National Environment Management Authority of Kenya

The National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) is the Kenyan government agency responsible for the management of the environment and environmental policy. It is a Semi-Autonomous Government Agency (SAGA) within the Ministry of Environment and Forestry. The Authority works closely with international organizations such as UNEP, UNDP, and DANIDA. Since its establishment, NEMA has implemented three strategic plans to improve the environmental landscape of Kenya.

The mission of NEMA is to "safeguard and enhance the quality of the environment through coordination, research, facilitation, and enforcement, while encouraging responsible individual, corporate and collective participation towards sustainable development".

Their vision is "to be a world-class environmental Authority that ensures a healthy environment for all," and their motto is "Our Environment Our Life -- Mazingira Yetu Uhai Wetu".

NEMA emphasizes a holistic approach to environmental management by focusing on sustainable initiatives of development that improve the living standard for current citizens without jeopardizing the landscape for future generations. They also acknowledge the connected nature of the ecosystems, sectors, and policies to ensure that their initiatives have a positive impact. While operating with a precautionary principle that advocates for protective action for the environment, even without known risk, NEMA uses environmental research to guide policy implementation. The Authority works to ensure that all citizens have equal access to a clean and healthy environment, fair enforcement, and the opportunity to participate in decision making processes, like Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA).