Environment And Its Resources Notes, Quizzes & Revision

1. What is the environment?

The environment is everything around us — the air we breathe, the water we use, the land and soil, plants, animals, towns and farms. It includes natural places (forests, lakes, wetlands) and human-made places (roads, farms, towns).

2. What are environmental resources?

Resources are parts of the environment that people use. They can be:

• Natural resources: water (rivers, lakes), soil, forests, animals, minerals.
• Renewable resources: those that can be replaced (trees, fresh water, crops, solar energy).
• Non‑renewable resources: those that cannot be quickly replaced (minerals, fossil fuels).
• Human-made resources: houses, tools, roads and irrigation systems.

3. Important environmental resources in Kenya

• Water: rivers (Tana, Athi), lakes (Victoria, Nakuru), groundwater and wetlands — vital for drinking, farming and energy.
• Forests & catchments: Mau, Mt. Kenya, Aberdares — protect water and biodiversity.
• Wildlife & rangelands: Maasai Mara, Laikipia, arid and semi-arid lands used for grazing.
• Coastal resources: mangroves, coral reefs, fisheries along the Indian Ocean.
• Minerals & energy: soda ash (Lake Magadi), limestone, geothermal energy (Olkaria), wind and solar sites.

4. Why these resources matter

1. Provide food, water, homes and jobs for people.
2. Support plants and animals (biodiversity).
3. Maintain climate and soil health (e.g., forests prevent soil erosion and keep rains steady).
4. Provide raw materials for industry and energy.

5. Main threats to resources in Kenya

• Deforestation: clearing forests for farms, timber or settlement reduces water supply and causes erosion.
• Land degradation & soil erosion: poor farming methods, overgrazing.
• Water pollution: industrial waste, sewage and agricultural runoff.
• Overfishing and coral damage: harmful fishing and coastal development.
• Climate change: changing rainfall, droughts in ASALs (Arid and Semi-Arid Lands).

6. How Kenya manages and protects resources

Kenya uses laws, institutions and community action to protect the environment:

• Laws & agencies: Environment Management and Coordination Act (EMCA), NEMA (National Environment Management Authority), Kenya Forest Service, Kenya Wildlife Service.
• Protected areas: national parks and reserves (Maasai Mara, Tsavo) and water catchment restoration projects (e.g., Mau).
• Community conservancies: local communities manage wildlife and rangelands, sharing benefits from tourism.
• Renewable energy: geothermal, wind and solar projects to reduce fossil fuel use.

7. Simple conservation actions (for class and home)

Small actions by students and families help protect resources:

• Plant native trees and protect seedlings (reforestation).
• Collect and use rainwater (water harvesting) for gardens.
• Use soil conservation: terracing on slopes, mulching and crop rotation.
• Reduce, reuse and recycle household waste; avoid burning plastic.
• Save energy: switch off lights, use solar cookers where possible.
• Respect and report illegal logging, poaching or pollution to local authorities (NEMA, KWS) or community leaders.

8. Key terms

Environment

All living and non‑living things around us.

Resource

Something found in the environment that people use.

Renewable resource

Can be replaced naturally (e.g., trees, water).

Non‑renewable resource

Used faster than it forms (e.g., minerals, fossil fuels).

Conservation

Careful use and protection of resources so they last.

9. Short review questions

1. Give two examples of renewable and two of non‑renewable resources found in Kenya.
2. Why are forests important for rivers and water supply?
3. Name one law or agency that helps protect Kenya's environment.
4. Mention one simple action you can do at home to save water.