"Earth provides enough to satisfy every man's need, but not every man's greed." - Mahatma Gandhi.

As the world developed and humans' lifestyles became more complex, our need for natural resources also increased. However, today we have reached a point where there are many threats to our natural resources. In this essay, we will explore the threats to Kenya's natural resources, their impact, and the measures that have been taken to mitigate them.

Natural resources are resources that have existed long before humans even evolved on this Earth. For example, air, water, land, forests, food crops, animals, sunlight, and minerals are all natural resources that Earth freely provides to us. Natural resources are the backbone of every economy, and Kenya is no exception. From the rich agricultural lands that provide food for the nation to the diverse wildlife and beautiful landscapes that attract tourists from all over the world, Kenya's natural resources are vital to its survival.

However, Kenya's natural resources are under constant threat from a range of factors that are causing irreversible damage to the environment. One of the most significant threats to Kenya's natural resources is deforestation. Kenya is home to some of the world's most extensive forests, such as the Mau forest complex and the Aberdare ranges. These forests serve as the habitat for many species of wildlife and play a critical role in regulating the climate by absorbing carbon dioxide. However, the high demand for timber, charcoal, and land for agricultural purposes has led to the widespread destruction of Kenya's forests. It is estimated that Kenya loses over 12,000 hectares of forest annually. The destruction of forests has far-reaching consequences, including soil erosion, loss of biodiversity, and an increase in carbon emissions.

 

Eastern Mau Forest deforestation activities

Source: The Star Newspaper

Another significant threat to Kenya's natural resources is overfishing. Kenya has a long coastline that stretches over 1,420 kilometers, and fishing is a crucial source of livelihood for many Kenyans. However, overfishing has led to a decline in fish stocks, affecting the livelihoods of many fishing communities. The use of unsustainable fishing practices, such as dynamite fishing and the use of fine mesh nets, has contributed to the depletion of fish stocks. Additionally, the increasing demand for fish and seafood globally has led to the exploitation of Kenya's marine resources, further exacerbating the problem.

Climate change is one of the most pressing issues of our time. The scientific consensus is clear: our planet is experiencing significant changes that are largely driven by human activities such as burning fossil fuels, deforestation, and industrial agriculture. The impacts of climate change are already being felt around the world, from rising sea levels to more frequent and severe weather events.

Climate change possess significant threat to Kenya's natural resources. The country has experienced a series of extreme weather events such as floods and droughts, which have had devastating effects on the environment. Climate change has also led to the melting of glaciers, rising sea levels, and an increase in global temperatures, which has negatively impacted the country's wildlife, forests, and water resources. The loss of habitat and reduced food sources for wildlife have led to a decline in species such as the African elephant, rhino, and lion, threatening the country's tourism industry, which relies heavily on wildlife.

 Wajir residents walk past a carcass. Climate change is amplifying risks from drought, floods, storm and rising seas, threatening countries.

Source: The Star Newspaper

Pollution is another threat to Kenya's natural resources. The country's rapid industrialization and urbanization have led to the release of large amounts of pollutants into the environment. Industrial waste, vehicle emissions, and the improper disposal of solid waste are some of the sources of pollution. Pollution poses a significant threat to Kenya's natural resources. The country has experienced a significant increase in pollution levels, particularly in urban areas. Industries and households contribute to pollution through the release of chemicals and waste products into the environment. Pollution has led to a decline in air and water quality, which affects the health of both humans and wildlife.

Given the significant threats facing Kenya's natural resources, it is imperative to take action to safeguard them. The Kenyan government has implemented several measures to mitigate these challenges. For instance, Kenya launched the National Climate Change Action Plan, which outlines the country's response to climate change. The plan identifies various strategies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, promote sustainable agriculture, and increase the use of renewable energy sources. Additionally, the government has implemented policies to promote afforestation and reforestation to address the issue of deforestation. For instance, the government has launched initiatives such as the National Tree Planting Day and the Greening Kenya Campaign to encourage the planting of trees across the country. The government has also enacted laws to regulate fishing practices and reduce overfishing. The Fisheries Act of 2016, for example, prohibits the use of destructive fishing methods such as dynamite fishing and the use of fine mesh nets. Furthermore, the government has implemented measures to reduce pollution, such as the ban on single-use plastics and the establishment of waste management systems. While more needs to be done, these efforts demonstrate the government's commitment to protecting Kenya's natural resources and mitigating the effects of climate change.

Kenya's natural resources are under significant threat from climate change, deforestation, overfishing, and pollution, which have led to irreversible damage to the environment and negative impacts on the economy and livelihoods. However, the Kenyan government has implemented several measures to mitigate these challenges, such as the National Climate Change Action Plan, afforestation and reforestation initiatives, fishing regulations, and pollution reduction policies.

As a collective force, we must take decisive action to address these challenges and protect our natural resources for future generations. We have the power to protect our environment by making conscious choices and being the change that our Earth needs. By working together, we can safeguard Kenya's natural resources and slow down the effects of these threats.