The environment includes both the living and non living factors that surround human beings in a place. It is important that one protects the environment and adapts some of the following measures to help sustain it for a much more long time.

Planting Trees

Trees play very crucial roles in the environment and should be planted in high amounts. The late Wangari Mathai enhanced the process of environmental conservation by taking a leading role by planting more trees. Trees act as rain attraction agents and hence they should be planted to attract more rainfall that brings water for various uses in the environment. Soil erosion is greatly reduced by planting more trees as they play key roles in binding soil particles together.

Controlling Soil Erosion

The process includes applying a variety of measures that can be used to stop the various agents that cause soil erosion. Firstly wind erosion is controlled by planting more trees that prevent harmful winds from blowing away soil particles. Building of gabions helps regain the amount of soil that is swept away by wind.

Proper Disposal of Waste

Some substances are harmful to the environment and they should be properly disposed to avoid creating a lot of hardships to the surrounding organisms. Chemicals should be disposed in pit latrines and other substances such as wastes should be properly burned following the correct set of procedures. People should have dustbins that can be used to throw waste materials and help avoid throwing some harmful substances to the ecosystem.

Slash Grass and clear Tall bushes

Big grasses encourage the breeding of dangerous animal species such as snakes and insects that include mosquitoes that have a longtime been the main cause of high cases of malaria in the country. The slashed grass should then be used for some good purposes that meet the needs the needs of the environment..

Forestry in Kenya is one the most developed sector in which the country in which investments have been done heavily to protect the forest and ensuring that the wildlife is safe from degradation and destruction. Many of the people do not see the importance of forests but in real sense, the forest are among the essential environmental features that contribute to the individuals’ survival.

The country together with most of the Kenyan investors have ensured that the forests are preserved to their benefits and has established various institutes and authorities to achieve the preservation and conservation of the forests. Kenya have various authorities which helps in the fight against forest and environmental destruction, some of which include NEMA, Kenya Forest services and Kenya Forestry Research Institute (KEFRI) which does all the research involving the current conditions and how the forests will be protected or affected by this conditions.

Kenya Forestry Research Institute is therefore an institution which conduct research and provide information and technologies for sustainable development of forests and allied natural resources for socio-economic development. This institution through conduction their research ensure that they increase forest technologies and innovations, enhance multi-sectoral and public-private sector research, enhance knowledge management and dissemination systems.

Kenya Forestry Research Institute undertake regional forestry research programmes as part of their research to ensure that forests in all areas have a specific condition that would be favourable for the surrounding environment and the people within these areas. They conduct this in almost any part of the country where there are forests which need a lot of attention as far as protection, conservation and preservation is concerned. The areas and the specific eco-regional research programmes available within Kenya Forestry Research Institute are;

Central Highlands Eco-Region Research Programme

This research programme is conducted in areas within Mt Kenya forest and Aberdare Forest ecosystems and the research programme covers ten counties which include Nairobi, Kiambu, Murang’a, Nyeri, Nyandarua, Kirinyaga, Embu, Tharaka-Nithi, Meru and Laikipia The research is conducted from a specific location which is the headquarter situated at Muguga after Sigona Golf club off the Nairobi- Nakuru Highway. In this coverage, the main aims of the research programmes are to develop technologies for forest productivity and improvement, biodiversity and environment management, forest products and also undertakes socio-economics, policy and governance studies in forestry as well as provide technical support services on forestry.

Drylands Eco-region Forestry Research Programme

Kenya Forestry Research Institute also has established a Research Centre in the Dry parts of Kenya in Kitui to be able to conduct research on forestry more easily. This Research Centre based in Kitui cover research responsibilities of nine counties of Mandera, Wajir, Garissa, Isiolo, Marsabit, Kitui, Machakos, Makueni and Tana River and the main of the research center and the research programmes in the Drylands is to conduct research in forestry in arid and semi-arid lands of Kenya to harness and develop dryland forestry resources by generating technologies to rehabilitate, manage and promote sustainable utilization of woodlands for improved livelihoods and environmental conservation.

Coastal Eco-Region Forestry Research Programme

This programme is aimed to cater for research to the coastal forests and the residents of coastal regions where it majorly research on the challenges of natural forestry ecosystems including the Kayas, and the lowlands, mountain and mangrove forests, coastal dryland forests, farm forestry and forest plantations. The programme is conduct from their main office in coastal region located in Arabuko Sokoke Forest in Malindi District while it cover research programmes within 6 counties which are Kwale, Taita-Taveta, Mombasa, Kilifi, Tana-River and Lamu.

Rift Valley Eco-Region Forestry Research Programme

This research programme is mandated to ensure that the forest in the Rift Valley are fully protected from destruction. The research programmes offered enable the undertaking of research and development activities in forestry and allied resource in the highlands of west of the Rift Valley and the Drylands within the Rift valley. The programme addresses challenges in natural forests that include two crucial water towers, Mau forest complex and Cherengany ranges, industrial Forest plantations, dryland forestry and farm forestry. Their office is located in Londiani, Kericho County and they cover counties in Kenya such as Elgeyo-Marakwet, Narok, Bomet, Kericho, Nakuru, Baringo, Trans Nzoia, Turkana, Laikipia, Samburu and Kajiado.

 

 

Badasa Dam

The dam has been constructed with the major intention of distributing plenty water supply to the Marsabit residents.9km from Nairobi, the dam’s water is believed to originate from Bakuli springs that was constructed in the year 1970.The capacity of water in the dam changes depending with the season. Rainy seasons the water capacity goes up to 800m3 and 300m3 during the dry season.Supports a population of over 30000people.

Maruba Dam

Originates from the famous river Maruba that is the main source of water for the town of Machakos. The town has an approximated population of about 210000people with a water demand of about 8000m3/day. The storage capacity of the dam has gone down over the years as a result of continued siltation in rivers. However, the dam is still being expanded and several other projects coming from it.

Chemususu Dam

Comes from river Chemususu and is found in the north western parts of Nakuru town. The main intention of coming up with the dam was to improve the storage capacity of the area and ensure that water supply is in plenty.

Umaa Dam

 Found in Kitui county,the dam originates from the famous ribver Mukoleyka.The dam started being designed around the year 1992.The government is actively taking part in ensuring that the dam is well built so that it can be of benefit to the country and help the problem of water shortages in the nation.

Masinga Dam

It is a manmade lake that is one of the largest electrical producer sources in the country. It originates from river Tana and is one of the seven folks scheme found along the river. It borders Yatta plateau and holds a lot of marine life such as hippos, fish and crocodiles. The dam is also a major tourist attraction center.

Kamburu Dam

It is the second major station in Kenya that supplies huge electrical energy. It took seven major years for the construction to come to a considerable end. It is found along river Tana and is one of the seven folk’s scheme projects. The dam is also used as a source of water for the neighboring people.

 

One strange fact is that the word Kenya that denotes this beautiful country actually derives its roots from the name Mount Kenya. Mount Kenya is also the second tallest mountain in Africa, second after Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania. Mount Kenya is seventeen thousand and fifty seven feet tall.

All the peaks on Mount Kenya were formed as a result of volcanic eruptions dating over two million years ago when the mountain was active. Presently, the mountain is dead with regards to volcanic activity. The mountain is formed from different types of rocks.

The sun always rises and sets at around the same time on this mountain at five thirty in the morning and at five thirty in the evening. This is due to the fact that the mountain lies at the equator. A large area around the center of the mountain is designated as national park and a world heritage site.

There was only one mountaineering route on this mountain by 1899. Presently, there are several routs up the mountain. The south route is best for climbing between January and February while the north route is best for climbing between August and September.

The mountain boasts of a park that is home to several animals with some of them being very unique. They include the Bongo Antelope and the Cape buffalo. In addition to that, any tree that is above seventeen thousand feet on this mountain is filled by moss.

Another amazing fact is that the mountain is home to over three hundred and forty species of birds which can be viewed at the viewing sites in the national parks. Apart from wildlife and watching birds, people engage in hiking activities on the same mountain.

It was on this mountain that freedom fighter Munyao first hoisted the Kenyan flag immediately after Kenya attained her independence in nineteen sixty three. The two top most peaks on this mountain are called Lenana and Batian ordered in the order of their height.

Fears are rife that Nairobi’s animals sanctuary will be reduced a zoo because of land pressure. Established by colonialists more than 60 years ago, the park was the first Kenya and in East Africa. However fears are growing that pressure on land, with the park now sandwiched between high end estates, might mean it’s a matter of time before it’s reduced to a zoo.

Sebastian the chimpanzee left fond memories among the many tourists who visited the park. Until he died 1999, aged nearly 50, the ape who had been shipped as a youngster from the Congo forest defined tourism in Nairobi and for many years became synonymous with the park. The park contributed to Nairobi s nickname of the green city in the sun and it’s seen as another tourist destination, in the same way Nakuru National Park has boosted Nakuru Town.

The park offers all the animals to be seen in most parks – including lion, leopard, buffalo and rhino – expect elephants which were judged to be too destructive for a comparatively small area.

Nairobi has unique status as the only capital in the world with a national park in its midst and it remains to be seen the new county government will do to enhance its vast potential. Lack of a land policy to zone places, including land use in Nairobi is a big mistake but initiatives taken by KWS together with Friends of the Park are giving as hopes as they try to ensure the park survival. The Nairobi County leaders must work hand in hand with those in Kajiado on a formula to ensure the park’s survival.

Apart from the park, there are many other tourist attractions around the city. They include the national museum and Snake Park, plus arboretum nature trails next to the University of Nairobi, the Karen Bixen museum, the Giraffe Centre where visitors can hand feed rare Rothschild giraffes.

The Ecological Footprint of an individual is obtained by looking at all of the biological materials consumed, and all of the biological waste that is removed or given out by that person in a given year. The Most Harmful Consumer Activities in Kenya include;

Small motor vehicles: the use of motor vehicle causes more environmental degradation because these vehicles emit a lot of toxic fumes from the combustion of fossil fuels which in this case is the fuel. Motor vehicles have been said to be one of the major environmental pollutants in the whole world.

Beef farming and poultry: the production of poultry and beef farming on ranches requires a lot of water and land so as to produce the commonly used products in Kenya. A lot of the country’s land is put to these activities that normally lead to excessive environmental degradation. Red meat is also not healthy for excessive consumption.

Growing vegetables, crops and most fruits like strawberries uses a lot of water for irrigation so that the need of Kenyan consumers who form a ready market can be satisfied. The growing of all these crops also requires application of fertilizers to improve on productivity and these fertilizers are also pollutants. A substantial piece of the country’s land is also utilized.

The use of fossil fuels in rural Kenya among people who cannot afford the use of cleaner sources of energy is also on the increase in Kenya. The fossil fuels have been proved to really increase the amounts of pollution especially in third world countries like Kenya. This is a consumer related problem that has proven difficult to handle.

Heating homes and air conditioning in big offices has a major impact on the global warming effect because some gases released trap heat from leaving the surface of the earth. Setting up of settlements also leads to the destruction of ecosystems of wildlife through clearing of forested areas for settlement.

Sewage from homes and wastes: sewage from home majorly contributes to water pollution in Kenya because of leaking pipes and poor treatment of the sewage. This mainly affects urban areas where the sanitation services are poor because of congestion.

Enrching soil carbon

Soil is the third largest carbon pool on Earth’s surface. Agricultural soils can be managed to reduce emissions by minimizing tillage, reducing use of nitrogen fertilizers, and preventing erosion. Soils can store the carbon captured by plants from the atmosphere by building up soil organic matter, which also has benefits for crop production. Adding biomass burned in a low-oxygen environment can further enhance carbon storage in soil.

Farming with perennials

Perennial crops, grasses, palms, and trees constantly maintain and develop their root and woody biomass and associated carbon, while providing vegetative cover for soils. There is large potential to substitute annual tilled crops with perennials, particularly for animal feed and vegetable oils, as well as to incorporate woody perennials into annual cropping systems in agro forestry systems.

Climate-friendly livestock production

Rapid growth in demand for livestock products has triggered a huge rise in the number of animals, the concentration of wastes in feedlots and dairies, and the clearing of natural grasslands and forests for grazing. Livestock- related emissions of carbon and methane now account for 14.5 percent of total greenhouse gas emissions more than the transport sector. A reduction in livestock numbers may be needed but production innovations can help, including rotational grazing systems, manure management, methane capture for biogas production, and improved feeds and feed additives.

Protecting natural habitat

The planet’s 4 billion hectares of forests and 5 billion hectares of natural grasslands are a massive reservoir of carbon both in vegetation above ground and in root systems below ground. As forests and grasslands grow, they remove carbon from the atmosphere. Deforestation, land clearing, and forest and grassland fires are major sources of greenhouse gas emissions. Incentives are needed to encourage farmers and land users to maintain natural vegetation through product certification, payments for climate services, securing tenure rights, and community fire control. The conservation of natural habitat will benefit biodiversity in the face of climate change.

Restoring degraded watersheds and rangelands

Extensive areas of the world have been denuded of vegetation through land clearing for crops or grazing and from overuse and poor management. Degradation has not only generated a huge amount of greenhouse gas emissions, but local people have lost a valuable livelihood asset as well as essential watershed functions. Restoring vegetative cover on degraded lands can be a win-win-win strategy for addressing climate change, rural poverty, and water scarcity.

 

Land in kenya is appreciating each and everyday and the number of people demanding it are continually in the rise.It is advisable for the government to get good ways that they can use land that is reclaimed for the purposes of ensuring that kenyans benefit much from the resources controlled by the government.The following are some of the major ways of how the government can put to use recliamed land.

Planting trees

Trees are very important natural resources for the country and there is high need for the government to find a stable way of ensuring that it has very large portion of land being covered by trees.Major uses of trees include acting as a source of timber for making furniture,acting as ater catchment areas and source of fuel at homes.

IDP Resettlement

The land that is found not to be in urgent use can be used by the government for the purposes of acting as a home for majority of kenyans that have been displaced from their original homes and wish to find some important activities to carryout.The internally displaced persons can be given such lands that they ca use to farm and help the country to be more productive by encouraging more farming and agricultural production.

Irrigation

The country is in high need of stable irrigation systems that can propel the country forward and boost much of the agricultuarl produce being exported to the market countries.Irrigation is being used for growing crops and it is good if the government took the initiative of ensuring that the land found to be idle is well distributed to the needed parties of agriculture

Multipurpose projects are projects that serve more than one purpose, they are also called river development projects and help in the economic development of the country. Most of them are located along the course of river Tana. River Tana projects are also called the seven folks project because seven projects were proposed along the river.

The projects include; Masinga, Kindaruma, Kiambere, Gaturu, Kamburu, Mutonga and Grand falls. They were established mainly to provide hydro electric power, to control flooding in the lower Tana basin and to increase food production through irrigation of crops. Before their establishment, Kenya used to rely on power from the Owen falls hydroelectric power station in at jinja in Uganda.

Kindaruma was the first to be completed in the year 1968 with power production of approximately 40mw,the dams power production is managed by Kengen company which is in charge of production of power then it sells it to Kenya Power and Lighting company for distribution to the national grid. Kamburu was second completed in 1977 to produce approximately 94mw followed by Gitaru power station which uses water from underground tunnels of Kamburu dam and was completed in 1980. Masinga dam was completed in 1986 and Kiambere in the late 80s. Mutonga and Grand falls have not been completed.

Benefits of the Tana projects are numerous, for instance the dams have helped to control flooding of the river Tana which used to affect the area and lead to the displacement of people and loss of property as well as increased waterborne diseases.

Inland fishing grounds especially on the dams at Masinga and Kiambere have also been created to supplement the agricultural activities such as crop farming in the area. The construction of the dams has also created beautiful scenery which attracts both local and foreign tourists. Students from schools visit these areas annually to learn about the activities that take place in the dams during production of power.

The projects also save Kenyans a lot of money which would have been used to import electricity from neighboring countries, the money is put into alternative projects instead. Electricity for both industrial and domestic use is cheaper and readily available for effective running of engines to improve on production hence expansion of Kenyan industries.

There is increased food production through irrigation hence better use of less productive land that would have otherwise been left bare and not utilized for constructive purposes. Many Kenyans have also been attracted to settle in these areas.

We can therefore see and appreciate that the multipurpose river projects in Kenya have led to creation of more benefits to the country which is struggling to improve on food security and industrialization so as to achieve vision 2030.