Mombasa, 11th May 2025
Nairobi County Environment Officers have undergone intensive training on the Basic Enforcement Course geared towards equipping them with sufficient knowledge and skills needed to effectively enforce all Environmental Regulations. The training was held at the Kenya School of Government, Mombasa.
The 34 Environment Officers were trained by experts from the National Environmental Management Authority (NEMA), National Police Service (NPS), Judiciary and National Government.
Upon completion of the one week course, the Officers were awarded certificates awaiting their Gazzetment as Environmental Inspectors by the office of the Attorney General. This will give them full powers to enforce all Environmental Laws and regulations.
“Environment Officers play a critical role in enforcing regulations and ensuring that businesses and individuals comply with environmental laws. Proper training in enforcement strategies and techniques is essential to effectively hold violators accountable and protect the environment.” Noted Mr. Geoffrey Mosiria, the County Chief Officer in charge of Environment.
Mr. Mosiria expressed confidence that the officers will execute their enforcement mandate professionally. “Now that you have gained this knowledge, I expect a positive impact on the ground. Let us work closely with NEMA towards restoring order in the City.” He added.
“What the Officers have been taken through is very essential. It gives them an opportunity to create a positive change in Nairobi City by addressing emerging Environmental challenges such as Air, Soil and Water pollution, Loss of Biodiversity, climate change, noise pollution and illegal dumping. They are better equipped to address these violations and protect the health and well-being of Nairobi people. This will be a turning point in bringing change in Nairobi City” Observed Mr. JP. Malawi, the County Director for Environment.
Mr. Malawi explained that training of officers in enforcement ensures that there is accountability for environmental violations. He added that by holding violators accountable, the Officers will deter future violations and promote a culture of compliance with environmental laws.
Director Malawi encouraged the Officers to take cognizant of the code of conduct for inspectors as described in the law, which he termed as very critical. He also called on them to embrace and implement the “Precautionary Principle” and “Polluter Pays Principle” as they work towards making a deliberate and impactful change in Nairobi City through enhanced enforcement and compliance.
Ms. Christine Kivuva, the County Assistant Director of Environment who is one of the gazetted Environmental Inspectors and a facilitator during the training, said that the training will promote environmental stewardship and make a real difference in the City. She urged the Environment Officers to use the knowledge gained to monitor, enforce and promote compliance with environmental laws, which is key to achieving cleaner, healthier and more sustainable Nairobi.
KCIC Director Mr. Felix Mwaki emphasized on the need to sensitize environmental offenders by using every means available. “There is need to see change in enforcement cases now that the officers have been well equipped and their capacity enriched. I am glad this is one of the best Public -Private partnership initiative we have successfully accomplished with Nairobi City County.” Said Mr. Mwaki.
Mr. Vincent Ogaya from KCIC pointed out that the training had useful aspects on how to enforce issues of waste management. He added that KCIC will continue supporting the development of the environment Subsector.
The training covered several topics including; Environmental legislations, restoration orders, role of investigating Officer, proving offences, crime scene management, handling exhibits, law of evidence , documents evidence, interviewing skills, witness statements and review of witness statements, compilation of cases, powers of an inspector and the code of ethics of environmental officers, among others.
The training also involved conducting of mock trials which meant to expose the officers to practical court structure and procedures for better understanding.
Those trained consisted of Assistant Directors heading different sections in the Environment Subsector, Chief Environment Officers, Environment Officers and Environment Monitoring, Compliance and Enforcement Officers.
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