The Research Agenda of Kenya's Environmental Diplomacy Pillar: An Opportunity to Mitigate Air Pollution in Kenya
Abstract
This study sought to examine the research agenda of Kenya's environmental diplomacy pillar by drawing insights on one of pillar‘s objectives, which is to promote research as a mechanism to encourage innovation and reduce the adverse effects of environmental threats. The study interrogates four issues. Firstly, the extent of research on environmental issues and its contribution to mitigating air pollution. Secondly, the importance of the attached research agenda at the policy level. Thirdly, this study assesses milestones in air pollution innovations and their relevance to air pollution policy formulation. Finally, the study examines the effectiveness of environmental audits. The study employed an exploratory research design and targeted 130 critical informants from institutions dealing with environmental issues and diplomacy in Kenya. This study found that, despite increased global attention to ecological security in recent years in academia and policy, there is generally limited research and technological innovation in air pollution to support the country's pursuit of a carbon-free economy. The findings were based on descriptive statistics and conceptual content analysis of primary and secondary data. The study also underscores a dearth in assessing potential research areas on air pollution. It, therefore, recommends that all relevant institutions prioritise research to transform the energy sector, develop evidence-based environmental policies and strategies, and encourage technology transfer to facilitate domestic innovations in air pollution mitigation.
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