The Establishment
The National Environment Management Authority (NEMA), is established under the Environmental Management and Co-ordination Act No. 8 of 1999 (EMCA) as the principal instrument of Government for the implementation of all policies relating to environment. EMCA 1999 was enacted against a backdrop of 78 sectoral laws dealing with various components of the environment, the deteriorating state of Kenya’s environment, as well as increasing social and economic inequalities, the combined effect of which negatively impacted on the environment. The supreme objective underlying the enactment of EMCA 1999 was to bring harmony in the management of the country’s environment.
Mandate of NEMA
Section 9(i) of EMCA mandates the Authority to exercise general supervision and coordination over all matters relating to the environment and to be the principal instrument of the Government of Kenya in the implementation of all policies relating to the environment.
The Authority is a Semi-Autonomous Government Agency (SAGA) in the Ministry of Environment and Forestry. The Authority has been in operation since 1st July 2002. The Authority works closely with lead agencies and development partners, the latter who include UNEP, UNDP and DANIDA. Since its establishment, NEMA has implemented three strategic plans and has been on performance contracting as required by the State Corporation (performance contracting) Regulations, 2004 legal notice No. 93. Under these regulations, Boards of Directors in state corporations, among others, are required to sign performance contracts with the Government, against which they are periodically evaluated.
Vision
A clean, healthy and sustainable environment
Mission
To coordinate, supervise and manage all matters relating to the environment in Kenya
Motto
Our Environment, Our life, Our Responsibility
Core Values
1. Professionalism
We aim at productivity: comply with set performance standards and response to changing work circumstances we as maintain confidentiality and respect of others.
2. Equity
We apply principles of fair play and equity with those we work with as well as the general public
3. Teamwork
We collaborate with others, maintain cooperation and openly demonstrate a sense of responsibility for the success of what we seek to achieve. We recognize and appreciate the strength and contributions of others and provide leadership in matters that we are mandated.
4. Integrity
We execute our mandate transparently and with the utmost respect, honesty and moral integrity.
5. Courage of conviction
We bravely, passionately and without fear, promote and defend sustainable interaction with the environment as we advance our relationship with like-minded parties in ensuring trans-generational environmental sustainability.
6. Innovation
We continually upgrade to new innovations, create new ways of doing things in order that our contributions to the sustainable management of the environment remain relevant.
The framework law was amended by the EMCA Amendment Act 2015
