Over the last decade the Kenyan economy has declined as demonstrated by GDP growth rates. Interest rates have fallen, exchange rates remained stable and inflation held down, while private sector investment and employment has grown. Overall, this gives a positive picture of economic growth prospects. When we look more closely at this encouraging economic picture, there are also however causes for serious concern. While Kenya’s economy is undoubtedly growing, we can at the same time see signs of environmental degradation and pollution. Forest area has declined, wetlands have decreased and wildlife numbers have fallen. Water and land shortage are widespread, other renewable and non-renewable natural resources are being rapidly depleted. A growing use of toxic chemicals, and discharge of waste and effluent into the soil, water and air can be seen. These changes all send signals that Kenya’s environmental resource base is slowly being depleted and degraded.
