With the unpredictable seasons we face in Kenya today marked by long droughts and scanty rainfall, we should have learned the painful lesson by now- that genuine, inclusive, and sustainable green development is only possible when a nation is governed well.
This explains why it has become extremely necessary and urgent for government and corporates to collaborate and respond appropriately to the devastating effects of climate change which could undermine the country's resilience to future shocks.
As the world gradually feels the pinching effects of climate change, it has become obvious that considerations for sustainability, long-term orientation, environment and climate change must be incorporated into decision-making processes at all levels of governance.
In as much as the transition towards a greener and more sustainable economy and society is a task for the whole society, public administration and good governance must undoubtedly play a vital role to enable and facilitate the transition.
For instance, during the recent second Regional Research Conference on Land and Natural Resources held at the Kenya School of Government in May this year, it was revealed that evidence-based research and proper land management are key in mitigating adverse effects of climate change and promoting adaptation.
Researchers at the conference said that the recent prolonged drought and floods that had affected over five million people in the country, causing loss of lives, livelihoods and acute food security can be addressed through incorporating evidence-based research in government policymaking mechanisms to attain effective solutions.
Simply put, sound governance is important in guiding both public and private sector organisations as well as the government in the effective management and use of resources. Good governance promotes accountability and transparency and eventually leads to sustainability.
While considering good governance as a requisite for a sustainable green economy, we should not limit ourselves to the national government alone. Good governance should extend to the society and institutions as well as complex human interactions within and outside of those institutions, which sometimes impose significant negative impacts on environmental quality.
Good governance can act as a shot in the arm for sustaining a green economy by creating resilience. It is widely recognised that adaptation solutions at all levels are critical in establishing a green economy as emphasised in the United Nations Paris Agreement of 2015 (UNFCC). According to Swiss Re, failure to respond to the guidelines given by the UNFCC could reduce the cumulative global economic value by 10 per cent by 2050.
This, therefore, demands robust actions that will radically transform broad sectors of the economy which include energy, water, manufacturing, transport, infrastructure, transport, agriculture, forestry and land use, among others. As explained in a recent report by Ernest & Young "humans must also radically rethink how we produce and consume food and fuel and manage waste".
To make progress in achieving a green economy, Kenya's policymakers should devolve responsibilities related to climate adaptation and resilience-building to county government level through adoption of climate change and disaster risk management-related legislation. The government and other regulatory organs should also create incentives that will encourage more corporates to embrace the core values of Environmental, Social and Governance.
