Environment & Natural Resource Management

The strategic objective of the department is to enhance the quality of the urban environment through provision of dynamic, effective and efficient sustainable environmental management services and solutions to ensure a clean and healthy environment, consistent with provisions of the constitution of Kenya 2010

An environmentally conscious and productive residents, deriving from a clean, healthy, safe, sustainable and well- managed Environment within a fast growing city economy

To interpret the EMCA (Cap 387) and other related laws and regulations, applying them in planning, management and regulation of urban environment to ensure its protection, conservation and development, in partnership with Stakeholders in Kisumu

The department’s mandate under schedule I of UACA include:-

1. 1. Solid Waste Management
   2. Noise pollution control
   3. Air pollution control
   4. Recreational Parks
   5. Lake front
   6. Development Control

• Noise permit

Requirements/Procedures

Application letter

Charges

Application fee Ksh200

Permit Ksh2, 000

• Excessive Vibration

Requirements/Procedures

Application letter

Charges

Application fee Ksh200

Permit Ksh5, 500

.

• Waste collection permit

Requirements/Procedures

Company profile

Application letter

Charges

Ksh6500

• Tree nursery annual fee

Ksh2500

The department, with the support of the City Management Board and the office of the City Manager was able to partner with private sector under an initiative dubbed, “Transforming Kisumu City through enhanced Urban Aesthetics”.  The aim of this programme is to enhance and maintain strategic city roundabouts, gardens and parks.   The programme was officially unveiled by H.E the Governor on 25^th January 2021.

Mr. Benard Otieno Ojwang is an accomplished Environmental Planner with over 15 years of diverse experience in both public and private sectors. Currently serving as the Head of City Directorate of Environment in the County Government of Kisumu, he excels in disseminating and ensuring compliance with environmental policies and regulations. With expertise in managing major donor-funded projects like Kisumu Integrated Solid Waste Management Project and Kisumu Urban Project, Benard demonstrates exceptional leadership in environmental and social safeguards issues.

Launching of the beautification project   by; H.E Governor Anyang’ Nyong’o  Airport roundabout

Kisumu Boys roundabout

KCB roundabout

City beautification

The department embarked on an intensive greening Initiative dubbed “Transforming Kisumu City through Enhanced Urban Aesthetics”. This initiative was officially established through Gazette Notice No. 6296 of the UACA (No.3 of 2019) dated 15th April 2024, under the leadership of the Governor. The initiative aims to expand the city’s green spaces, enhance biodiversity, improve air quality, and foster a more sustainable urban environment. By employing a Public-Private Partnership model, the initiative encourages active participation from residents, the private sector, and community organizations in monthly tree planting and waste management activities, contributing to the city’s resilient development. Specifically under the city greening initiative, we aim to plant and grow 1millioan ssorted trees in strategic areas, including the main transport corridors, institutions and conservation areas in the city within the 2021/2022 financial year and subsequent years.

Launch of Tree planting  Initiative and green corridor by H.E The Governor professor Peter Anyang’Nyong’o

The City Manager Mr Abala M. Wanga and the Speaker of the Kisumu County Assembly  Among others

Tree planting activity at Shauri Moyo

Tree planting at airport corridor

Kisumu City integrated solid Waste management system / estates cleanup 

The city is adopting a strategy for ward-based solid waste management system as stipulated in Kisumu solid waste management plan (kiswamp). To this end, in the financial year 2020/2021, City constructed 3 model waste recovery centers at Maendeleo Market, Obunga and Kasawino (Manyatta B).   City partnered with UN Habitat to benefit from technical support and capacity building interventions under the City Waste-wise programme

Material recovery centre at financed by Kisumu county Government 2020/2021

• Improved the working conditions and hygiene for 120 Waste Pickers directly engaged in the project

Training, sensitization and Kitting at Mama Grace Onyango Social Hall

• Registered a 30% growth in earnings for the Waste Traders (Recyclers) through a vibrant business model
• Increased the quantity of recovered / recycled waste by 20% through legitimization of the sector
• Improved capacity of the Waste Actors through a formalized and invigorated Waste Actors Network
• Streamlined the sector operations through adoption of a progressive PPPP strategy
• Established a zoning regime for waste management within the city for seamless operations

Clean up exercise at Nyalenda B (Western area)

The Air Quality Monitoring and Management Initiative for the City of Kisumu provide opportunities for establishment of ‘communities of practice’ for air quality monitoring and management through stakeholder partnerships and collaboration in air quality monitoring and management.

As October 2023, a total of fifteen air quality monitors have been installed and are operational in Kisumu.

1. Key contacts

Benard OJwang (Director)

+254 721866693

John Sande

+254720777056

Email city.environment@kisumu.go.ke

2. Publications/reports

KISWAMP

The State of Air Quality in Kisumu report available on website

Turning waste into jobs

1. Frequently asked questions

How can I report illegal dumping in my neighborhood?

• You can report illegal dumping by contacting the city environment department. Please provide as much details as possible about the location and the items that have been dumped

Who should I contact about a tree that needs maintenance or poses hazard?

-You can report illegal dumping by contacting the city environment department.

How can I get involved in local in local environmental initiatives or clean-up  activities

-The department organizes frequent clean up events and environmental programs. Visit our social media pages for upcoming events and volunteer opportunities.

How can I apply for a permit or make payments for the permits?

-To apply for permits related to the environment, contact the city environment department for guidance.