EfD Kenya is one of the twelve centers in the EfD initiative. It is an environmental economics research network that works with local and international public and private institutions to influence environmental policy.
The center is hosted at the Department of Economics and Development studies, University of Nairobi, and has been since January 2012. Previously, the center had been hosted at the Kenya Institute for Public Policy Research and Analysis (KIPPRA), a public policy think tank, from its inception in 2007 to 2011. The School had been a close partner of the program since its inception and hosting the center at the Department of Economics and Development Studies has enhanced the interface between academics and policymakers.
Supported by the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida), EfD Kenya in collaboration with the School of Economics at the University of Nairobi and the Environmental for Development(EfD) at the University of Gothenburg continues to conduct research and training in environmental and resource economics.
EfD Kenya is unique from other research groups as it is based in an academic institution that has a great pool of brilliant researchers who are easily accessible. It has adopted the network model and attracted researchers from other universities and research organizations such as; Moi University, Strathmore University, Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, Kenyatta University, Chuka University, Taita Taveta University, Athi Water, and KIPPRA. It is the only research center that focuses purely on environmental economics research to influence policy. Also, its research topics cover a wide spectrum of research themes e.g. agriculture and climate change, water, forestry, energy, extractives, and health economics each addressing one or more Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). To conclude, EfD –Kenya incorporates students who are through with their coursework into some of its ongoing projects. This way, students can identify with ease their thesis research interests
Vision
A center of excellence in environmental policy research
Mission
To develop a strong institution for research, capacity building, and policy interaction for sustainable environmental management
EfD Kenya's research focus areas include;
- Agriculture & Climate Change
- Health
- Water
- Forestry
- Extractive Industries
- Energy