National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) Director-General Dr. Mamo B. Mamo, EBS, has called for greater investment in green projects and a change in public behaviour to safeguard Kenya’s environment for present and future generations.

Dr. Mamo made the remarks in Nairobi during the launch of new products by the Kenya Development Corporation (KDC) and the unveiling of its sustainability and financing strategy.

The NEMA chief joined Environment and Climate Change Principal Secretary Dr. Eng. Festus Ng’eno at the event, where he emphasized the importance of integrating environmental sustainability into investments and development projects across the country.

Dr. Mamo said Kenya must increasingly leverage investments and technologies that reduce carbon emissions, citing solar energy as one of the key solutions that can help lower the country’s carbon footprint.

He also urged financial institutions and investors to explore innovative green financing instruments, including green bonds, sustainability-linked loans and green mortgages, to support environmentally friendly projects.

According to the NEMA Director-General, environmental considerations should be mainstreamed into development projects to ensure they are socially, economically and environmentally sustainable.

He stressed that achieving sustainability does not always require complex interventions, noting that ordinary citizens can contribute through simple everyday actions such as switching off unnecessary lights during the day, car-pooling when travelling to work and disposing of waste properly.

Dr. Mamo particularly called for a behavioural shift among Kenyans in the management of waste, saying the country already has a strong legal and institutional framework for environmental protection but lacks sufficient citizen action.

“Despite availability of a robust legal and institutional framework to manage the environment in the country, what is still lacking is the citizens' action on the environment,” Dr. Mamo said.

He reminded Kenyans that environmental protection is not only a government responsibility but a constitutional obligation shared by every citizen.

Dr. Mamo pointed to the Preamble of the 2010 Constitution, which recognizes the need to respect and sustain the environment as a heritage for future generations.

He further cited Article 42 of the Constitution, which guarantees every person the right to a clean and healthy environment.

The NEMA boss, however, noted that citizens must balance the enjoyment of their environmental rights with their responsibilities to protect and improve the environment.

“As we speak about our rights, we always forget about our responsibility as citizens of this country to enhance the quality of our environment for current and future generations,” he said.

Dr. Mamo’s remarks come as Kenya intensifies efforts to promote sustainable development, mobilize climate finance and reduce greenhouse gas emissions while supporting economic growth.

He urged stakeholders across government, the private sector and the financial industry to work together in scaling up investments that support a greener and more sustainable economy.

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