Green futures for whom?

Abstract

Development concepts that promise growth in the economy while safeguarding the environment have progressively become significant in the recent past in the global south countries. These concepts are framed and argued to respond to immediate and long-term societal needs. This study looks at these concepts as traveling models that strive to find a state of balance between environment and economic goals. They influence how Kenya’s development agenda is set and put into action. <br /> I conducted qualitative research with experts and actors from government ministries and agencies and local and international non-government organizations. Primary interviews were conducted in Nairobi and via telephone. I attended some workshops and conferences to get an insight on which actors were more dominant than others and how ideas are framed and sold to other actors. I looked at how actors implement the neoliberal concepts of green development in Kenya. Additionally, I conducted focus group discussions and talked to locals where these ideas are implemented, including parts of Kenya's Narok, Baringo, and Laikipia counties. The locals I spoke to were strictly the ones key informants referred to me. This was important to determine whether what is discussed at the global and national levels is reflected and shared with the locals. More importantly, this aided in finding out which visions are dominant, which ones materialize, which ones do not materialize, and alternative visions. <br /> The findings indicate that particular actors play significant roles in ensuring ideas move from the international arena's point of origin and are put into practice through powerful networks. Further, the findings indicate that political interests in Kenya play a significant role in how these ideas are received and put into practice. Some ideas become dominant while others do not, which is highly dependent on which actor has what vision, their networks, and the ability to influence politics. To sum it up, the application of green development ideas is characterized by a considerable sum of money from international donor organizations. This is why they have been quickly taken up and put into policy and legal frameworks. This enables the country to show its commitment nonetheless with a more significant objective of attracting funds from donor organizations.