https://repository.seku.ac.ke/handle/123456789/14 2026-03-18T14:37:04Z https://repository.seku.ac.ke/handle/123456789/8293 Title: Assessing causes and implications of climate-induced migration in Kenya and Ethiopia Authors: Filho, Walter L.; Ayal, Desalegn Y.; Chamma, Desalegn D.; Kovaleva, Marina; Alverio, Gabriela N.; Nzengya, Daniel M.; Mucova, Serafino A.; Kalungu, Jokastah W.; Nagy, Gustavo J. Abstract: Climate-induced migration is an increasingly pressing issue in many African regions, as rising temperatures and extreme weather events have caused the displacement of vulnerable populations. This is especially so in Eastern Africa and the Horn of Africa, particularly Kenya and Ethiopia, where extreme weather events have led to rangeland degradation, crop failures, water shortages, and food insecurity. Hence, there is a perceived need to understand these processes better. Against this background, this paper reports on a study investigating the processes associated with climate-induced migration in Kenya and Ethiopia. The research method used consisted of an expert-driven assessment approach, which assesses the causes of climate-induced migration in Kenya and Ethiopia and its human and social implications on local communities. Data were collected from 110 experts residing and working on climate and migration-related issues in Ethiopia and Kenya via e-mail, whose knowledge of the current situation has enabled the identification of some important trends. The results show that climate change is a primary trigger of migration both internally and externally. The high number of migrants, many of whom living within levels of poverty in their home areas is straining resources and services in the receiving regions. Their presence is also leading to increased competition for jobs and resources. Additionally, it has increased urban poverty, as many migrants have little access to living space and health care. This paper provides a welcome addition to the literature in that it lists the causes and implications of climate-induced migration and, by doing so, fosters a better understanding of the current crisis and its implications. The implications of this paper to the overall knowledge of climate change and migration are twofold. First, it highlights the need for governments, international organisations, and other stakeholders better to understand the complex linkages between climate change and migration. Secondly, it shows the usefulness of better recognising how climate change can drive migration and the other factors shaping the decision to migrate. The paper concludes by stating the urgent need for policies and programmes that support climate change-induced migrants. Also, it draws attention to the usefulness of promoting sustainable development in their origin countries and destinations, so that migration is not necessarily perceived as the only response to climate change. A further conclusion is that there is a perceived need for providing access to resources such as education, health care, and livelihood opportunities and establishing mechanisms to ensure a safe and dignified return for those who choose to do so.; Climate-induced migration is an increasingly pressing issue in many African regions, as rising temperatures and extreme weather events have caused the displacement of vulnerable populations. This is especially so in Eastern Africa and the Horn of Africa, particularly Kenya and Ethiopia, where extreme weather events have led to rangeland degradation, crop failures, water shortages, and food insecurity. Hence, there is a perceived need to understand these processes better. Against this background, this paper reports on a study investigating the processes associated with climate-induced migration in Kenya and Ethiopia. The research method used consisted of an expert-driven assessment approach, which assesses the causes of climate-induced migration in Kenya and Ethiopia and its human and social implications on local communities. Data were collected from 110 experts residing and working on climate and migration-related issues in Ethiopia and Kenya via e-mail, whose knowledge of the current situation has enabled the identification of some important trends. The results show that climate change is a primary trigger of migration both internally and externally. The high number of migrants, many of whom living within levels of poverty in their home areas is straining resources and services in the receiving regions. Their presence is also leading to increased competition for jobs and resources. Additionally, it has increased urban poverty, as many migrants have little access to living space and health care. This paper provides a welcome addition to the literature in that it lists the causes and implications of climate-induced migration and, by doing so, fosters a better understanding of the current crisis and its implications. The implications of this paper to the overall knowledge of climate change and migration are twofold. First, it highlights the need for governments, international organisations, and other stakeholders better to understand the complex linkages between climate change and migration. Secondly, it shows the usefulness of better recognising how climate change can drive migration and the other factors shaping the decision to migrate. The paper concludes by stating the urgent need for policies and programmes that support climate change-induced migrants. Also, it draws attention to the usefulness of promoting sustainable development in their origin countries and destinations, so that migration is not necessarily perceived as the only response to climate change. A further conclusion is that there is a perceived need for providing access to resources such as education, health care, and livelihood opportunities and establishing mechanisms to ensure a safe and dignified return for those who choose to do so. Description: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envsci.2023.103577; https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envsci.2023.103577 2023-12-01T00:00:00Z https://repository.seku.ac.ke/handle/123456789/8277 Title: Delivering the ocean climate actions: Building a robust information base to facilitate and enhance the incorporation of blue carbon solutions into Kenya’s climate commitments Authors: Lang’at, Joseph K.; Kairo, James G.; Maina, George W.; Wanjiru, Caroline; Mungai, Fredrick; Owuor, Margaret A.; Nguu, Josphat G.; Landis, Emily Abstract: Incorporating blue carbon ecosystems into Kenya’s Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) is crucial for effective climate action, as these ecosystems offer significant carbon sequestration potential. This study presents the progress and challenges of incorporating blue carbon climate solutions into Kenya’s climate commitments. The study aimed to gather data, identify information gaps to ascertain and collate knowledge required for strengthening full integration of BCEs into Kenya’s climate commitments. A review of existing information and analysis on trends, status and conditions of Kenya’s BCEs were conducted. Results from this study show that Kenya’s Blue Carbon Ecosystems (BCEs), particularly mangroves and seagrasses, are declining at alarming rates of 0.57 % and 0.26 % annually, respectively, with projections showing that, without intervention, mangrove cover could decrease by 15.8 % by 2050, releasing approximately 55.3 MtCO₂e. This decline underscores the urgent need for strong data collection and enhanced policy frameworks to enable meaningful BCE integration into climate strategies. Management interventions could mitigate these losses, boosting mangrove cover by 4 % above 2020 levels and reducing carbon losses by 67 % compared to a business-as-usual scenario. Furthermore, such interventions yield substantial economic return up to five times the cost for mangroves and three times for seagrasses highlighting the economic and environmental imperative of these measures. To fully realize these benefits, comprehensive data readiness assessments and improved policy support are essential for embedding BCEs effectively within Kenya’s climate commitments. Description: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.marpol.2025.107008 2026-04-01T00:00:00Z https://repository.seku.ac.ke/handle/123456789/8275 Title: Carbon sovereignty and the governance conditions for equitable climate finance in Kenya's national carbon registry Authors: Wanjiru, Amina; Rotich, James K.; Kamau, Esther N.; Ondeng, David O. Abstract: On February 17, 2026, Kenya formally launched its National Carbon Registry (KNCR), a sovereign digital ledger designed to track, verify, and manage carbon credits and Internationally Transferred Mitigation Outcomes (ITMOs) from domestic climate projects. The launch marks a defining moment in Kenya's climate governance trajectory and in the broader African push for carbon sovereignty. This paper examines the governance architecture underpinning the KNCR, assessing the institutional conditions under which it can deliver equitable climate finance while maintaining high-integrity market participation. Drawing on the political economy of natural resource governance, the carbon market integrity literature, and comparative case analysis of established frameworks, including Ghana's Carbon Registry (GCR), Costa Rica's National Forestry Financing Fund (FONAFIFO), and the evolution of Verra's Verified Carbon Standard (VCS), the paper develops a conditional analytical framework. The central argument is that Kenya's registry represents a genuine and significant governance advance, creating the structural preconditions for carbon sovereignty. Its long-term effectiveness in delivering equitable outcomes, however, is contingent upon resolving three interrelated institutional conditions: the independence and transparency of project authorization, the robustness of measurement, reporting, and verification (MRV) infrastructure, and the operationalization of community benefit-sharing mechanisms. Since no projects have yet been deposited into the registry, the present moment offers Kenya an unprecedented opportunity to entrench governance principles that turn initial promise into enduring institutional credibility. 2026-02-23T00:00:00Z https://repository.seku.ac.ke/handle/123456789/8265 Title: Regreening Childhoods: Farmer Managed Natural Regeneration (FMNR) Enhances Child Well-being in the Context of Climate Change Authors: Munyao, Carol M.; Maithya, Harrison M.; Kimatu, Josephat; Kiruki, Harun M.; Ngei, Lucia; Mativo, Antony; Wafula, Humphrey; Matata, Joseph; Kipkullei, Hellen; Macharia, Alex; Matheka, Margret; Muller, Alice; Downes, Sarah Abstract: Purpose: Climate-induced land degradation and resource scarcity threaten child well-being across Sub-Saharan Africa, undermining food security, health, education, and protection outcomes. As climate impacts intensify, there is a growing need for integrated approaches that restore ecosystems while safeguarding human development. Farmer Managed Natural Regeneration (FMNR)—a low-cost, community-driven agroecological technique that promotes the regrowth of native vegetation from existing root systems—has emerged as a scalable and sustainable climate adaptation strategy.This paper investigates how FMNR contributes to child well-being in climate-affected regions of Kenya by enhancing environmental health, strengthening household resilience, and reinforcing community coping mechanisms. Methodology: Drawing on mixed evidence from World Vision Kenya’s FMNR programs (2018–2025), the study integrates program data, qualitative insights, and literature to identify key pathways through which FMNR influences child outcomes. Findings: Findings reveal three interrelated mechanisms: (1) Enhanced food and income security, which reduces malnutrition, child labor, and educational disruption; (2) Restored landscapes and ecological stability, which mitigate climate shocks and sustain caregiving systems; and (3) Inclusive community governance, which fosters intergenerational knowledge transfer, child participation, and social cohesion. Collectively, these outcomes demonstrate that FMNR contributes not only to ecological restoration but also to social resilience and protection of children’s rights.The analysis aligns with Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 13 on Climate Action and the African Union’s Agenda 2063, reinforcing FMNR’s relevance as a climate-responsive, child-centered development intervention. By bridging ecological regeneration and social development, FMNR emerges as an integrated, evidence-based solution to strengthen communityresilience and safeguard children’s well-being amid escalating climate challenges. Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy:It is recommended that Farmer Managed Natural Regeneration (FMNR) be embedded in child-focused climate adaptation policies to ensure its full integration into development planning. Including FMNR indicators in national child well-being frameworks will enhance accountability and track its diverse impacts on children’s lives. Longitudinal and geospatial studies should be pursued to strengthen evidence on FMNR’s long-term ecological and social benefits. Continued involvement of children and caregivers as environmental stewards will promote intergenerational responsibility and sustain the positive outcomes of FMNR initiatives. 2025-01-01T00:00:00Z