PS Ng’eno Calls for Inclusive and Accountable Review of National Environment Policy 2026

Principal Secretary for Environment and Climate Change, Dr. Eng. Festus K. Ng’eno, has called for an inclusive, transparent and accountable review of the National Environment Policy 2026, urging technical experts to ensure that public views are meaningfully reflected in the revised policy.

The Principal Secretary, who was represented by Environment Secretary Dr. Selly Kimosop, made the remarks during the opening of the reconvened Technical Working Group session on the Draft National Environment Policy 2026 in Naivasha, Nakuru County.

The week-long workshop brings together members of the Technical Working Group, development partners, county governments, the private sector and civil society to review submissions received during the public participation exercise and refine the Second Draft of the policy.

Dr. Ng’eno noted that following the launch of the First Draft on October 1, 2026, the Ministry received more than 400 submissions over the 23-day public consultation period, which closed on October 23. The submissions came from citizens, communities, county governments, the private sector, civil society and academia.

He observed that the feedback demonstrated Kenyans' interest in environmental governance and their expectation for a policy that addresses their concerns and priorities.

Emphasizing the constitutional obligation of public participation under Article 10, the Principal Secretary underscored the importance of documenting public views and demonstrating how each submission has been addressed. He further highlighted the Public Policy Handbook's requirement for policy drafters to record comments, indicate decisions taken and provide explanations where proposals are not incorporated.

The revised policy is expected to provide strategic direction for protecting, managing and conserving Kenya's natural resources, including forests, wetlands, lakes, air and water, while strengthening the country's response to climate change and collaboration between national and county governments.

The Principal Secretary also highlighted emerging environmental challenges, including rising lake water levels associated with climate change and their implications for livelihoods and ecosystems.

Setting out expectations for the workshop, Dr. Ng’eno urged the Technical Working Group to ensure that every public submission receives a documented decision, status, justification and date. He further called for agreed changes to be incorporated into the policy and all chapters harmonized into one coherent document.

He emphasized that the Second Draft must be legally sound, evidence-based and clear on policy actions, institutional responsibilities and supporting references. “This week is the biggest single step towards the Second Draft before validation and launch of the National Environment Policy 2026,” he noted. Dr. Ng’eno called on participants to exercise discipline, listen carefully, make fair decisions and ensure clarity throughout the drafting process.

He commended the Technical Working Group, UNDP, Lead Consultant Prof. Robert Kibugi and the Ministry's technical team for their role in preparing the workshop, while appreciating development partners for their continued support.

The workshop marks a critical milestone in the development of the National Environment Policy 2026, which is expected to provide a framework for environmental protection, sustainable natural resource management and climate resilience in Kenya.