Environment is a broad term representing the totality of the surrounding such as plants,animals, microorganisms, socio economic and cultural factors. It includes the physical factorsof the surroundings of human beings such as land, water, atmosphere, sound, odor, taste, thebiological factors of animals and plants and the social factors of aesthetics and includes boththe natural and the built environment.1.2. The Department of Water Irrigation Environment and Natural Resources (WIENR) is oneof the 10 Ministries within County government of Kisumu (CGK) Executive mandated withenvironmental planning and management. The Department has as its core business,formulation, integration, co-ordination, supervision and implementation of policies, plansand programs, projects and activities relative to protection and conservation as well as thesound management and enhancement of the environment within Kisumu County.1.3. Key functions of the department of WIENR include but are not limited to the followingwithin Kisumu County; Advise the County Government on matters relating toenvironmental management; Formulate plans, strategies, policies and laws for environmentalgovernance; ensure effectiveness and efficiency in management of solid waste, andecosystems; enforcement of environmental laws and regulations; public education andawareness creation on environmental issues.1.4. Kisumu County is blessed with a huge biodiversity base and enjoys a unique tropical climatewith varying weather patterns due to differing topographical dimensions. The county has awide variety of ecosystems namely hills, forests, freshwaters (rivers, lake and streams),wetlands, all offering many opportunities for sustainable human, social and economicdevelopment. These ecosystems are natural capitals which provide important regulatoryservices (such as forests and hills serving to regulate water flow, and sustain biodiversity),provision services (such as forests providing timber and fuel wood), cultural services (such asaesthetic, recreational or spiritual values and uses) and supporting services (such as soilformation, nutrient cycling and primary production).1.5. A rapidly growing population, high population density, water scarcity, falling foodproduction, and low resilience to climate change characterize Kisumu County. Thecombined effects of climate change and rapid population growth are increasing foodinsecurity, environmental degradation, and increased poverty levels in the county. TheKisumu County Integrated Development Plan (CIDP) II (2018 -2022) identifiesenvironmental degradation and climate change as key development challenges.1.6. The survival and socio-economic well-being of Kisumu County citizens is ultimatelyintertwined with the environment. Most citizens depend directly or indirectly onenvironmental goods and services. In addition, the County's environmental resourcescontribute directly and indirectly to the local and national economy through revenuegeneration and wealth creation in such productive sectors as agriculture, fisheries, livestock,water, energy, forestry, trade, tourism and industry.

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