for efficient and more responsible uptake of

resources, waste recovery, recycling and distribution.

Further, youths can lead in collecting data on verifiable and easily available,

comparable and understandable information on the carbon footprint of

manufactured products and/or services and to support the public dissemination of

this information.

Support youths to organise trade fairs and exhibitions of green products and

sustainable merchandise as important venues for raising awareness among youthful

consumers thus


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Facilitate the development of sustainable local supply chains to link youths to

suitable stakeholders including manufacturers, producer organisations, processors,

buyers, certification agencies, and financial intermediaries.

NATIOANAL GREEN ECONOMY & CLIMATE RESILIENCE REFERENCE DOCUMENTS

1.

Draft Green Economy Strategy and Implementation Plan (GESIP)The Kenya's strategy recognises that macroeconomic constraints may hamper transition to

green economy. The macroeconomic framework underpinning the Green Economy Strategy

requires that Kenya sustains high growth consistent with Vision 2030 and firmly embeds the

principles of sustainable development in the overall growth strategy. The framework builds

on the achievements realised during the implementation of the First Medium Term Plan

(MTP I) and ongoing implementation of MTP II for the Vision 2030. Major achievements

include restoring growth, maintaining macroeconomic stability, re-aligning publicexpenditure towards energy and infrastructure development and provision of social

economic services, structural reforms as part of the implementation of the Constitution of

Kenya 2010 and financial sector deepening.

The policy framework for green economy is designed to support a globally competitive low

carbon development path through promoting economic resilience and resource efficiency,

sustainable management of natural resources, development of sustainable infrastructure,

and providing support for social inclusion. The policy mix is aimed at aligning nationalpolicies towards supporting and accelerating the process of greening the economy by

addressing vulnerabilities to shocks. Significant achievements have been made in restoring

macroeconomic stability, although recent macroeconomic performance indicators reveal

that Kenyas economy remains vulnerable to external shocks emanating from adverse

weather conditions, international oil and food prices, slowdown in global growth, and

insecurity including terrorism. Other key national challenges include infrastructure deficits,

unemployment and poverty.

The macro policy framework thus identifies various key enabling conditions necessary for a

rapid transition to green economy:

1. Maintaining macroeconomic stability for Green Growth: Macroeconomic stability is

one of the key foundations of a sound economic environment for private and public

sector development. The government will pursue prudent fiscal and monetary


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policies to ensure price and exchange rate stability, and foster fiscal discipline. The

measures will enhance macroeconomic resilience including capacity to respond to

external shocks. The government will also review and explore use of fiscal

instruments such as taxation, guarantees, and expenditure tools such as green

procurement to promote green economy. Public investments and public private

partnerships directed at developing renewable energy sources and an efficienttransport system including road, railway, air and water transport will continue to

receive priority.

2. Human development and capacity building:The national and countygovernments will

invest in health and education sectors towards enhanced human capacity to support

green growth.The focus in the public health sector will be improvement in access to

clean water, housing, sanitation and food security.Investing in education targeting

skills enhancement, innovation, research and development for all sectors will assist indeveloping new technologies and harnessing existing green technologies.

Integrating green economy concepts, programmes and actions requires that capacity

is built at all levels of government and in a manner that citizens can each act, with the

proper knowledge and supports in ways that contribute to the transition.

3. Devolution:As counties take an increased role in governance, there will be need for

prioritisation of green economy in county integrated development planning andbudgeting processes. In addition, sound inter-governmental coordination will be

critical for creating synergies for implementation of GESIP. Both national and county

government will also continue to operationalise the strategy and implement

programs for social wellbeing particularly for vulnerable members of the society.

4. Governance and sustainable structural transformation: Good governance and

implementation of structural reforms underlying the principles of Constitution of

Kenya 2010 will continue to receive priority. Structural reforms will thus be geared

towards strengthening management of public resources and eradication of

corruption. Consistent with Vision 2030, the national and county governments will

promote diversification, and transformation while at the same time ensuring high

levels of resource efficiency and productivity in product value chains.


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5. Sustainable financing:Deepening financial inclusion is expected to enhance economic

resilience and support green economy transition. The government will explore

diversification of policy and financial instruments that support green economy such

as green bonds and eco-taxes. Domestic capacity will be enhanced to enable the

country access diverse international funding opportunities that have a sustainabilityrequirement.

6. Cost of doing business: The national and county governments will facilitate a

competitive business environment by removing barriers in administrative

requirements and regulations governing the business operations, such as business

registration, cost of utilities, litigation process, environmental approvals and

protection of intellectual property rights.

7.

Framework for extractive industries:The recent discoveries of oil, gas, coal and other

mineral resources point to the great potential of the sector in driving the Kenyan

economy. It is projected that once exploitation begins, potential for Kenyas energy

self-sufficiency will be highly enhanced provided investments in value addition to the

commodities is taken. A strong governance framework will be established to

enhance transparent and accountable sharing and utilization of accruing benefits.Emphasis will be given in the use of cleaner technologies in the exploitation of

natural resources. The government will strengthen enforcement and compliance

with environmental laws and regulations.

8. Sustainable trade regime: Globally, the number of environmental and social standards

meant to protect the environment and health is increasing rapidly. These include

sanitary and phytosanitary measures, and technical and eco- labelling standards

covering various products. The policy concerns relate to developing relevant

infrastructure and human capacity to take advantage of sustainable trade

opportunities at the national, regional and international level. In this regard, the

government will collaborate with the private sector to explore market opportunities

associated with the transition to a green economy.


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9. Decent work: Job creation is a key policy concern for the Government which

committed to creating 1 million jobs annually. To reduce poverty and sustain Kenyas

ecological foundation, GESIP will endeavor to expand decent work by improving the

safety of the work environment, expanding social protection and health programs

and social dialogue. To achieve this, the strategy will pursue a suit of social policytools and targeted investment in green enterprises.

2. Draft Kenya National Adaptation Plan (NAP)

The Kenya National Adaptation Plan proposes macro-level adaptation actions and sub-

actions in each sector, categorizing them into short, medium and long term time frames. The

NAP also identifies gaps in the sector, estimates costs of the macro actions projected to

2030, and key institutions required for their implementation. It is expected that prioritisedactions which have not yet been mainstreamed into Kenyas development plans will be

integrated in the MTP (2017-2022). Thereafter the actions will need to be revised in each MTP

to ensure that Kenyas development by 2030 will be resilient to climate change shocks.

With respect to monitoring and evaluation (M&E), the NAP also proposes adaptation

indicators at county, sectoral and national levels. These indicators will be used to collect

data and information on adaptati

National Youth Green Growth Summit 2015 Report

Documents

Transcript of National Youth Green Growth Summit 2015 Report