About Safegurds

PURPOSE

Provides guidance for the systematic screening, assessment, management, and monitoring of environmental and social risks and impacts throughout the implementation of the Kenya Watershed Services Improvement Project (KEWASIP).

OBJECTIVES

1. Anticipate and assess potential environmental and social risks and impacts arising from project implementation.
2. Apply mitigation hierarchy (avoid, minimize, mitigate, and offset) to manage risks while enhancing project benefits.
3. Ensure compliance with national laws and the World Bank Environmental and Social Framework (ESF) requirements.
4. Strengthen institutional capacity for effective environmental and social risk management throughout project implementation.

KEY PROJECT STAKEHOLDERS

1. Project-Affected Persons (PAPs)
   • Communities in watershed areas
   • Farmers, pastoralists, nomadic groups, and forest-dependent users
   • Persons affected by land use changes or restriction of access
   • Common Interest Groups (CIGs) (where directly benefiting or affected)
2. Other Interested Parties (OIPs)
   • CSOs, NGOs, and advocacy groups
   • Private sector actors and suppliers
   • Media and academic/research institutions
3. Vulnerable and Marginalized Groups (VMGs) – Cross-Cutting
   • Present across PAPs and OIPs and requiring targeted engagement
   • Women-headed households
   • Persons with disabilities
   • Elderly persons
   • Youth and unemployed persons
   • Low-income and informal workers
   • Gender minorities and child-headed households
   • Marginalized and minority communities