LEGISLATION IN ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT IN KENYA

The Kenyan environment & climate change sectors are guided by the Constitution of Kenya, 2010 and other sector-specific laws and policies as well as international and regional treaties that Kenya is a signatory to and are recognized under Article 2(5) of the Kenyan Constitution. Some emerging environmental management principles such as the “polluter pays” principle, public participation in environmental management and conservation, sustainable and responsible development among others have been adopted into the Kenyan law which recognizes a good and healthy environment as a human right.

The Eucalyptus Tree and its Effect on Water and Soil Health

Over the past few years, there has been a wide debate on the effect eucalyptus has on soils in agricultural areas and its effect on wetlands and water sources. It is alleged that eucalyptus drains wetlands and poisons soils making them unfavorable for any other farming activities and should therefore be kept out of farmlands. To this effect, a lot of individuals have encouraged the uprooting of already planted trees and advocated for further legislation to prevent and discourage the planting of the tree species. This paper seeks to examine the truth of this and the effect the tree specie has on the environment, soil health and how it influences the levels of water in sites it thrives at. We shall also examine the difference in water consumption on output between different tree species when compared to eucalyptus.

Kelp Forests and the need for their Conservation

Kelps are part of a complex ecosystem that buffers and protects coastlines from storms and coastal erosion as a result of ocean swells. Just like surface forests, kelp forests are affected by seasonal changes. They can take damage when hit by heavy storms and other forms of underwater ocean activity which can wear away kelps making underwater forests bare but will grow back with time. Kelps are also important in underwater plant and animal life providing food and shelter to them. Broken and damaged kelp is occasionally washed ashore and collected as tangle and then used as fertilizer.

HOW TO SETUP AN AVOCADO MODEL FARM IN KENYA

Avocado is currently the 2nd most important Kenyan export fruit after the Mango. It fetches a good price locally and internationally, with a piece of fruit ranging from sh. 10 – 50 depending on the size and quality in the local markets. Local factories such as Kakuzi buy a kg for sh. 100 with the same fetching double the price at export markets. It is advisable to do large scale in order to reap the best returns from the fruit. Kakuzi buys good quality avocados and pays handsomely with guaranteed payments every seven days. The Hass variety is most popular with Kenyan factories due to its high fat content. Small scale farmers can supply the local markets or form co-operatives to export to foreign markets. Small-scale farmers make up to 70% of all avocado growers in Kenya. A tree can produce an upwards of 100kg of fruit annually, and with a kilogram going for sh. 100, you can do the calculations yourself.