By Koech Gilbert

A comprehensive analysis of environmental sector in the country has revealed that the continued exploitation of natural resources could push certain species to extinction, expose human health.

Kenya’s first Compendium of Environment Statistics 2023 by the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS) shows that seven mammals were listed as critically endangered in 2023.

Critically endangered means that they have extremely high risk of extinction in the wild.

Of 245 species listed in schedule six of Wildlife Conservation and Management Act, 2013, 19 are critically endangered, 45 endangered, 73 vulnerable, 30 near threatened, three threatened and 75 not protected.  

Black rhinocer, Hirola, Eastern red colobus, Tana crested mangabey, Roan antelope, Sable antelope, are among species listed in Wildlife Conservation and Management Act, 2013 as Critically Endangered.

Speaking during the launch of the report, KNBS board Chair Dr Daniel Amanja emphasized the importance of accurate data in economic policy formulation and decision-making, warning that incorrect data can lead to flawed analysis.

“The report highlights the role of environmental data in shaping policies, monitoring global commitments like the Sustainable Development Goals, and fostering a culture of responsibility,” he said.

The chair said the report serves as a critical reference for policy makers, researchers, and businesses, aiming to translate data into practical actions for environmental governance and protection.

“The Kenya National Bureau of Statistics commits to improving data quality, institutional capacity, and leveraging technology for better environmental statistical reporting.”

KNBS DG Dr Macdonald Obudho said the report touches on the very essence of human life- the air we breathe, the water we drink, where we reside among others.

The report obtained data from results of surveys or censuses conducted by KNBS and annual reports or publications from institutions related to environment at national and county level.

A compendium is a comprehensive summary of statistical information on a specific area and provides a comprehensive overview of environmental trends and challenges in Kenya.

Areas covered in the report are outlined in six categories; Environment Conditions and Quality; Environmental Resources and Use; Residuals; Natural Extreme Events and Disasters; Human Settlements; and, Environmental Protection, Management and Engagements.

The report shows that the total water demand in 2010 was 3,218 million cubic meters a year against available 22,564 million cubic meters a year.

The demand will rise to 221,468 million cubic meters a year in 2030 against available 26,634 million cubic meters a year.

The reports says although there seem to be sufficient water to meet the demand, available water resources in Athi basin barely met the demand in the base year of 2009.

Because of human activities and climate variability, water availability in space and time has not been guaranteed in the recent years hence the need to manage and conserve the resource.

The report shows that the total renewable water resources of Kenya is estimated to be 76.6 billion meters cubic per year, of which, approximately 20.6 billion meters cubic is surface water while 55.973 billion meters cubic per year is ground water.

“The total water demand for the various sectors is projected to increase from 1,616 million cubic meters per year in 2018 to 3,429 million cubic meters per year in 2023 and is expected to grow to 5,093 million meters cubic in the year 2050.”

The report shows that domestic sub sector had a demand of 1,186 million cubic meters per year, 1,415 million cubic meters per year in 2020, 1,988 million cubic meters per year in 2025 and will hit 3,657 million cubic meters per year in 2050.

The industrial sub sector had a demand of 125 million cubic meters per day in 2018 and is set to rise to 613 million cubic meters per year in 2050.

 It shows that pollution levels are going up due to the high rate of motorization.

Transport sector currently accounts for 13 per cent of total national emissions.

Land Rover, Lexus, Jaguar are high emission vehicles.

In most of the rivers, there are high pollution rates.

The report shows that the exploitation of various minerals is increasing.

The report also shows that the amount of solid waste being generated was rising.

The report shows that there are between 5,000 to 10,000 accidents annually.

The report shows that water supply coverage nationally increased from 52.6 per cent in 2009 to 64.8 per cent in 2019.

In 2009 and 2019, urban areas had more water sources coverage at 71.7 per cent and 78.9 per cent compared to rural areas where more than half of the households (56 per cent) and 44.1 percent obtained water from unprotected sources.