The United Nations Environmental Program Efforts in the Implementation of Multilateral Environmental Agreements in Nairobi City County, Kenya, 1992-2022

Urban areas have become a global concern as a significant source of environmental issues. As a leading authority in environmental matters, UNEP has stepped in to help states to protect urban environment as a wider strategy of safeguarding planetary health. This study sought to examine efforts made by the UNEP in implementing MEAs aimed at safeguarding urban environment of Nairobi City County between 1992 and 2022.The study employed a combination of descriptive and explanatory research designs. Interviews and questionnaires were utilized to collect qualitative and quantitative data respectively while document review was utilized to collect secondary data. The target population comprised officials from NEMA, KWS, MFA, UNEP, Nairobi County Government, members of the Parliamentary Committee on Environment and Lands, KFS staff, Nairobi residents, and environmental CBO employees. The study had a total of 104 respondents out of a sample size of 130. Grounded on Liberal Institutionalism theory, the study argued that UNEP has played a key role in the implementation of MEA in Kenya through technical assistance and capacity building to stakeholders, advocacy and awareness raising, facilitation of stakeholders’ engagements, funding and resource mobilization as well as data and information sharing. Study findings indicate that UNEP’s support for key projects such as Green Infrastructure Project, Integrated Solid Waste Management (ISWM) Plan for Nairobi City County, Air Quality Improvement Programs, Sustainable Urban Transport System and Clean Energy Projects have reduced air pollution and mitigated climate change in the County. The study concluded that the UNEP has enhanced Kenya’s participation in international environmental debates, position Kenya as the regional leader on environmental matters and facilitated the country’s access to international environmental funding which has improved the overall environmental quality of Nairobi City County alongside other urban centers in Kenya.