Reference Library

Browse consolidated international frameworks and country-level imports. Use the filters to focus results and export insights.

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Factor

Country	Pillar	Factor	Framework title	Project cycle	Enforcement practice	Approval body	Approval requirements	Approval timeline	Approval cost	Key provisions	Watch developments
Kenya	Environmental	Air Pollution	Air Quality Regulations, 2014 View source Prevents, controls, and abates air pollution.	Entire Project Cycle	Enforced	National Environment Management Authority	N/A	The Authority issues a licence within 45 days if the application is complete or, within 30 days, requests missing details.	Emission Licence for other emitting facility KES. 5,000	No one may cause air pollution, exceed set emission or ambient air limitsas set out in the Schedules	N/A
Kenya	Environmental	Community Land	Community Land Act, 2016 View source Governs community land ownership, compensation, and benefit sharing.	Entire Project Cycle	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A
Kenya	Social	Others..	Constitution of Kenya, 2010 View source N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A
Kenya	Social	Customer relations & consumer protection	Consumer Protection Act, 2012 View source Protection of consumers	Entire Project Cycle	N/A	Kenya Consumer Protection Advisory Committee	N/A	N/A	N/A	Suppliers must provide goods and services that meet acceptable quality and safety standards. They are required to present clear, accurate, and truthful information, including estimates and terms of service, and avoid false or misleading representations.	N/A
Kenya	Environmental	E-Waste	Draft E-Waste Regulations, 2013 View source Provide rules on e-waste transport, labelling, disposal, offences.	Construction & Commissioning Phase	Still in draft	National Environment Management Authority	N/A	The Authority decides within 14 days; rejections can be appealed within 60 days. Approved producers receive a certificate and are listed in a public register.	Annual compliance certificate - Kshs. 500 – 10,000 (based on turnover	Each year, producers must obtain a compliance certificate by declaring the previous year’s equipment volumes, providing evidence and a contract with a licensed treatment facility, and paying the set fee.	N/A
Kenya	Social	Employment & labour relations- Child labour and slavery	Employment Act, 2007 View source Governs employer–employee relations.	Entire Project Cycle	Enforcement by the company and employees	Labour office	N/A	N/A	N/A	Employers are obligated to provide fair and safe working conditions, including issuing written or oral contracts specifying terms such as remuneration, working hours, and benefits. They must pay wages fully and on time, display employees' rights conspicuously, and maintain proper employment records. Employers are also required to ensure non-discrimination, prohibit forced labour and harassment, and provide basic benefits like leave, housing, water, and medical attention. They must follow fair procedures for termination, including notice and compensation, while protecting child workers and complying with enforcement provisions to uphold workers' rights and dignity.	N/A
Kenya	Environmental	Dispute resolution	Environment and Land Court Act, 2011 View source Establishes court for environment and land disputes.	Entire Project Cycle	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	Power to hear and decide disputes on environmental protection, climate issues, land use, ownership, boundaries, valuation, natural resources, compulsory land acquisition, land administration, public or private land interests, and any other environment or land matters.	N/A
Kenya	Environmental	Environmental management	Environmental Management and Coordination Act (EMCA), 1999 (Amended 2015) View source Framework environmental law providing structured approach to environmental management in Kenya.	Project Conception & Feasibility phase	Mandatory enforced by NEMA	National Environment Management Authority	N/A	Permit issued under the relevant regulations	Indicated in various regulations	Undertake EIA for projects and aherence to environmental relevant regulations	Pending regulation awaiting final review and drafting and ministers assent- Draft EMC (Deposit Bonds) Regulations 2014, Draft E-Waste Regulations, Draft Wetlands Regulations-2017 Amended, Draft Chemical Regulations, Draft Waste Management Regulations
Kenya	Environmental	Forest conservation	Forest Act _No. 7 of 2005 View source Establishes the Kenya Forest Service (KFS) to manage, protect, and conserve all forests in Kenya, including state, local authority, and private forests. It promotes sustainable forest management through preparation of management plans, community involvement via Forest Associations, and protection of indigenous forests and biodiversity. The Act regulates forest use, prohibits illegal activities like logging and charcoal production	N/A	Yes	Kenya Forest Service.	N/A	N/A	N/A	The Board may grant a forest concession under an Environmental Impact Assessment licence, requiring the grantee to follow Service guidelines, protect and clearly mark the area, conserve biodiversity and cultural or recreational uses, prevent fires, and maintain facilities. The licence states the location, boundaries and purpose, may be withdrawn for non-compliance, and holds the grantee personally liable for any damage or employee negligence.	N/A
Kenya	Environmental	Impact Assessment	L.N. 101: EIA/EA Regulations, 2003 & Amendments 2016 View source Provides framework for undertaking EIAs/EAs by NEMA-licensed experts.	Project Conception & Feasibility phase	Mandatory	National Environment Management Authority	N/A	within 45 days of the submission of the	0.05% of the total cost of the project, to the minimum of KSh.10,000 and maximum of KSh. 1,000,000	N/A	N/A
Kenya	Social	Community consent	L.N. 101: EIA/EA Regulations, 2003 & Amendments 2016 View source The regulations provide for public participation of affected communities	Project Conception & Feasibility phase	Yes, enforced by NEMA and the environmental court	National Environment Management Authority	N/A	N/A	N/A	Must inform and engage affected communities through public notices, meetings, and feedback collection during the environmental impact assessment process.	N/A
Kenya	Environmental	Water quality	L.N. 120: Water Quality Regulations, 2006 View source Sets standards for effluent discharge into environment and sewers.	Operations & Maintenance Phase	Mandatory enforced by NEMA	National Environment Management Authority	N/A	Effluent discharge licence within 21 days	Max KES. 110,000	Water standard for industrial use	N/A
Kenya	Environmental	Waste management	L.N. 121: Waste Management Regulations, 2006 View source Requires segregation and proper disposal of hazardous & non-hazardous waste.	Entire Project Cycle	Yes	National Environment Management Authority	N/A	N/A	Application - KES. 3,000 Licence/permit Transport-KES. 5,000 Export -KES.30,000	Disposal of industrial waste	Draft E-Waste Regulations, 2013
Kenya	Environmental	Noise pollution	L.N. 61: Noise & Excessive Vibration Control Regulations, 2009 View source Prohibits unreasonable noise; defines permissible levels for construction.	Construction & Commissioning Phase	Yes	National Environment Management Authority	N/A	2 days	Application: KES. 200/500, Licence KES.2,000, Permit KES. 5000	Construction time and reduce construction noise	N/A
Kenya	Environmental	Land acquisition	Land Act, 2012 View source Governs management of public & private land, compulsory acquisition.	Entire Project Cycle	N/A	Land Registar offices	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A
Kenya	Social	Occupational health & safety	Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA, 2007 View source Provides for health, safety and welfare of workers.	Entire Project Cycle	Enforcement by the company and employees	National Council for Occupational Safety and Health.	N/A	N/A	N/A	Employers (occupiers) must ensure a safe, healthy workplace by maintaining safe systems, providing training, information, and protective measures, conducting annual safety audits, and stopping work where serious danger exists. They must prepare and share a written safety policy, register the workplace, and establish a safety committee where required, without charging employees or discriminating against them for raising safety concerns.	N/A
Kenya	Environmental	Physical planning	Physical & Land Use Planning Act, 2019 View source Provides for planning, use, regulation and development of land.	Entire Project Cycle	N/A	County goverments	N/A	N/A	A county executive may charge a development fee set by county regulations, which may specify rates, waivers, and conditions.	N/A	N/A
Kenya	Environmental	Public/ community health	Public Health Act (Cap. 242) View source Prohibits activities causing environmental nuisance or health hazards.	Entire Project Cycle	Enforced by local authorities	Local authority	N/A	N/A	N/A	No one may create or allow a nuisance or any condition harmful to health on property they own, occupy, or control.	N/A
Kenya	Social	N/A	Standards Act View source Establishes the issuance of Standardization Marks, appoint inspectors, and create offences for non-compliance.	Entire Project Cycle	Yes, through inspection of materials	Kenya Bureau of Standards	N/A	N/A	N/A	Ensure materials used met set local and international standards	Standards Bill (2025) — draft Bill proposes repeal of Cap. 496 and modernisation of KEBS powers; media reports and KEBS consultation indicate tougher penalties and updated enforcement powers
Kenya	Environmental	Wildlife conservation	Wildlife Conservation and Management Act View source Laws for protection, conservation, and sustainable management of wildlife in Kenya. It establishes the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) responsible for wildlife protection on public, community, and private lands. The Act includes provisions for wildlife conservation strategies, community wildlife conservation committees, wildlife user rights, licensing and regulation of wildlife activities, and enforcement against illegal hunting and trade.	N/A	Yes	Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS)	N/A	N/A	N/A	Compliance may involve impact assessments and permits if projects are near protected wildlife areas, ensuring minimal disruption to habitats and adherence to conservation laws.	N/A

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