Sustainable Consumption and Production (SDG 12) in Kenya

Current Status, Challenges and Way Forward to 2030

Abstract

This paper discusses the status of Sustainable Consumption and Production (SCP) in Kenya in four key areas, namely: land-use and food systems; water resources and use; coastal and marine environment; and energy resources. Kenya is lagging behind in analysis of her current practices of consumption and production, and lacks a national blueprint to guide realization of SCP. Secondary data and the authors’ experiences of the study area revealed that the country has made progress towards sustainable production and consumption in each of the areas. Decoupling well-being from environmental degradation remains a major challenge to be surmounted. The paper recommends investment in agricultural research, tapping into the knowledge of farmers and facilitating their access into the market, balancing urban and rural water supply, addressing technological challenges in rural water supply systems, easing pressure on coastal resources by providing alternative employment streams, connecting all domestic households to electricity and intensifying clean energy production. For sustainability to be achieved in the above areas by the year 2030, it is recommended that a concerted effort of all stakeholders, each playing the rightful role, is necessary.