UKUNDA, Kenya — In response to the escalating environmental challenges posed by rapid urbanization and population growth, a new initiative aims to equip judges and magistrates with the knowledge needed to make informed decisions on critical environmental and land use issues.
On Wednesday, Environment and Land Court Principal Judge Oscar Angote highlighted the necessity for a deep understanding of legal issues related to the environment, land use planning, and carbon markets during the opening of a three-day training workshop in Ukunda.
Judge Angote emphasized the importance of integrating legal, scientific, and community-based strategies to address climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution effectively.
“Addressing these challenges requires a multifaceted approach that integrates legal, scientific, and community-based strategies,” Angote said.
The workshop brings together judges from the Environment and Land Court to discuss the evolving landscape of carbon markets, their challenges and opportunities, and the judiciary’s role in shaping and regulating these markets.
The training aims to highlight how judicial actions can influence carbon markets and the importance of partnerships and collaboration in climate justice efforts.
A significant portion of the workshop is dedicated to the application of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) in planning and spatial decision-making.
A case study from Vihiga County will illustrate the practical benefits of GIS, demonstrating how technology can support sustainable land use planning.
Participants will also hear from the Northern Rangelands Trust, which will present a case study on carbon trading.
This session will provide real insights and practical examples of successful carbon trading practices within the Northern Kenya Rangelands Carbon Project.
The project has significantly benefited local communities, with substantial funds disbursed to community conservancies involved in carbon trading.
In 2023, the Carbon Community Fund disbursed Sh90,011,244 to 14 community conservancies, impacting over 13,000 students through educational support and contributing Sh322,979,438 in total disbursements since the project’s inception.
Kisumu Governor Anyang Nyong’o, chairman of the Lands, Housing, and Urban Development Committee of the Council of Governors, reiterated the pivotal role of the Environment and Land Court in sustainable development.
He emphasized that land is a cornerstone of livelihoods, cultural identity, and economic progress, and effective land management is crucial for sustainable development and environmental conservation.
“Land, as we know, is not merely a physical resource but a cornerstone of livelihoods, cultural identity, and economic progress,” Nyong’o said. “As judges and magistrates, you are at the forefront of interpreting laws, adjudicating disputes, and guiding decisions that directly impact our landscapes and communities.”
Council of Governors CEO Mary Mwiti and Environment PS Festus Ng’eno also addressed the attendees, stressing the need for a robust legal framework to guide investors and support county governments in delivering services amid climate challenges.
They called for continued vigilance in safeguarding the autonomy of county governments and fortifying the foundations of devolution
