ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENTS (EIA)

An Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) is one of the tools for environmental management. It is a procedure for evaluating the likely impact of a proposed activity on the environment. Its object is to provide decision-makers with information about the possible effects of a project before authorizing it to proceed.

It has become an important tool in environmental management since its adoption in the US in 1969, in the 1972 Stockholm Conference, in the 1972 National Environmental Protection Act of USA and 1992 Rio Declaration on Environment.

In Kenya, The Environmental Management and Coordination Act (EMCA), 1999, is the framework law on environmental management and conservation. EMCA establishes among others the following institutions; National Environment Management Authority, Public Complaints Committee, National Environment Tribunal, National Environment Action Plan Committees, and County Environment Committees.

The National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) was established as the principal instrument of government charged with the implementation of all policies relating to the environment, and to exercise general supervision and coordination over all matters relating to the environment.

EMCA, provides for environmental protection through;

Environmental Impact Assessment
Environmental Audit And Monitoring
Environmental Restoration Orders, Conservation Orders, and Easement.

In Kenya, only certified Environment experts who are registered and licensed to practice by NEMA can offer consultancy services on; Environmental Impact assessment, Environmental Audit, Effluent discharge analysis and environmental Monitoring.

Envires consultants has been accredited both in Kenya and Somalia to offer environmental consultancy services.