Kenyans adopted the devolved system of governance that continues to spur its economic growthtowards attaining its aspirations of vision 2030. This means that Counties are the frontiers ofinnovation, industrialization and infrastructural development all geared towards Kenya`s socioeconomic transformation. Bungoma County intends to contribute greatly towards thistransformation through either Government, Donor or Partner funded programmes gearedtowards ensuring accessibility across the County; maximum productivity of our agriculturalsector; a healthy and productive population; access to clean, safe and adequate water amongothers. However, it should be emphasized that Sustainable Development and attainment of theSustainable Development Goals (SDGs) remains to be a key tenet of our County.The County government of Bungoma has prepared the Environmental and Social Safeguards(ESS) Policy as a standard reference in implementation of programs or projects in the County ina way that ensures, positive social impacts are maximized while negative ones are minimized oravoided. The county government is cognizant of the fact that, in the course of implementationof its development programs, entities encounter environmental and social risks that calls for astrategic framework to mitigate them. The Bungoma County Environment and Social Safeguard(ESS) policy is based on the guidelines provided for by the National Environment ManagementAuthority whose mandate is derived the Environment Management and Coordination Act (1999)and regulations therein. Further, the policy is fine tuned in line with the national governmentguidelines on environment and social protection. This policy framework will be applied to allprojects or programs within the County, including those implemented by its developmentpartners and other stakeholders. The County government will ensure an efficient and accurateflow of information contained in this policy.On behalf of the County Government of Bungoma and all executing entities I wish to expressour commitment and readiness to implement the Environment and Social Safeguard Policy(ESSP) requirements

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