The journey towards environmental sustainability in Laikipia County reached a historic milestone as Governor Joshua Irungu, EGH, officially launched the Laikipia County Environment Action Plan (CEAP) 2025-2029. This landmark initiative makes Laikipia the first county in Kenya to develop an environmental action plan under the revised National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) guidelines, reinforcing its commitment to climate resilience, conservation, and sustainable development. Under Environmental Management and Coordination (EMCA) Act, 1999 (Revised 2015), every county is required to develop a County Environment Action Plan (CEAP) every five years to guide environmental planning, policy implementation, and sustainable resource use. The Laikipia CEAP 2025-2029 provides a strategic roadmap for tackling climate change, biodiversity loss, land degradation, and environmental hazards while promoting sustainable land and water management.
The preparation of the CEAP also aligns with global, regional, other national and county development frameworks, including:
Agenda 21 of the Earth Summit, Kenya Constitution 2010 (which upholds the right to a clean and healthy environment Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 2030,Africa Agenda 2063 ,Kenya’s Vision 2030-Medium-Term Plans, the Bottom-Up Economic Agenda and the County Integrated Development Plans (CIDPs).
The Laikipia CEAP 2025-2029 is a working document that: Provides a status report on Laikipia’s environment, identifies key environmental challenges, proposes practical interventions for sustainable development and incorporates relevant laws and policies for implementation.
The plan is designed to guide policymakers, conservationists, local communities, and development partners in achieving sustainable environmental management from 2025 to 2029.
As a leading conservation organization in Laikipia, the Laikipia Wildlife Forum (LWF) played a crucial role in the validation and launch of the CEAP. Our participation ensured that community conservation needs, biodiversity protection, and sustainable land use practices are central to the plan.
Through stakeholder engagement and technical expertise, LWF together with other stakeholders helped to review and refine the CEAP into a realistic, inclusive, and action-driven plan. Our role in CEAP ensures that Laikipia remains a model county for conservation and climate action.
The preparation of CEAP 2025-2029 was a collaborative effort that involved multiple stakeholders. The County Government of Laikipia, through the Department of Water, Environment, Tourism, Natural Resources, and Climate Change under the leadership of the County Executive Committee Member (CECM), led the process. The CECM chairs the County Environment Committee.
A Technical Working Group, composed of county and national government officers, played a key role in collecting data, technical input, and policy alignment. NEMA provided advisory and policy guidance, with its County Director and staff offering invaluable contributions while hosting the CEAP Secretariat.
Special recognition goes to: the World Agroforestry (ICRAF) for technical and financial support in developing this Plan using NEMA’s guidelines for participatory and cost-effective environmental planning, Hon. Leah Njeri, Chair of the County Environment Committee and CECM for Water, Environment, Tourism, Natural Resources and Climate Change, for her leadership in coordinating the technical team responsible for drafting CEAP, NEMA’s Planning and Research Department for their work in developing the CEAP roadmap and training the technical sub-committee. Wyss Academy for Nature, for funding the participation of stakeholders in workshops and actively contributing to the planning and development of the CEAP
Public participation forums across all sub-counties played a critical role in shaping this CEAP by ensuring that community voices and conservation priorities were integrated into the plan. The input from local stakeholders guarantees that CEAP remains relevant to Laikipia’s sustainable development agenda.
The Laikipia County Environment Action Plan (CEAP) 2025-2029 is more than a policy document; it is a commitment to action. It will guide environmental planning, conservation efforts, climate adaptation, and green growth initiatives in Laikipia County.
However, its success depends on collective responsibility. Policymakers, conservationists, researchers, technical experts, and local communities must come together to ensure effective and efficient implementation of this plan
As LWF, we remain dedicated to partnering with government agencies, conservation groups, and communities to champion sustainable environmental practices. We urge all stakeholders to embrace this plan and play an active role in shaping Laikipia’s environmental future.
