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The report identifies three primary categories of insecurity in Kenya: armed civilian groups, state-led violence, and jihadist activities. While al-Shabaab has increased its frequency and deadliness of attacks since the 2011 deployment of troops to Somalia, the report finds that non-al-Shabaab armed groups and state actions have historically caused more fatalities. The analysis highlights systemic drivers of instability, including the legacy of 'imperial presidents', pervasive marginalisation—particularly regarding land distribution at the coast and in the Rift Valley—and the politicisation of security for electoral gain. It also notes the influence of the regional war economy and porous borders with Somalia, Ethiopia, and Uganda.

The report argues that climate change acts as a "threat multiplier" in fragile states, exacerbating existing conflict drivers like poverty and weak governance. It proposes a framework for "climate-resilient peacebuilding" based on six principles, including integrated context analysis and a forward-looking approach to planning. The document identifies specific entry points for integration across five peacebuilding dimensions: basic safety and security, political processes, basic services, government functions, and economic revitalization. It also reviews existing international guidance, noting that while some tools integrate climate risks, many others lack this perspective, suggesting that practitioners should integrate climate resilience into existing resources rather than creating new toolkits.

The report addresses the 'crisis in remittances' caused by bank de-risking in the UK-Somalia corridor due to AML/CFT compliance concerns. It proposes a 'third mile' risk management framework centered on a Trusted Third Party (TTP) system and a biometric registration process for recipients in Somalia. The TTP would track transactions, audit Money Service Businesses (MSBs), and assign risk ratings to transactions to provide UK settlement banks with greater confidence in the legitimacy of the funds flow. The authors suggest a six-month pilot starting in early 2015 involving 500 customers across two Somali locations.

The report analyzes African financial centres—specifically Casablanca, Johannesburg, Port Louis, and Nairobi—against a global peer group using the Global Financial Centres Index (GFCI). It defines the roles of onshore and offshore centres, identifies the 'dynamic' nature of certain African hubs, and highlights a significant 'reputational advantage' in Casablanca where marketing exceeds quantitative performance. The document argues that improving the business environment, rule of law, and infrastructure is critical for growth. It proposes a strategic framework for donors and governments to enhance capacity through regional integration, professional accreditation via a proposed Financial Training and Qualifications Institute (FTQI), and the development of standardized regulatory frameworks to attract long-term capital.

The document examines the tensions between humanitarian protection and the push for the return of refugees and internally displaced persons (IDPs), particularly in Somalia. It argues that return programming often relies on a flawed 'sedentary bias' and ignores the critical role of social networks and the reality of ongoing conflict. The authors warn that shifting aid from regional camps to unstable areas like south-central Somalia may serve state migration management interests rather than humanitarian needs, potentially increasing risks for returnees in environments of impunity.

The report identifies four core areas for improving sustainable development (SD) planning: multistakeholder participation, integrated vertical planning across government levels, cross-sectoral policy integration, and monitoring, evaluation, and reporting (MER). Across Africa, Asia-Pacific, and Latin America and the Caribbean, the report finds a prevalence of 'silo' sectoral planning and a lack of institutional frameworks for stakeholder engagement. It argues for the creation of national SD councils chaired by heads of state and the adoption of 'glocal' planning to align global goals with local implementation. Key capacity gaps include a lack of data for evidence-based policy, poor coordination between governmental and non-governmental agencies, and limited technical skills for information management at subnational levels.

The document outlines a framework for transitioning African governance toward the 2030 SDGs, emphasizing the need for National Councils for Sustainable Development (NCSDs) and integrated planning. It identifies current gaps, such as poor policy implementation and a dearth of data, and proposes capacity-building strategies and the establishment of Communities of Practice (CoP) to foster knowledge sharing across the continent.

The document outlines the role of the private sector in achieving Kenya's low carbon climate resilient development pathway as defined in the National Climate Change Action Plan 2013-2017. It details sector-specific opportunities for mitigation and adaptation, highlighting existing private sector investments in geothermal power, bagasse cogeneration, and solar panel assembly. The briefing emphasizes that the plan creates new market opportunities and cost savings for businesses across agriculture, energy, ICT, and urban development.

The document highlights that Kenya's economy is highly exposed to climate change, with droughts and flooding estimated to cost approximately 2.4% of GDP annually. It argues that the private sector can mitigate risks and gain competitive advantages through resource efficiency, renewable energy, and product innovation. The Kenya Private Sector Alliance (KEPSA) is identified as a key entity supporting firms in managing these risks and accessing opportunities, such as those outlined in the National Climate Change Action Plan 2013-2017 (NCCAP).

The transport sector in Kenya, which accounts for approximately 10 per cent of GDP, is highly vulnerable to climate impacts such as flooding and sea level rise, while simultaneously contributing 10 per cent of national greenhouse gas emissions as of 2010. The document outlines specific physical risks to infrastructure, such as the warping of rail tracks from higher temperatures and damage to ports from storms, noting that the 1997-98 El Niño floods caused transport infrastructure damage of Ksh 62 billion. To mitigate emissions, which are projected to reach 19 per cent of total national emissions by 2030, the briefing recommends the 'avoid-shift-improve' approach, increasing fuel efficiency in vehicle fleets, and shifting freight from road to rail. It also highlights the potential and controversies surrounding biofuels in Kenya, specifically the 'food versus fuel' debate.

The document examines how the Strategic Approach to International Chemicals Management (SAICM) has been implemented in Cambodia. It finds that while SAICM has driven positive outcomes—such as a new draft law on chemicals and improved inter-ministerial coordination—significant barriers remain, including a lack of ground-level enforcement capacity and inadequate long-term funding. The brief highlights that SAICM's voluntary status, broad scope, and multi-stakeholder approach are generally beneficial for developing countries. However, it criticizes the global monitoring system, noting that the 20 existing indicators are insufficient for measuring actual progress toward the '2020 goal' of minimizing adverse chemical impacts on health and the environment.

The document outlines SEI's interdisciplinary approach to the water-energy-food nexus, emphasizing the need to integrate cross-sectoral interactions, ecosystem services, and multi-scale governance. It highlights the use of analytical tools like WEAP and LEAP to identify synergies and trade-offs in resource management. SEI advocates for participatory processes and the identification of policy 'entry points' to ensure scientific research translates into practical, sustainable solutions for resource scarcity.

The document examines Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) as a cost-effective, low-carbon alternative to private car-based transport in rapidly growing cities. It details the hardware and software components of BRT, analyzes the value chain and organizational roles (owner, manager, and asset manager), and discusses the political economy challenges, such as resistance from informal transport operators and car owners. The report emphasizes that while BRT is a mature technology, its success depends on local context, institutional capability, and integration with broader transport networks.

The document examines CFL exchange programmes in Ghana and Kenya, finding that while they achieved immediate technical goals—such as reducing greenhouse gas emissions and peak electricity demand—they often overlooked opportunities to build indigenous technological capabilities. In Ghana, a 2007 GEF-funded programme distributed 6 million CFLs, reducing peak demand by 128 MW and saving approximately USD 33 million annually. In Kenya, the 'Badilisha Bulb' programme distributed 1.25 million CFLs, reducing CO2 emissions by 55,000 tonnes per annum. The author argues that for long-term low-carbon development, policymakers should move beyond the simple distribution of finished goods toward building local manufacturing capabilities and implementing robust performance standards to prevent the market from being flooded with low-quality imports.

The National Climate Change Action Plan 2013-2017 provides a strategic roadmap for Kenya to reduce its vulnerability to climate change while maintaining low greenhouse gas emissions. It identifies priority actions across sectors such as agriculture, energy, forestry, and transport, and proposes the establishment of a National Climate Change Council and a Kenya Climate Fund to coordinate governance and finance. The plan emphasizes a 'low carbon climate resilient development pathway' that aligns with Kenya Vision 2030, estimating total investment requirements at approximately KSh 1,085 billion (USD 12.76 billion) for the five-year period.

The document examines the environmental and social challenges of transport in sub-Saharan Africa, highlighting the rise in urban air pollution, high road fatality rates, and increasing traffic congestion. It argues that current policies favor automobiles over vulnerable populations and recommends an 'avoid, shift, improve' strategy to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve accessibility and safety for all citizens.

The report assesses how the Somali diaspora, comprising 14 per cent of the population, can contribute to the reconstruction of Somalia through financial, political, and socio-cultural engagement. It highlights the significant economic impact of remittances and the role of the diaspora in Kenya as a logistical and business hub. However, it also identifies critical challenges, including the persistence of clan-based interests, insecurity, and the involvement of some diaspora elements in supporting al-Shabaab or engaging in people smuggling.

The document assesses Kenya's National Climate Change Response Strategy (NCCRS) and its Action Plan (NCCAP) through the lens of Climate Compatible Development (CCD). It highlights that while agriculture is central to Kenya's economy—contributing 26% to GDP—it is highly vulnerable to climate variability, with 80% of land being arid or semi-arid. The study finds a lack of clear synergies between adaptation and mitigation specifically regarding food security, noting that policy actors often struggle to distinguish between the two. It identifies institutional silos and a lack of specialized climate knowledge as primary barriers. Financially, the report notes that while Kenya has attracted significant international funding (e.g., $2.3 billion for various activities), these resources are fragmented, and the agricultural sector receives almost no domestic public climate finance. The document advocates for the establishment of a Climate Change Authority to act as a 'gatekeeper' for funds and the mainstreaming of CCD to build strategic partnerships for food security.

Kenya is highly vulnerable to climate risks, particularly droughts and floods, which create a long-term fiscal liability estimated at 2.0 to 2.4 per cent of GDP annually. The report identifies critical dependencies in the agricultural, water, and energy sectors, noting that 98 per cent of crop production is rain-fed and over half of electricity is generated by hydropower. While the government has established frameworks like Vision 2030 and the National Climate Change Response Strategy, the report finds that disaster risk management remains largely reactive and uncoordinated, with significant capacity gaps at the subnational level. It recommends deeper research into sector-specific vulnerabilities, the 'climate proofing' of infrastructure and budgets, and the integration of gender-disaggregated data into planning.

The report examines the ICT and Internet policy landscape in Togo, highlighting a history of political instability that hindered early policy development. Through surveys and workshops, it identifies critical needs for affordable broadband, cyber security laws, and inclusive multistakeholder dialogue. It argues that the Internet can drive sustainable development in Togo's phosphate and agriculture sectors if supported by proactive government coordination and private sector investment.