national environment trust fund status … · 2018-04-04 · 8 planned and ongoing programmes: ......
TRANSCRIPT
NATIONAL ENVIRONMENT TRUST FUND
STATUS REPORT
SUBMITTED TO:
MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTRY
OFFICE OF THE CABINET SECRETARY
SUBMITTED BY:
National Environment Trust Fund (NETFUND)
National Water Conservation and Pipeline Complex
Dunga Road
Telephone +254-(20)2369563/4
Address: P.O. Box 19324, 00202, Nairobi, Kenya
Website: www.netfund.go.ke
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1 NETFUND BACKGROUND ..................................................................................................................... 2
2 ALIGNMENT TO THE GOVERNMENT‟S PRIORITY AREAS ...................................................... 3
2.1 CONTRIBUTION TO THE BIG FOUR PILLARS ....................................................................... 3
2.2 CONTRIBUTION TO CLIMATE CHANGE ................................................................................. 9
2.3 PLASTIC BAGS AND LOGGING ................................................................................................. 11
3 STATUS OF IMPLEMENTATION OF KEY INITIATIVES .......................................................... 13
3.1 NETFUND GREEN INNOVATIONS AWARD ........................................................................ 13
3.2 ENHANCING CLIMATE RESILIENCE AND NUTRITION UPTAKE THROUGH
VALUE ADDITION TO THE MANGO FRUIT IN KITUI COUNTY ............................................ 21
3.3 SUPPORTING THE IMPLEMENTATION OF KENYA‟S NATIONAL GREEN
ECONOMY STRATEGY THROUGH THE DEVELOPMENT OF LOW CARBON PROJECTS
AND RESOURCE MOBILIZATION ......................................................................................................... 25
4 RENEWABLE ENERGY PROGRAMME ............................................................................................ 28
5 GREEN GROWTH RESEARCH PROGRAMME .............................................................................. 30
6 IMPACTS CREATED ................................................................................................................................. 33
7 CHALLENGES AND RECOMMENDATIONS ................................................................................. 34
8 PLANNED AND ONGOING PROGRAMMES: ................................................................................ 35
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1 NETFUND BACKGROUND
The National Environment Trust Fund (NETFUND) is a government organization established
under section 24 of the Environment Management and Co-ordination Act (EMCA, 1999).
NETFUND exists to facilitate research intended to further the requirements of environmental
management, capacity building, environmental awards, environmental publications, scholarships and
grants.
The organization‟s vision is “sustainable financing for environmental management in Kenya”. Its
mission is to “mobilize, manage and avail resources for environmental awards, capacity building,
research and publications, scholarships and grants in Kenya.”
NETFUND is governed by a Board of Trustees (BoT) which is the highest decision making organ
of the Fund. The BoT members are appointed by the Cabinet Secretary in charge of Environment.
The BoT is responsible for guiding the strategic direction of the fund, organizational policy
frameworks, oversight of the Fund‟s assets and undertaking any other activities within the mandate
of the organization. The day-to-day running of the organization is vested in the Chief Executive
Officer who is supported by a dedicated and skilled team.
The organization has a total of 31 staff members working under four departments: Programmes;
Resource Mobilization and Communication; Corporate Services and; Finance and Investment. Each
of the departments is headed by a Director who reports to the Chief Executive Officer. This report
highlights NETFUND‟s achievements to date and its contribution towards transforming Kenya into
a climate resilient and low emission development economy.
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2 ALIGNMENT TO THE GOVERNMENT’S PRIORITY AREAS
NETFUND programmes and initiatives are aligned to national policies, strategies and action plans
to place the country in low carbon development and green economy trajectories. The programmes
are in line with the organisations mandate of capacity building, awards, grants as well as facilitating
research. The organisation has prioritized policies, programmes and projects which generate broad
based inclusive economic growth, as well as faster job creation, reduction of poverty and inequality,
take into account climate change impacts, and contribution to the 17 Sustainable Development
Goals (SDGs) and the African Union Agenda 2063.
The initiatives contribute to Nationally Determined Contribution (NDCs) which seeks to abate
GHG emissions by 30% by 2030 relative to the BAU scenario of 143 MtCO2eq; and in line with its
sustainable development agenda. The organisation contributes to Kenya‟s Green Economy Strategy
and Implementation Plan (GESIP) and in particular the government‟s focus on the “Big Four”
Pillars.
2.1 CONTRIBUTION TO THE BIG FOUR PILLARS
Below is a description of how NETFUND‟s initiatives contribute to the Big Four Pillars.
I. FOOD SECURITY
Although agriculture is identified as one of the economic drivers of Vision 2030, productivity across
the subsectors continue to decline due to a number of factors such as poor farming practices,
climate change and variability, reduced soil productivity, inadequate markets and high post-harvest
losses.
NETFUND supports agri-businesses initiatives that encourage sustainable farming practices and
contribute to food security. The organisation promotes sustainable agro processing of food products
with a special focus on small and medium agro-processing enterprises and industries. This will
ensure that sustainability concerns are mainstreamed in the entire life cycle of agricultural food
products that will ensure resource use efficiency and sustainable production practices with minimum
impact on the environment and ecosystem services.
The organisation supports the creation of agricultural value chains, development of agricultural and
food processing facilities and creation of sustainable market linkages for the products. Ultimately,
this approach leads to reduction of post-harvest losses by small holder farmers, increase in
agricultural productivity index & diversified income streams for the small holder farmers.
The fund has supported the development of 15 food processing initiatives.
Some of the supported projects under this pillar are as shown below;
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a) Lake View Fisheries: Enabling Regeneration of Aquatic Life through Controlled Offshore Fish
Cage Farming
Lake View Fisheries Limited is a privately owned
company founded in 2013. It has built Kenya's first
offshore commercial aquaculture. The company’s
approach is to work across the farmed fish value
chain, from feed production down to sales and
distribution of fish, giving an opportunity for tens
thousands of local households to benefit from the
growth of the fish industry. It is distinguished from
other conventional fish farming because of its
innovative and sustainable method of fish farming.
b) Ujuzi Kilimo Soil Testing Kit: Digital Mobile Soil Testing Technology towards Improved Land
Productivity
Ujuzi Kilimo is a data-driven agronomy services company, using original and innovative technology to reinvent the soil testing and analysis process, helping farmers to improve and increase crop health and productivity across Kenya. Ujuzi Kilimo uses sensors to collect soil and farm data which is sent to a central database. Farmers get actionable, trackable information in 5 minutes via an interactive SMS platform, helping them to improve and increase crop health and productivity through tailored recommendations and agricultural information. Ujuzi Kilimo combines the farm specific data from our sensors with satellite data to additionally provide timely weather updates to farmers via SMS to ensure climate resilience.
Figure 2: Ujuzi Kilimo Soil Testing Kit
Figure 1: Use of offshore cage fish farming technology in Lake Victoria
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II. MANUFACTURING & PROCESSING
NETFUND has been on the fore front in identifying and awarding green innovations across the
47counties of Kenya and transforming them into sustainable green enterprises. The organization has
supported the replication and scale up of these technologies and best practices in beneficiary
communities through manufacturing and processing plants. This initiative has led to creation of
positive multiplier impacts at community level by increasing the resilience of these communities to
impacts of climate change and improving their livelihoods.
So far the organization has supported the development of 26 manufacturing and processing plants.
Some of the supported projects under this pillar are as shown below;
a) QTRON Industries: Developing 3D Printing Technology from Electronic Waste towards Rapid
Industrial Prototyping
Qtron Industries Limited develops and sells
3D printers, components, and materials for
3D printing systems, as well as do-it-yourself
3D printers. It offers 3D-scanning
technology, consumables, electronics, and
mechanical parts. The company also
develops products for professional rapid-
prototyping. The company contributes to e-
waste management, promotes economic,
social as well as environmental objectives
through utilising the e-waste as a raw
material to fabricate 3D Printers.
Figure 3: 3D Printer and 3D Print Out of a House
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b) MAA Briquettes: Production of Smokeless Carbonized Briquettes towards a Zero Charcoal
Economy
MAA Briquettes Ltd is an enterprise
located in Narok County and is involved
in the manufacture and selling of
carbonized briquettes made from
carbonized agro-waste biomass found
locally within the county. The briquettes
are smokeless and have high calorific
values and are therefore used as a
substitute to charcoal as clean fuel for
cooking at both household and industrial
levels.
Figure 4: Manufacture of Carbonized Briquettes in Narok County
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III. AFFORDABLE HOUSING
NETFUND is promoting the development and adoption of affordable housing materials from
waste materials. The organization has supported technology development and refinement for
producing Roofing Tiles, Cabros, Building Blocks and Fencing Posts from waste plastics. So far the
organization has supported the development of 3 enterprises that produce affordable and eco-
friendly building materials.
Some of the supported projects under this pillar are as shown below;
c) Trace Eco Solutions: Recycling Plastic Wastes into Roofing Tiles for Affordable Housing
Figure 5: Manufacture of affordable roofing tiles from waste plastics
Trace Eco-solutions is a registered limited company based in Gilgil Constituency of Nakuru County that is
involved in the production of roofing tiles and building blocks using waste plastics and sand as the main raw
materials. Trace Eco Solutions Limited targets locals who include individual home builders, County
government contractors, and private real estate developers. These are most viable potential customers for
the commodity.
Figure 6: Replacement of old worn ceramic roofing tiles with affordable roofing tiles made out of waste plastics
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IV. UNIVERSAL HEALTHCARE
NETFUND is promoting the adoption of renewable and clean technologies for use at household
level that promote reduction of indoor air pollution and improve access to clean and safe drinking
water. The Fund has supported the development of renewable energy technologies including; clean
cook stoves, bio ethanol and smokeless briquettes Production. So far the organization has supported
the development of 9 enterprises that contribute to this pillar. Some of the supported projects are as
shown below;
d) Kenya Ceramics Ltd.: Increasing the Availability of Clean and Safe Drinking Water
through Ceramic Water Filters
Kenya Ceramics Ltd is involved in the production of Ceramic
Water Filters (CWF) which are made using clay and saw dust.
The ceramic water filters are slightly different from those in
many countries around the globe as the filter comes with a pre-
filter cloth, while the filter has micron sized pores impregnated
with colloidal silver that is able to filter out bacteria and other
biological life forms. Clean water is collected in a plastic
receptacle with a lid to prevent recontamination, and a spigot
allows clean water to be drawn by the user. A complete unit
therefore comes with a ceramic filter element, plastic receptacle,
lid, spigot, cleaning brush, and user instructions
Figure 7: A ceramic water filtering unit
e) CIST Africa: Management of Water Hyacinth through use as Feedstock for Bioethanol
Production
Centre for Innovations Science and
Technology in Africa (CIST Africa) is an
enterprise located in Siaya County and is
involved in the manufacture of bioethanol
from water hyacinth that is harvested from
Lake Victoria. The ethanol does not emit
smoke and has high calorific values therefore
making it a suitable fuel for cooking and
lighting. The initiative has seen the
surrounding community adopt use of cleaner
cook stoves instead of the conventional
paraffin and three stone cook stoves therefore
greatly reducing indoor air pollution.
Figure 8: Use of locally produced bioethanol in clean cook stoves
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2.2 CONTRIBUTION TO CLIMATE CHANGE
The impacts and effects of climate change has affected Kenya as evidenced by the erratic weather
patterns characterized by devastating floods and cycles of droughts which have become more
frequent with increasing intensity. In response to these challenges, the country‟s Climate Change Act
2016 provides a good legal framework for addressing climate change. The country has developed the
Green Economy Strategy and Implementation Plan (GESIP), National Climate Change Response
Strategy (NCCRS 2010), National Adaptation Plan (NAP), Nationally Determined Contributions
(NDCs) and is in the process of developing the National Climate Change Action Plan (NCCAP
2018-2022) which provides a vision for low carbon and climate resilient development pathway.
Below is a description of how NETFUND‟s initiatives contribute to climate change mitigation and
adaptation;
2.2.1 CLEAN TECHNOLOGIES
To sustainably manage the impacts of climate change, NETFUND is implementing various
programmes and projects that promote innovative technological solutions. The NETFUND Green
Innovations Award Programme identifies and supports development of clean technologies that lead
to climate resilient and low carbon development pathway. The organisation has so far supported
clean technologies in water, energy, agri-business and waste management thematic areas. The
support involves refinement and scale up of clean technologies through business and technical
support with an aim of making them investment and market ready.
Some of the technologies
supported as shown include;
integrated solar roofing tiles, mini
hydro power production plants,
clean biofuels and energy efficient
cook stoves.
Figure 9: Examples of clean technologies supported
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2.2.2 CLIMATE FINANCING
Kenya has adopted a low carbon and climate-resilient development pathway to achieve sustainable
development by the year 2030. Financing its Climate Change Action Plan will require additional
funding to achieve its goals. To realise this, the country will need to tap into available local and
international financing opportunities. Currently many institutions especially within the sector are
faced with challenges of accessing international climate finance with respect to; selection, designing
and implementation of climate change projects and programs in line with the relevant standards.
This is also a time consuming process that requires a high level of coordination and technical
expertise.
In response to the above challenges, NETFUND has developed a project to “Support the
Implementation of Kenya’s National Green Economy Strategy through the Development of
Low Carbon Projects and Resource Mobilization”.
The overall aim of this project is to build the Country‟s capacity to access climate financing. This will
be achieved through building the capacity of the Inter-Ministerial Resource Mobilization Committee
(RMC) as well as development of investment-ready low carbon and climate resilient project concept
notes and proposals that will be submitted to various climate change financing streams. The projects
that will be developed through this initiative are expected to contribute 20% of the country‟s climate
change funding needs and will also aid in the attainment of the country‟s Nationally Determined
Contributions (INDC) by reducing national carbon emissions to 10.07 MtCO2e (25.04 %) of the
abatement potential.
The organisation is also developing a sustainable financing programme for green micro small and
medium enterprises (MSMEs) to access affordable funding instruments to scale their ventures. The
programme is being developed jointly with the African Development Bank (AfDB) under the
African Climate Change Fund (ACCF) and will be submitted to the Green Climate Fund (GCF) for
funding.
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2.3 PLASTIC BAGS AND LOGGING
NETFUND is implementing a number of programmes and initiatives aimed at addressing the
plastic bags and tree logging challenges in the country. Through the NETFUND Green Innovations
Award Programme, the organization provides alternative and sustainable cleaner solutions to
addressing the above challenges including;
a. Promotion of eco-friendly shopping bags made from recycled paper and water hyacinth,
banana fibre as the raw materials.
Figure 10: Banana fibre products
Figure 11: Shopping bags made from water hyacinth and recycled paper
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b. Promotion of alternative cleaner energy sources for cooking and lighting
Figure 12: Carbonized smokeless briquettes
c. Promotion of alternative and affordable building materials to substitute wood and timber
Figure 13: Furniture and fencing posts made from recycled waste plastics
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3 STATUS OF IMPLEMENTATION OF KEY INITIATIVES
3.1 NETFUND GREEN INNOVATIONS AWARD
PROGRAMME ALIGNMENT TO BIG 4 PILLARS ALIGNMENT TO SDGS
Food security
Universal Healthcare
Affordable Housing
Manufacturing & Processing
SDG 2 Zero Hunger
SDG 6 Clean Water and Sanitation
SDG 7 Affordable and Clean Energy
SDG 13 Climate Action
NETFUND-GIA is an annual flagship programme of NETFUND that promotes green growth and
address the impacts of climate change through efforts that will contribute to a low carbon and
climate resilient development pathway. Transitioning to a low carbon climate resilient development
pathway can address future risks, thereby improving Kenya‟s ability to prosper under a changing
climate while reducing the emissions intensity of a growing economy. The overall goal of the
programme is to promote green growth through recognition and adoption of innovations that
reduce the effects of climate change.
The specific objectives are:
i. To enhance public awareness on green innovations
ii. To promote a favourable environment for green growth
iii. To support the development of Green Enterprises
Since the programme inception, there has been increased countrywide participation in the awards
programme. The entries are mainly in the four thematic areas which include water, renewable
energy, waste management and agribusiness. To date more than 13,027 entries have been received
during the three phases of the awards implementation.
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Key Achievements of the Programme
a) Innovation Entries and Awards
Since its inception, there has been a progressive increase in entries received from all regions of the
country. The Rift Valley region accounted for the highest level of participation at 19%, while the
lowest being North Eastern region with 5% level of participation. Nearly half of all the entries 49%
were from the agri-business thematic area with the energy category having the lowest level 15% of
participation.
The info graphics below shows participation in the programme by region and thematic areas of
focus.
GIA Phase 1:
1,500
GIA Phase 2:
1,792
GIA Phase 3:
9,735
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In terms of gender representation, women led initiatives accounted for 33% while male led
initiatives were at 67% of the total entries.
The organisation has rewarded best practices and innovations spearheaded by schools, civil society
organizations, individuals, women groups, small, micro and medium enterprises.
Figure 14: First Lady Margaret Kenyatta awarding one of the winners during an awards gala
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b) Incubation of Viable Green Enterprises
Viable green MSMEs have taken through the NETFUND incubation programme where they have
been provided with technical and business support services to refine their innovations. Based on the
analysis of gaps and challenges encountered by green start-ups, NETFUND incubation model was
designed to enhance the success of early stage start-ups by providing the necessary support during
the pre-incubation, incubation and post incubation stages.
The diagram below shows the phases of NETFUND incubation programme.
Some of the key challenges that the model addresses include: inadequate technical support for
prototyping, technology and product refinement; limited access to early stage financing for proof of
concept, testing and piloting of business models; inadequate business management capacity for the
innovators to enable them run the enterprises and set up key processes and structures; and low
market penetration due to lack of information on existing local and international market
opportunities and consumer needs.
c) Incubation Services
Based on the above challenges, the incubation centre was designed around eight major services
identified as being essential for successfully supporting green innovations to be sustainable
companies.
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The following diagram shows a summary of the key services offered by the centre.
d) Financing and Market Opportunities
During and after incubation, green enterprises that demonstrated potential for growth received seed
capital in terms of grants, market and investor linkages to commercialize their products. To date
more than 100 projects have been supported through technical and business development to refine
and scale their initiatives. Additionally, the incubation centre has organized annual investors‟ forums
and exhibitions to showcase the innovations to potential financiers, customers and strategic
partners.
Figure 15: Manu Chandaria giving remarks during NETFUND investors’ forum
Figure 16: One of the innovators pitching during NETFUND investors’ forum
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The pie chart below shows forms of financial support that the innovators have received through the
programme.
The organisation is developing a sustainable financing mechanism to support its projects and
beneficiaries. The organisation has been providing financial support to its projects through a grant
making mechanism and with more than 100 projects having received funding from the organization.
e) Partnerships
The programme has attracted partnerships from public, private and civil society sectors and has
more than 21 partners. The portfolio of partners includes; financing, implementing and sponsoring
partners. The partners have supported various components of the programme leading to improved
programme delivery and greater impact.
Table 1: Key partners of the Green Innovations Award Programme
4%
19%
77%
Innovators Follow On Capital
LOAN
EQUITY
GRANT
Financing Partners
•Embassy of Sweden
•United States International Development Agency
•Worldwide Fud for Nature
•Hivos
•Japanese International Cooperation Agancey
•SLOVAK Aid
•Africa Climate Change Fund
•African Development Bank
Implementing Partners
•National Enivironment Management Authroity
•Kenya Forest Service
•Kenya Wildlife Service
•Postal Corporation of Kenya
•Daystar University
•Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organisation
•Kenya Industrial Research and Develoment Institute
•Women Entreprise Fund
Sponsors
•Bamburi Cement
•Kenya Commercial Bank
•Energy Regulatory Commission
•Jomo Kenyatta Foundation
•Pollination Fund
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f) Awards and Recognition
NETFUND participated in the University Business Incubator (UBI) 2017 Global Ranking. The
UBI Global identifies and gives recognition to the best incubators and accelerators who then
leverages the ranking to grow, gain funding and increase visibility. During the 2017 ranking, the
NETFUND incubation programme was awarded the Top Challenger Award for Africa. This is in
recognition of the impact and performance of the programme in comparison to its peers regionally.
The award is a vindication of the hard work and diligence of NETFUND in delivering value to
budding Kenyan entrepreneurs.
Figure 17: A snapshot of NETFUND’s regional position in Africa
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As a result of the support NETFUND provides to its beneficiaries, some of them have been
recognized and awarded with grants in various programmes as shown below;
Figure 18: Examples of awards won by NETFUND beneficiaries
Magiro Hydro Electricity challenge winner of the SEED award 2015
ICOSEED Entreprises challenge winner of the SEED award 2016
Strauss Energy named 1776 “People’s Choice” winner 2015
Sweet N Dried Kaves) received funding for the solar dryerthrough the Kenya Value Chains Enterprises.
Stawi Food Industries was ranked among Top 30 under 30 entrepreneur who is making a great impact across Africa by Forbes Africa Magazine
2014
Envibuzz Consule Ltd won grant of $ 5000 from the Tony Elumelu Foundation 2017
Sweet N Dried recognised as African Development Bank (AfDB) High 5 Promising startups- Feed Africa Category with a grant of USD 1,500.
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3.2 ENHANCING CLIMATE RESILIENCE AND NUTRITION UPTAKE
THROUGH VALUE ADDITION TO THE MANGO FRUIT IN KITUI
COUNTY
PROGRAMME ALIGNMENT TO BIG 4 PILLARS ALIGNMENT TO SDGS
• Food security
• Manufacturing & Processing
SDG 2 Zero Hunger
SDG 13 Climate Action
In 2014, NETFUND in collaboration with Green Africa Foundation, received support from the
Intergovernmental Authority for Development (IGAD) under the Applied Research in Dry lands
Grant Facility (ARDGF) and the Government of Kenya (GoK), to streamline the value chain of the
mango fruit in Kitui County.
The project was aimed at enhancing the resilience of the dry land communities in Kitui County
through increased income earned from mango fruits. This was achieved through piloting a new
approach to mango value addition to address the postharvest losses that were being experienced by
the small holder mango farmers. The technology entailed putting in place mechanisms for
conversion of the mango fruit into powder form in order to enhance its shelf life and its functional
value. The end products included; mango flour, fortified flours (maize, sorghum, millet and cassava),
and dried mango flakes. The powder is rich in irons, vitamin A and E and helps combat acidity and
improve digestion. The advantage of mango powder is that it can be used in many different ways
including direct consumption, or used as spice in salads, cereals and toast. The powder can be mixed
with other kinds of flour and used for baking bread, making chapattis, and porridge.
In this sense, the project contributed to reinforcing food security in the arid and semi-arid
lands and enhancing the nutrition value of the local staple food, which is mainly based on
cassava, sorghum, millet and maize.
The purpose of the project was to improve value addition of the mango fruit through mango
powder technology with the specific outputs being:
i. Mango powder technology introduced and disseminated
ii. Capacity building of women groups on mango powder processing and marketing
iii. Awareness on mango powder products and nutritional value created
iv. Improved value chain management for mango fruits
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Achievements:
a) Development of the Mango Powdering Technology
NETFUND was to procure the Refractance® technology developed by Dr. Caleb Nindo of
Washington University, but acquisition of the technology proved to be expensive. This challenge
however provided NETFUND an opportunity to reverse engineer the complete processing line
which included; Hybrid biomass and electrical dryers for crisping the mangoes©, Hammer mills,
Disk mills, Solar driers, Mixers, Grain Destoners among other equipment.
b) Installation of the Mango Processing Plants and Training on the
Powdering Technology
Prior to the installation, the project implementation team carried out a socio- economic baseline
study of Kitui County to establish the baseline indicators of key variables in the mango value chain
which was meant to inform the basis of the project intervention. The baseline survey also informed
the proper identification of suitable and representative sites for the set-up of the mango processing
plants.
The 3 pilot plants were successfully set up in in three sub counties of Kitui namely: Mwingi West,
Mwingi North and Kitui Central and are in full operation. The installation of the pilot plants was
carried out alongside the training of the operations and maintenance teams for each of the plants to
ensure smooth running of the machinery.
Figure 19: Women Mango Farmers Engaged in Value Addition to the Mango Fruit
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c) Production of Samples and First Batch of Fortified Flour
NETFUND oversaw the production of first samples of powder and the first batch of fortified
flours. The production process followed standard operating procedure and formula developed in
collaboration with food technologists from the Kenya Industrial Research and Development
Institute (KIRDI). Different types of fortified flours were produced i.e. fortified maize, sorghum,
millet and cassava flours.
The purpose of producing the first powder samples and fortified flour was to subject them to
analytical tests with the aim of establishing their physical and chemical properties as well as presence
of biological life that could affect storage and consumption of the products. The results obtained
from the tests indicated that powder samples and fortified flour products were fit for human
consumption with; no presence of bacterial or other biological life, high energy values, and low
moisture content with the allowed limits of micro and macro elements. The fortified sorghum flour
has since received the KEBS mark of standardization while the other remaining flours are in the
process of certification.
d) Training of Farmers on Best Practices of Mango Farming
NETFUND sought to build the capacity of the mango farmers on mango value chain management
by designing and training them on best practices of mango production.
The training involved the development of a Training Mango Booklet and a Mango Farm Spray
Programme followed by practical and demonstrative trainings at each of the sub-counties with an
average of 600 mango farmers trained and provided with planting materials. The training was carried
out hand in hand with the establishment of mango tree nurseries and the planting of 6,000 mango
trees in the 3 sub-counties of Kitui County.
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The project has attracted additional donor interest from the Embassy of Sweden and Slovakia which
have so far supported scale up of the processing plants and refinement of the products.
The project has given the mango farmers in Kitui County greater latitude in marketing their produce
by eliminating dependence on the mango fruit‟s natural lifecycle. In addition, the project has
contributed to enhancing food security in the region by making the seasonal mango fruit and its
products available for consumption throughout the year.
The project has therefore presented an opportunity for building resilience to the impacts of climate
change, nutritional uptake and alleviating poverty among the local population.
Figure 20: HE Dr. Julius Malombe Kitui Governor touring the mango processing plants
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3.3 SUPPORTING THE IMPLEMENTATION OF KENYA’S NATIONAL GREEN
ECONOMY STRATEGY THROUGH THE DEVELOPMENT OF LOW
CARBON PROJECTS AND RESOURCE MOBILIZATION
PROJECT ALIGNMENT TO BIG 4 PILLARS ALIGNMENT TO SDGS
• Food security
• Manufacturing & Processing
SDG 2 Zero Hunger
SDG 8 Decent work and economic growth
SDG 13 Climate Action
The overall aim of the project is to build the Country‟s capacity to access climate financing. This will
be achieved through building the capacity of the Inter-Ministerial Resource Mobilization Committee
(RMC) as well as development of investment-ready low carbon and climate resilient project concept
notes and proposals that will be pitched/ submitted to various climate change finance streams.
The main outputs of this project is increased capacity of the Inter-Ministerial Resource Mobilization
Committee, nine (9) climate change project concept notes and three (3) large bankable project
proposals developed and pitched to potential funders.
Successful implementation of this project is expected to establish a highly competent and effective
resource mobilization team that will sustainably ensure that the Country benefits from available
climate finance streams. In addition, the projects developed through this initiative are not only
expected to contribute 20% of the country’s climate change funding needs, but also aid the
attainment of the country‟s Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) by reducing national
carbon emission to 10.07 MtCO2e (25.04%) of the abatement potential within the forestry sector.
Achievements:
a) Capacity Building of Inter- Ministerial Resource Mobilization
Committee
Building the capacity of the Resource Mobilization Committee (RMC) was one of the key
components of this project. Key activities under this component included capacity needs assessment
and training the committee to enhance the identified capacity gaps. An Individual consultant was
contracted to facilitate this component.
The consultant undertook the capacity needs assessment in December, 2017. Some of the capacity
major needs identified were: limited understanding of the climate change finance landscape; limited
capacity to develop bankable proposals; institutional and governance issues; and Donor mapping
and engagement among others.
The training covered climate finance and Resource Mobilization, Donor Mapping, requisites and
Engagement, Baselines and Theory of Change, Project Design and Management, and Coordination
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Mechanism and Modalities. During the last day of the training, the RMC members had an
opportunity to reflect on the future of the committee. The committee also developed a draft action
plan
Next Steps
a) Development of Bankable Proposals for Climate Financing
Kenya is poised to realize the transition to a green economy. In the context of a myriad of sources
of climate finance, it is increasingly important for the country to be able to directly access resources
from different sources, and then blend and combine these resources at the national level in order to
access a wider range of financial instruments.
Under this component, the RMC will be supported to conceptualize, design and develop bankable
climate change projects that would attract funding from various global institutions. A total of nine
(9) concepts and three (3) full proposals will be developed for pitching to donors. The projects and
concepts will be developed in the following three broad areas that have been identified as critical in
responding to climate change issues as outlined below;
i. Forestry
According to an assessment done by Climate and Development and Knowledge Network (CDKN)
in 2012, reduced deforestation and increase in the carbon stock of trees will contribute to the decline
in emissions and consequently the cumulative abatement potential of 40.2 Mt CO2 by 2030. The
Government‟s goal of attaining 10% tree cover by 2030 from approximately 6% in 2012, signals a
large scope for possible low-carbon interventions. Halting deforestation, coupled with ambitious
forest restoration and reforestation initiatives could increase net forest cover and make Kenya‟s
forests a net sink of CO2 by 2030, rather than a significant emitter. Key targeted low carbon actions
that would be promoted by the project will therefore include; the review and contribution of related
activities and ultimately, developing investment ready concept notes to attract international climate
finance in the forestry sector.
ii. Green Innovations
Rising to the challenges of climate change requires innovative application of technology and
innovations to meet the local needs and risks. According to the National Adaptation Plan 2015-
2030, supporting innovations and development of appropriate technologies is critical for climate
resilient development. In addition, micro small and medium sized enterprises in Kenya operated by
the youth are at the forefront of innovation in technology and require adequate support to scale up
and increase uptake of these innovations. Concepts under this thematic area will address the current
gaps in the innovation and green business ecosystem including; technology development, financing
and capacity building.
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iii. Climate SMART Agriculture.
The agriculture sector, including livestock, is very sensitive to climate change, meaning that
agricultural systems will need to adapt to ensure provision of adequate food for a growing
population while increasing export to generate foreign exchange. At the same time, the sector is a
large and growing greenhouse gas emitter, responsible for about 30% of Kenya‟s emissions as per
2010. About 90% of these emissions were generated by the livestock sector alone. Concepts under
this thematic area will focus on climate-smart agricultural practices that reduce climate vulnerability,
emissions and improve agricultural production potential.
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4 RENEWABLE ENERGY PROGRAMME
This programme seeks to promote renewable energy technologies and innovations that address
energy demand in the country. The objective of the programme is to reduce usage of traditional
three stone cook stoves by 30%. Key initiatives include; supporting counties in policy formulation as
well as developing plans to expand access to clean cooking technologies, working with communities
in sensitization and promotion of clean cooking technologies. It is expected that these technologies
will contribute towards bridging the energy gap in the country.
Achievements
a. Research on Renewable Technologies
Research has been carried out on the „Factors influencing household adoption of renewable
energy technologies in Kenya,’ 3 counties namely; Tharaka-Nithi, Narok and Elgeyo-Marakwet.
A report has been published and findings presented to stakeholders.
b. County Engagements
Counties have been engaged through a sensitization forum involving county ministers of energy and
environment on the need to mainstream renewable energy technologies in the County Integrated
Development Plans (CIDPs). Consequently, some counties have identified their renewable energy
priorities for implementation.
Figure 21: County environment ministers during the renewable energy stakeholder workshop
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Next Steps
The steps of the project will entail the following;
a. Building the capacity of counties in line with the gaps identified during the county
stakeholder consultation workshop.
b. Holding Development Partners‟ roundtables to share county priorities and explore areas of
possible partnerships
c. Develop concept notes to support he counties to; transition from 3 stone to more efficient
cook stoves and; to efficiently produce and harvest of biomass energy sources
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5 GREEN GROWTH RESEARCH PROGRAMME
PROJECT ALIGNMENT TO BIG 4 PILLARS ALIGNMENT TO SDGS
• Food security
• Universal Healthcare
• Affordable Housing
• Manufacturing & Processing
SDG 2 Zero Hunger
SDG 7 Affordable and Clean Energy
SDG 13 Climate Action
NETFUND is actively involved in research aimed at promoting evidence-based programming and
policy development for environmental management in Kenya. The organization not only applies
research findings to design innovative projects that support environmental management, but also
disseminate the research findings and best practices to policy makers, project developers and other
researchers in the country. The overall objective of the programme is to promote evidence-based
programming and policy development in environmental management.
Achievements:
A. Expanding access to clean energy in developing countries: The role of off-grid mini
Hydro power projects in Kenya” funded by Embassy of Sweden (EoS) in 2017.
Catherine Ndegwa1, Joy Juma2, Michael O. Okok1, Ezekiel Ormat1 and George Ruchathi Mwaniki1*,
This paper presented the important role of off-grid mini-hydro powers in enhancing access to
electricity and the challenges facing such initiatives based on case studies we conducted on three
local off-grid mini hydro power projects in the country.
The study integrated qualitative and quantitative methodologies to generate and analyse the data
collected from Magiro Power, Diguna Mission Centre and Boston school. The findings indicate that
mini-hydropower plants deliver important outcomes to institutions and rural communities including
improved energy access, improved health, environmental conservation and economic benefits.
Diguna mini-hydro located in Tinderet, Nandi County generates up to 500kwh of electricity per day
saving the institution up to Kes. 8.4 million Annually.
Magiro Hydro Power project supported by NETFUND generates 250kwh in Muranga County and
serves a mini grid of 250 households. This has replaced kerosene for lighting therefore reducing in-
house air pollution. 100% of the respondents reported reduction in eye irritation, 94% reported
reduction in chest tightness and 93% reported reduction in wheezing due to migration to the cleaner
hydro power energy. The project has resulted into financial savings in household energy costs where
each of the connected households saves an average of KES 36,500 annually.
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Figure 22: Magiro Mini hydro power in Murang’a County
B. Investigating the potential of Water Hyacinth as a Feed Stock for Production of Bio
ethanol for Household Cooking Energy: Case of Yiro West Sub-location
This research project was intended to explore the potential of utilizing the water hyacinth to produce
bioethanol and the possibility of households to adopt the biofuel, approaches that are expected to
immensely contribute to eradication of the noxious weed. This study was important for the
decisions regarding the replication and scale up of the innovation. The research was funded by
World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) and the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC).
The results informed NETFUND on the decision to upscale the initiative into a commercial
harvesting of the water hyacinth for production of biofuel which promises manifold benefits;
managing the water hyacinth in Lake Victoria, providing affordable clean fuel for households,
reducing carbon emission by eliminating use of kerosene, and creating employment opportunities
hence contributing to the country‟s green economy strategy.
Figure 23: Bioethanol analysis and user interviews
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C. Supported the Education for Sustainable Development Policy 2016
The National Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) policy is one of the policies that
NETFUND identified to support under the NETFUND GIA. This support was in the form of;
i. Reproduction of 200 copies of the policy for dissemination
ii. Sensitization of county executive committee members (CECs) for environment. NETFUND
collaborated with the Ministry of Environment and Forestry and the Council of Governors
(CoG) to undertake a sensitization workshop for the CECs
D. NETFUND Resource Centre
The NETFUND Resource Centre serves as a central information and data domain which allows
individuals and affiliates to obtain environmental research information. This information is
generated by research and learning institutions, government agencies and other organizations.
NETFUND resource centre taps into this information through a portal and a physical library
whereby information can be accessed by staff and the wider public.
Link to the online resource centre: http://knowledge.netfund.go.ke/about-us/
Figure 24: Homepage of the online resource centre
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6 IMPACTS CREATED
NETFUND programmes have contributed to up scaling and replication of climate resilient and low
carbon development solutions. Additionally, the programmes have contributed to poverty reduction
through creation of green jobs especially among the youth and women who are actively involved in
development of green technologies and products.
The supported projects have great potential to create multiplier impacts at the community and
national level through increased access to clean and safe water, affordable energy, improved
agricultural productivity and creation of green jobs for the youth and women.
Some of the impact the organization has created include;
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7 CHALLENGES AND RECOMMENDATIONS
The organisation has faced various challenges that in some cases hinder the delivery of the
corporation‟s mandate. These challenges include the following:
i. Limited financial resources to achieve its mandate. The organisation was established with the
intention of being the financing arm of the Ministry in charge of environment at the time.
This function has however been limited due to the minimal allocation of budgetary resources
from the ex-chequer.
ii. Limited institutional capacity: This includes limited internal and external capacity to access
climate finance to support environmental interventions and limited capacity to monitor and
report on the organisation‟s contribution towards a low carbon climate resilient economy.
iii. Trust Deed and Categorization: NETFUND is yet to be categorized by the State
Corporations Advisory Committee (SCAC) as a financial institution. In order to achieve this,
there is need for the registration of the Trust Deed to enable subsequent process of
categorization.
The organisation recommends the following to address the above challenges:
i. Support from the Ministry of Environment and Forestry to obtain a significant budgetary
allocation to achieve its mandate. The organization is also working on the establishment of a
revolving and endowment fund to ensure it is financially sustainable in the long term.
ii. Support NETFUND in strengthening its institutional capacity to deliver on its mandate
iii. Trust Deed and categorization: NETFUND would require the Ministry‟s intervention to
facilitate the drawing up of the Trust Deed before registration.
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8 PLANNED AND ONGOING PROGRAMMES:
NETFUND has designed programmes that are in line with its mandate and various national and
sector targets, plans and priorities. Key on-going projects and programmes are as shown below;
Name of project
/Programme
Expected Outcomes Date of
Completion
NETFUND Green
Innovations Awards
Phase 3
The purpose of the
programme is to
promote green growth
through recognition
and adoption of
innovations that reduce
the effects of climate
change.
Expected Outcomes of the project include;
Public awareness in green growth
initiatives enhanced. Key activities that will
be undertaken under this programme creating
awareness for innovations and best practices,
development of best practice magazine for
sharing knowledge on best practices, scouting
and identification of best practices and
innovations, engagement of partners,
recognizing and awarding of best practices as
well as up scaling of best practices.
Enabling environment for green growth
promoted. To achieve the above outcome,
the following activities will be undertaken;
support development of green growth
policies, strategies and plans; establishment of
a repository of green growth knowledge and
setting up of sustainability structures for the
programme.
Environmentally friendly enterprises
supported. Some of the activities that will be
conducted to achieve this outcome include;
establishing of market and technical viability
of selected green enterprises; business and
technical support to green enterprises;
mentorship and coaching; establishment of
business structures; product and technology
development; linkage to market, showcasing
and financing opportunities.
2019
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Implementation of
National Green
Economy Strategy in
Kenya through Low-
Carbon projects and
Resource Mobilization.
The project’s main goal
is to facilitate resource
mobilization and
effective
implementation of
flagships projects that
would propel the
country towards
achieving a low carbon
economy.
Expected Outcomes of the project include;
Increased funding for spearheading the
implementation of the country's green
economy strategy. This outcome will be
achieved by developing project concept notes
and proposals as well as fundraising for the
projects and programmes.
2018
The Renewable Energy
Programme.
The project’s main goal
is to promote
renewable energy
technologies and
innovations in the
country
Expected Outcomes of the project include;
Renewable energy technologies are
mainstreamed in counties
Communities sensitized on the need to
adopted renewable energy technologies
Resources mobilized through a donor round
table to support renewable energy projects in
the country
2018
Determining the effect
of solar & biomass
drying technologies on
the physical &
chemical stability of
mango powder during
storage time
The aim of the
proposed project is to
test the application and
effect of solar and
biomass drying
technologies on the
physical and chemical
Expected Outcomes of the project include;
Increased value of local agricultural
products; key activities that will be
conducted include laboratory research to
establish chemical stability of mango powder.
Post-harvest losses reduced. This will be
achieved through use of the biomass drying
technology to add value to the mango
projects.
Increased employment and incomes for
mango farmers. This will be achieved
through engagement of small holder mango
2018
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structures of dried and
powdered mango he
physical & chemical
stability of mango
powder age time
farmers as suppliers of raw materials to the
mango processing plant.
NETFUND green
enterprise fund.
The overall goal of the
proposed programme
is to provide easier
credit access to green
Micro, Small and
Medium Size
Enterprises (MSMEs)
in Kenya.
Expected outcomes of the project include;
Increased access to affordable credit
mechanisms by green businesses. Key
activities that will be undertaken under this
outcome include; identification of viable
green small, micro and medium enterprises;
fundraising and provision of credit to
MSMEs.
Increased commercialization and scale up
of green businesses. This outcome will be
achieved by providing business and technical
support services to green MSMEs to scale
their businesses; provision of seed capital and
commercialization of viable green MSMEs
Increased employment opportunities and
income for the youth and women. This
outcome will be achieved through the job
opportunities that will be created by the
MSMEs.
2022