The link between sustainable management of natural resources and deepening democracy in Kenya is not difficult to fathom, much less now when the country is headed for a general election. Apart from being the sole livelihood source for a great majority of Kenyans, land is also the subject of great emotional attachment. Discontent over ownership and utilization of land and natural resources has remained the most notable source of frequent conflicts and tribal clashes between Kenyan communities.

No wonder it emerged as a critical issue – Agenda 4 – in the National Accord which defined the framework for reforms following the 2007/2008 post-election violence. Following the accord, the country embarked on a series of activities aimed at improving the management of land and natural resources. Among other things the on-going reforms have established guiding principles which must be observed while managing and using land and natural resources, including sustainable development, public participation, equity, and accountability. However, these principles are yet to be fully understood and appreciated by the duty bearers and citizens alike, leading to continued unsustainable use of, irregular allocations, tensions, and conflict over natural resources.

Funded by Danish International Development Agency (DANIDA) through URAIA Trust, the project aims to strengthen democracy through participatory governance of natural resources in Kenya by building the capacity of local communities, County Government officials, national government officials and the private sector to understand, appreciate and uphold the principles of governance; and supporting participatory development of national and county-level natural resource legislation, policies and action plans. The specific objectives are to: –

1. build the capacity of local communities and government institutions for participatory governance of natural resources.
2. support local communities and government institutions to develop policies and laws necessary for proper governance of natural resources in line with the Constitution.
3. promote accountability in use and allocation of natural resources for sustainable development.
4. Build the capacity of ILEG staff through seminars, workshops and conferences and training

The project has five main outputs:

1. Improved adoption and implementation of laws and policies that ensure sustainable, transparent and accountable management and utilization of land and natural resources in Kenya
2. Enhanced knowledge base and understanding of principles of environmental and climate change governance
3. Understanding and appreciation of land and natural resource rights and their impacts on democracy, peace and security enhanced.
4. Media and civil society oversight in the management and utilization of natural resources improved.
5. Local level advocacy and engagement mechanisms on environment and natural resource issues improved
6. ILEG’s staff capacities to implement responsive and sustainable environment and climate change governance projects enhanced

Summary of proposed activities:

1. Policy outreach and technical support in the development of Community Land Bill, 2015; The Natural Resources (Classes of Transactions Subject to Ratification) Bill, 2015; The Access to Information Bill, 2015; The Mining Bill, 2014 (Meditated Version); The Climate Change Bill ,2014 and The Petroleum (Exploration, Development and Production) Bill, 2015
2. Training of County Assembly committees of land, agriculture, water and environment on principles of environmental and climate change governance
3. Training of civil society on environment, natural resource management and climate change
4. Awareness and sensitization on land and natural resource rights and their impacts on democracy, peace and security
5. Strengthening Media Oversight of use and allocation of natural resources at the county level
6. Strengthening civil society oversight of use and allocation of environment and natural resources
7. Strengthening Local Community Networks and Advocacy Forums

Target group:

National level – Parliament, Media and civil society, and county level – county assemblies, county-based civil society; and county-wide natural resource networks in Nairobi, Kwale, Kilifi, Turkana, Narok, Kericho, Siaya and Kisumu. Final beneficiaries – community members across the country, especially women, youth and minorities.