The objective of this study was to document trends in public participation within environmental impact assessment (EIA) in Kenya, using a Consultation and Public Participation Index (CPPI) developed for the analysis of EIA Study Reports submitted to the Environment Authority between 2002 and 2010. Results indicated that public participation remained relatively low, with the highest score of 1.65 in 2010, out of a possible score of 5. Scores for individual dimensions within the index fluctuated during the study period, with participation methods and type of participants scoring the highest, following increased emphasis by the Environment Authority on the conducting and reporting of public participation. This was followed by venue, notification and language used, in that order, which were often not reported, and, when reported, choices per dimension were limited. This is the first time this index has been used, yet it serves as a good starting point to evaluate public participation within EIA.

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Spatial information is being increasingly used worldwide within environmental impact assessment (EIA), although the extent of its use has not been exhaustively investigated. Using Kenya as a case study, EIA study reports submitted to the Environment Authority from 2002 to 2013 were investigated for the presence/absence of spatial presentations, levels of visual realism exhibited and content presented. Findings demonstrated a high popularity of spatial information, and preference for the combined use of spatial presentations with low and high levels of visual realism, with no clear preference for spatial presentations with either low or high levels of visual realism. A combination of project location and activities/details was the most popular content in the spatial presentations. Despite the lack of information, this study establishes that indeed spatial information is popular in Kenya and by doing so it sets the stage for further research on its specific use and value to EIA.