Devolution programme sets new safety standards for projects across 47 counties

OLIVER MWENDA-PCO

The State Department for Devolution, through the World Bank–funded Second Kenya Devolution Support Program (KDSP II), has rolled out the Environmental, Social, Health, and Safety Risks and Impact Management Framework across all 47 counties.

This rollout marks a significant milestone in supporting counties to implement development projects that are environmentally sustainable, socially inclusive, safe for workers and communities, accountable to citizens, and aligned with the country’s legal framework.

Speaking during a sensitization forum attended by representatives from all 47 counties, KDSP II National Programme Coordinator Dr. Samuel Nyaga noted that the development and rollout of the Environmental, Social, Health, and Safety Risks and Impact Management Manual sets a new benchmark for how counties execute development projects.

“The implementation of infrastructure projects in counties has faced significant challenges related to environmental sustainability, social responsibility, health and safety compliance.

“This gap results in inconsistent approaches to environmental management, potential health and safety hazards, and socio-economic impacts that subsequently undermine sustainable development efforts in the 47 Counties” Dr. Nyaga said in his address. 

Dr Nyaga believes the rollout of the manual helps counties move from “knowing about basic safeguard procedures” to actually using them.

The manual supports counties to spot, prevent, and manage environmental and social risks throughout the project’s life cycle.

According to Nyaga, the manual focuses on strengthening existing country and county systems, improving institutional capacity, promoting accountability, supporting stakeholder participation, and enhancing performance-based service delivery.

“Under the new framework, counties must align their infrastructure projects with national and international Environmental, Social, Health, and Safety standards,” Dr. Nyaga emphasized.

Speaking on the sidelines of the forum, Social Safeguards Specialist Muthoni Kang’ara explained that the manual ensures that health, safety, social and environmental protections are fully integrated into the core county operations and the KDSP II programme.

“The manual gives counties clear steps to protect workers, engage all project stakeholders including vulnerable and marginalized groups and enhance accountability in projects.

It also puts in place measures to prevent sexual abuse and harassment,” said Muthoni.

Additionally, Muthoni says the manual will ensure social safeguards “are not treated as an afterthought,” but as part of project design and implementation.