Parliamentary Committee Scrutinizes Environmental Professionals Institute of Kenya Bill, 2024
The Departmental Committee on Environment, Forestry, and Mining convened today to review a new legislative proposal aimed at establishing the **Environmental Professionals Institute of Kenya (EPIK). The Bill, sponsored by Hon. George Gachagua (Ndaragwa), seeks to create a legal framework for the regulation, registration, and development of environmental professionals in Kenya.
According to the Bill’s provisions, the proposed Institute would serve to uphold high standards within the environmental sector, overseeing the practice of environmental professionals and promoting research, knowledge exchange, and collaboration with key institutions such as the National Environmental Management Authority (NEMA). The Bill further seeks to foster international partnerships and the exchange of expertise in environmental management.
During the committee’s deliberations, the legal office informed members that amendments had been incorporated into the Bill, specifically changing its title to emphasize the regulation of environmental professionals. This change was welcomed by the committee, which noted its importance in distinguishing the Bill as a professional regulatory body.
Hon. Charles Kamuren, Vice Chairperson of the committee and Member of Parliament for Baringo South, praised the Bill, calling it timely and essential for the formalization of the environmental sector. “Just like doctors, nurses, and engineers, the goal is to establish a legal framework that will identify and regulate environmental professionals. This will not only generate revenue for the government but will also offer clear guidelines for addressing environmental issues,” said Hon. Kamuren.
Hon. Joseph Emathe, MP for Turkana Central, expressed his support for the Bill, highlighting its potential to address critical environmental challenges such as climate change and carbon credit regulation. “This Bill provides an opportunity to create a platform where experts can address pressing issues like environmental impact assessments,” he remarked.
The committee plans to engage in public participation following the introduction of the Bill in the House, where stakeholders from various sectors will have the chance to provide their input on the proposed legislation.
This legislative proposal marks a significant step towards the formalization of the environmental profession in Kenya, with hopes that it will streamline environmental management practices and enhance Kenya’s capacity to address environmental challenges in a sustainable and coordinated manner.
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