The National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) is established under the Environmental Management and Coordination Act (EMCA) No. 8 of 1999.

Kenya
Joined December 2011
NEMA conducted a two-day training on Devolved Environmental Functions (DEFs) for Narok County Executive Committee Members in Naivasha. The training was supported by the Global Environment Facility Seventh Replenishment (GEF-7) Sustainable Forest Management (SFM) Project, “Strengthening Forest Management for Improved Biodiversity Conservation and Climate Resilience in the Southern Rangelands of Kenya; Kajiado and Narok Counties." The project is being implemented by IUCN in partnership with NEMA. The training strengthened participants’ understanding and capacity to implement environmental responsibilities at the County level. Participants also explored the challenges and opportunities in implementing Devolved Environmental Functions (DEFs) and discussed ways to strengthen the role of County Environmental Officers in monitoring environmental compliance.
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The CS Environment , Climate Change and Forestry, Dr. Deborah Barasa, EGH has called for a result oriented approach in undertaking environmental activities. "It's not about processes but the results and impact of the projects and activities we do," the CS said. The CS was speaking today as she graced the NEMA Management, Regional Directors of Environment (RDEs and County Directors of Environment (CDEs) meeting in Naivasha. She emphasized on the need to put in place mechanisms for Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) of all environmental projects to enable collection of credible data that depicts results and outcome of projects and activities. The CS expressed her support for the Authority in implementation of it's mandate and provision of necessary resources. She indicated her support to various policy interventions that NEMA is undertaking especially on staffing and implementation of various regulatory regimes. She further urged NEMA to invest in technologies that enable management and measurement of its performance.
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NEMA Chairman, Emilio Mugo remarked that the Authority is working hard to deliver on its mandate as the performance of one entity influences overall performance of the ministry. "The role of field officers have been entrenched in restructuring of the Authority as they are the frontline workers for the organisation," the Chairman said. The Chairman added that the Authority is bettering it's relationship with various stakeholders especially the County Governments to ensure the County Environmental Committee (CECs) are operational across the 47 Counties to enhance environmental management and decision making.
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NEMA Director General, Dr. Mamo B. Mamo, EBS said that the Authority is fully implementing it's mandate. He underscored that the Authority is in process of implementing Asbestos removal projects across the country. The DG noted that despite the ban on plastic bags in 2017, there is still some challenges due to presence of porous borders with neighbouring countries where plastic bags are not banned. He added that the Authority is engaging the Council of Governors (CoG) especially on implementation of devolved environmental functions such as noise regulation and waste management. This includes streamlining Gazettement of environmental inspectors within NEMA and County Governments.
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NEMA Kenya and the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) held a meeting today to advance collaboration on environmental compliance, revenue protection and responsible investment. Discussions focused on how information sharing and coordinated regulatory oversight can strengthen compliance across mining, real estate and construction, waste management, and biodiversity. Both institutions recognized the opportunity to connect environmental licensing information with tax compliance analysis while supporting responsible businesses. The meeting was chaired by Mr. Godfrey Wafula, representing the Director General NEMA, Dr.Mamo B. Mamo, EBS and Ms. Melvin Simiyu, representing KRA Commissioner General. In attendance were NEMA compliance and enforcement Officers and KRA Investigation and Enforcement Team.
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@NemaKenya Director General Dr. Mamo B. Mamo, EBS was today represented by Dr. Tampushi, Deputy Director, Pollution Control and Waste Management, at a High-Level Breakfast Meeting on the Environmental Governance Programme (EGP) and preparations for the Annual Mining Policy Brief and Stakeholders’ Forum. The meeting was chaired by Mr. @KimtaiHarry , CBS, Principal Secretary, State Department for Mining. @psmining_ke ,Other leaders in attendance included Mr. @PSMwadime, EBS, Principal Secretary, State Department for Labour; Mr. @Patrickkilemi , CBS, Principal Secretary, State Department for Cooperatives; Ms @yvonnenyokabi, @UNDPKenya Climate Promise Project Manager; and Ms Mary Mwiti, EBS, Chief Executive Officer, @KenyaGovernors alongside other government representatives. Discussions focused on regulatory lessons, proposed policy interventions and strategic priorities to strengthen environmental governance in the mining sector. The meeting also provided an opportunity to align key stakeholders ahead of the Annual Mining Policy Brief and Stakeholders’ Forum scheduled for 29 October 2026. #NEMA @psmining_ke #Mining #EnvironmentalGovernance #SustainableMining
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The NEMA Board of Management is currently in Naivasha meeting with the Management, Regional Directors of Environment (RDEs, County Directors of Environment (CDEs) to appraise themselves with the performance of the Authority for the last one year. While making his opening remarks, the NEMA Chairman, Emilio Mugo appreciated the RDEs and CDEs for working hard to contribute to the overall achievement of the Authority's mandate. The Chairman stressed on professionalism and integrity as opposed to personal gain. "NEMA has a policy on zero tolerance to corruption and environmental malpractices," he stressed. He added that the field officers should ensure prudent use of public resources by being dedicated and resilient to their work.
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The Director General, Dr. Mamo B. Mamo, EBS emphasized on the culture of integrity and protection of the Kenyan environment. "You are the shield that protects our environment. Have unshakable belief to enable the Authority achieve it's mandate," the DG said. The DG highlighted the regulatory frameworks that have been put in place to ensure it achieves a clean and healthy environment for all. This includes enactment and implementation of various environmental regulations such as Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR), Kenya Online Emissions Management System (KOCEMS), Air quality regulations among others. In his closing remarks, the DG reminded the Field officers that the Weight of Article 42 of the Constitution rests on their shoulders " You are the one to guarantee that right to Kenyans!
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@NemaKenya, in collaboration with the Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) Centre, is participating in the 6th International E-waste Conference taking place from 15th-16th October, 2026 at Diamonds Leisure Beach and Golf Resort in Diani, Kwale County. Themed “From Policy to Practice: Scaling the Circular Electronics Economy” this year’s conference focuses on advancing green industrialization, strengthening regulatory frameworks and fostering public - private partnerships to build a resilient circular ecosystem across the continent. The event provides a critical platform for dialogue and collaboration on sustainable solutions to address the environmental and social impacts of electronic waste (ewaste), bringing together global experts, regional policymakers, and industry pioneers to translate sustainability commitments into actionable outcomes. Discussions centre on scaling the circular electronics economy through robust policies, innovative practices, and sustainable approaches to e-waste management, while unlocking new economic opportunities for Africa. Mr. Robert Orina, NEMA Deputy Director Environmental Assessments represented the Director General, Dr. Mamo B. Mamo, EBS, at the conference. In his remarks, he emphasized Kenya’s recognition of e-waste not merely as waste, but as a valuable resource that can be recovered, recycled, and reintegrated into the economy through sustainable practices. Conference participants also engaged with NEMA’s exhibition stand to learn more about the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) and its role in promoting sustainable product life cycles and responsible e-waste management. The Conference marks a significant step in reinforcing Kenya,s and Africa's commitment of environmentally sound ewaste management, innovation and policy alignment with global standards.
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@NEMAKenya Board Chair, Mr Emilio Mugo, today, held a meeting with a delegation from the African Forest Forum (AFF), led by its Executive Secretary and Chief Executive Officer, Prof. Labode Popoola, to explore areas of collaboration between the two institutions. The discussions focused on establishing a framework for cooperation, including opportunities to access climate finance through the Adaptation Fund, the Green Climate Fund (GCF) and other climate finance mechanisms. AFF proposed a youth-led, nature-based business programme linked to climate finance to strengthen climate resilience, promote ecosystem conservation and support sustainable livelihoods. The proposal will be developed further, with NEMA constituting a team to review the concept and facilitate the development of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). The meeting also explored opportunities for NEMA’s participation in the IUFRO World Congress 2029, as proposed by AFF. Mr Mugo reaffirmed NEMA’s commitment to the proposed partnership and pledged the Authority’s support towards advancing the collaboration. The meeting was attended by Dr. Charles Lange, Director of Environmental Services, and Sarah Muthoni from NEMA’s Programs and Partnerships Department. AFF was also represented by Doris Mutta, Senior Programs Officer, and Tefera Belay Endalamau, Resource Mobilization and Development Officer. The proposed partnership aims to leverage the institutions’ expertise and networks to advance environmental conservat
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Today, NEMA Director General, Dr. Mamo B. Mamo, EBS visited One Stop Border Point (OSBP) Moyale to sensitize the Multi-Agency teams at the OSBP on the EPR import permit and the need for joint inspections, surveillance and enforcement action on the banned plastic carrier bags. The agencies represented were; KRA, KEBS, KEPHIS, Public health, AFA, NIS, NGAO, Kenya Police, amongst others. Plans are underway to deploy a NEMA officer at the OSBP Moyale.
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His Excellency President Dr. @WilliamsRuto alongside @NemaKenya Chairman Emilio Mugo and Director-General Dr. Mamo B. Mamo, EBS, presented a certificate of ownership of the Ecosort Buy-Back Centre to the local community in Endebbes, Trans Nzoia County. The handover took place during the Mazingira Day celebrations in Endebes, Trans Nzoia Ciunty marks a significant step towards community-led environmental conservation, sustainable waste management and the creation of green livelihoods. The Ecosort Buy-Back Centre is part of a national circular economy initiative supported through a partnership between the United Nations Development Programme @UNDPKenya and the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA). The initiative seeks to transform waste into valuable resources, create green jobs and strengthen climate resilience. @Environment_Ke #MazingiraDay2026 #TunzaIkulipe #JazaMiti #15BillionTreesBy2032 #15BNiWajibuWakilaMkenya
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As Kenya’s lead environmental regulator, NEMA plays a central role in promoting responsible waste management, resource recovery and the implementation of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR), which encourages producers to take responsibility for the waste generated by their products. Each community-owned buy-back centre is expected to support approximately 105 green jobs while providing market opportunities for waste pickers and other waste suppliers. Through such initiatives, NEMA continues to advance Kenya’s transition to a circular economy, where waste is recognised as a resource and environmental sustainability goes hand in hand with economic empowerment. @Nemakenya @Environment_Ke @EnviClimateC_Ke #MazingiraDay2026 #TunzaIkulipe #JazaMiti #15Billiontreesby2032 #15BWajibuWakilaMkenya
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NEMAKenya has called on Kenyans to take personal responsibility for keeping their surroundings clean, properly sorting waste and preventing pollution as the country prepares to mark Mazingira Day on October 10, 2026. The call was made during a Mazingira Day build-up clean-up exercise in Kitale Town, Trans Nzoia County, led by Nema Kenya to mobilise communities, businesses and institutions to make environmental conservation a daily practice rather than a once-in-a-while activity. Speaking on behalf of the Cabinet Secretary for Environment, Climate Change and Forestry, Dr. Deborah Barasa, NEMA Chairman, Emilio Mugo emphasised that lasting environmental protection requires consistent action, including proper waste disposal, segregation at source, reuse and recycling. Environment Secretary @DrKimosop39103 representing Principal Secretary of Environment @Eng_F_Ngeno, commended Kitale residents for maintaining high standards of cleanliness in the Central Business District. She urged residents to sustain the efforts by extending good waste management practices to their homes, schools, workplaces and institutions. Dr. Kimosop highlighted the role of the Sustainable Waste Management Act and the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) framework in promoting waste prevention, recycling, resource recovery and green job creation. She also recognised waste pickers for their contribution to waste recovery and environmental sustainability. #MazingiraDay2026 #TunzaIkulipe #JazaMiti #15BillionTreesBy2032 #15BWajibuWaKilaMkenya
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