Kiribati Voluntary National Review

and
Kiribati Development Plan Mid-Term
Review
New-York, July 2018
Acknowledgments
The Kiribati Voluntary National Review and Kiribati Development Plan Mid-Term Review was authored
by the Government of Kiribati, as coordinated by the Director of the National Economic and Planning
Office in the Ministry of Finance and Economic Development.

This document would not have been possible without the support of the United Nations Economic
and Social Commission for the Asia Pacific (UNESCAP), the United Nations Development Program
(UNDP), the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat (PIFS), and the Secretariat for the Pacific Community
(SPC) who provided both financial and technical support.
Foreword
I am honoured to present this first Kiribati Sustainable
Development Goal (SDG) Voluntary National Review Report
(VNR) and Kiribati Development Plan Mid-Term Review.

The VNR has provided us with an opportunity to take stock of

our current stage of development and assess where our future
plans will take us. It is a chance for us to engage all the people of
Kiribati in helping to shape our development story to the world.
It is for this reason that we have made extensive efforts to engage with our community and service
organisations, the private sector, religious bodies, development partners, and all levels of
government. This report is truly a product of collaboration and partnership.

Effective implementation through partnership is respected by Government. Government engages

NGOs, CBOs, and the private sector in many of our national committees and taskforces to build
ownership and dialogue with the community. International and regional partnerships are equally
important, with Kiribati committed to a number of regional and international conventions such as the
Istanbul Plan of Action, the Small Island Developing States (SIDS) Accelerated Modalities of Action
(SAMOA) Pathway, the Framework for Pacific Regionalism, and the UN’s Human Rights-based
conventions such as CEDAW, the Pacific Gender Equality Declaration and more.

Our national scorecard, embodied in the Kiribati Development Plan (KDP) 2016-2019, is fully
integrated with the SDGs, and groups goals into six Key Priority Areas as a way of localising the SDGs
into Kiribati activities. Now that we are at the mid-point of implementing the KDP, it is an opportune
time to review our progress on our development agenda thus far.

We still have far to go on our journey, but we have made significant gains along the way. I invite you
to read our story and learn about our development challenges and successes.

I thank all stakeholders and partners that have rendered support for the production of this VNR,
particularly UNESCAP, the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat, and the Secretariat for the Pacific
Community for their close and ongoing support. I wish our traditional blessing to all,

Te Mauri, Te Raoi, ao Te Tabomoa

Hon Dr Teuea Toatu

Minister of Finance & Economic Development

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Table of Contents
Foreword.................................................................................................................................................. i
Acronyms ................................................................................................................................................ v
Map of Kiribati ..................................................................................................................................... viii
1 Key Highlights .................................................................................................................................. 1
The SDGs in Kiribati ......................................................................................................................... 2
The Process for the Review ............................................................................................................. 2
Outcomes of the Review ................................................................................................................. 2
2 Introduction .................................................................................................................................... 4
3 Methodology for the Preparation of the Review: ........................................................................... 5
4 Policy and Enabling Environment.................................................................................................... 7
4.1 Creating Ownership of the Sustainable Development Goals................................................ 7
4.2 Incorporation into national frameworks .............................................................................. 7
4.3 Integration of the three dimensions of sustainable development ..................................... 10
4.4 Leaving no-one behind........................................................................................................ 10
4.5 Institutional Mechanisms.................................................................................................... 11
4.6 Structural Issues .................................................................................................................. 12
5 Progress on Goals and Targets ...................................................................................................... 13
KPA 1: Human Resource Development ......................................................................................... 13
SDG Goal 4: Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning
............................................................................................................................. 13
KPA 2: Economic Growth and Poverty Reduction ......................................................................... 23
SDG Goal 1: End poverty in all forms everywhere ................................................................... 23
SDG Goal 2: End hunger, achieve food security and improved nutrition and promote
sustainable agriculture ........................................................................................ 25
SDG Goal 8: Promote inclusive and sustainable economic growth, employment, and decent
work for all........................................................................................................... 30
SDG Goal 10: Reduce inequality............................................................................................... 37
KPA 3: Health................................................................................................................................. 40
SDG Goal 3: Ensure Healthy Lives and Promote Well-being for All ......................................... 40
KPA 4: Environment ...................................................................................................................... 46
SDG Goal 11: Make cities inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable ........................................ 46
SDG Goal 12: Ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns ............................... 49
SDG Goal 13: Take urgent action to combat climate change and its impact ........................... 50
SDG Goal 14: Conserve and sustainable use of oceans, seas, and marine resources ............. 53
SDG Goal 15: Sustainably manage forest, combat desertification, halt and reverse land
degradation, halt biodiversity loss ...................................................................... 56
KPA 5: Governance ........................................................................................................................ 58
Goal 5: Achieve Gender Equality and Empower all Women and Girls..................................... 58
Goal 16: Promote Just, Peaceful and Inclusive Societies ......................................................... 64
KPA 6: Infrastructure ..................................................................................................................... 67
SDG 6: Ensure Water Access and Sanitation for All ................................................................. 67
Goal 7: Ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all............ 71
Goal 9: Build resilience infrastructure, promote sustainable industrialization and foster
innovation ............................................................................................................ 73

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 Means of Implementation ............................................................................................................ 76
Goal 17: Revitalize the global partnership for sustainable development................................ 76
6 Conclusion and next steps............................................................................................................. 78
Appendix 1: KDP, KV20 and SDG indicator matrix ................................................................................ 79
Appendix 2: Kiribati Indicator Set ......................................................................................................... 91
Appendix 3: KDP 2016-19 Results Framework.................................................................................... 101
Appendix 4: List of Consulted Stakeholders ....................................................................................... 122

List of Tables
Table 2.1 KDP mapping with international agreements ......................................................................... 4
Table 5.1 School Enrolment 2013-2016 ................................................................................................ 14
Table 5.2 Gender Parity Index in Schools ............................................................................................. 15
Table 5.3 Number of Schools by Type, 2014 – 2018 in by Island Districts ........................................... 15
Table 5.4: Literacy and Numeracy Proficiency Level (%) ...................................................................... 16
Table 5.5 KIT Intake 2015-2018 ............................................................................................................ 19
Table 5.6 Government of Kiribati Scholarship Awards 2013 -2018 ...................................................... 21
Table 5.7 In-Country Programs offered by the PSO .............................................................................. 22
Table 5.8 Average accessibility to food crop diversity per household ................................................. 26
Table 5.9 Average accessibility to livestock (pigs and chicken) per household .................................... 26
Table 5.10 Working age population by industry ................................................................................... 35
Table 5.11 Men and Women Share of Employment............................................................................. 59
Table 5.12 Reported occupations in the legislators, senior officials and managers group, 2015 ........ 59
Table 5.13 Women’s share of government positions, 2015 ................................................................. 60
Table 5.14 Government management positions, by Gender, 2018...................................................... 60
Table 5.15 Male/Female age and education level ................................................................................ 61
Table 5.16 Police Statistics on Domestic Violence cases ...................................................................... 62
Table 5.17 Vulnerability Assessment of Groundwater resource in All Islands of Kiribati .................... 69
Table 5.18 Details of Solar in All islands ............................................................................................... 72

List of Figures
Figure 4.1 Flowchart from the KDP to the National Budget ................................................................... 8
Figure 5.1 Proportion of Survival at Primary School and Transition to JSS .......................................... 14
Figure 5.2 Proportion of Certified and Qualified School Teachers, 2013-2016 .................................... 17
Figure 5.3 Real GDP/capita and growth 2006-2016 ............................................................................. 31
Figure 5.4 Contributions to real GDP growth, 2016 ............................................................................. 31
Figure 5.5 Annual average inflation 2007-2017.................................................................................... 33
Figure 5.6 Exports and Imports, Kiribati, 2006-16 (‘000) ...................................................................... 33
Figure 5.7 Seamen’s Remittances, 2000-2015...................................................................................... 34
Figure 5.8 Public and Private Sector KPF Contributors, Kiribati, 2009-2016 ........................................ 34
Figure 5.9 Annual cases of Diabetes 2002-2017 and 4-year moving average ...................................... 40
Figure 5.10 Cases of diabetes and hypertension, 2016 ........................................................................ 41
Figure 5.11 Cases of Leprosy by Island in Kiribati (2010-2015) ............................................................ 41
Figure 5.12 Incidence of TB Cases on South Tarawa (2015) ................................................................. 42
Figure 5.13 Under five, Infant and Neonatal Mortality Rates in the Pacific, 2015 ............................... 43
Figure 5.14 Gender Indicator Summary ................................................................................................ 58

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List of Boxes
Box 5.1 The Kiribati School and Centre for Children with Special Needs ............................................. 16
Box 5.2 Summary of Interviewees’ Perceptions on Agriculture - Climate Change Related Issues In
Abaiang ................................................................................................................................................. 28
Box 5.3 The Economic Reform Taskforce.............................................................................................. 32
Box 5.4 The Line and Phoenix Islands Integrated Development Strategy (LPIDS) 2016-2026 ............. 38
Box 5.5 The Temaiku Project ................................................................................................................ 47

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Acronyms
ACAIR Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research
ADB Asian Development Bank
AIDS Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome
AMAK Aiai Maea Ainen Kiribati (Womens’ association)
CEDAW Convention on the Elimination of all forms of Discrimination against Women
CROP Council of Regional Organisations for the Pacific
CRPD Convention on the Rights of People with Disabilities
CYPFW Children, Young People and Family Welfare
DCC Development Coordinating Committee
DFAT Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade
EEZ Exclusive Economic Zone
ESGBV Eliminating Sexual and Gender Based Violence
EVAW Elimination of Violence Against Women
FDI Foreign Direct Investment
FFA Forum Fisheries Agency
FNU Fiji National University
FSM Federated States of Micronesia
GBV Gender Based Violence
GCF Green Climate Fund
GDP Gross Domestic Product
GEF Global Environment Fund
GIZ Deutsche Gesellschaft fur Internationale Zusammenarbeit (German aid agency)
GNI Gross National Income
GOK Government of Kiribati
GPI Gender Parity Index
HIES House Income Expenditure Survey
HRD Human Resource Development
ICT Information and Communications Technology
IFMIS Integrated Financial Information Management System
JSS Junior Secondary Schools
KAIP Kiribati Aviation Investment Project
KAO Kiribati Audit Office
KAP Kiribati Adaptation Project
KDP Kiribati Development Plan
KFHA Kiribati Family Health Association
KIEP Kiribati Integrated Environment Policy
KIT Kiribati Institute of Technology
KIRIWATSAN Kiribati Water and Sanitation Project
KJIP Kiribati Joint Implementation Plan on Climate Change and Disaster Risk Management
KNSO Kiribati National Statistics Office
KOIL Kiribati Oil Company
KPA Key Priority Area
KPF Kiribati Provident Fund
KPPS Kiribati Police and Prisons Service
KRRP Kiribati Road Rehabilitation Project
KSEC Kiribati Solar Energy Company

v
KV20 Kiribati Vision 20
LDC Least Developed Country
LDCF Least Developed Country Fund
LPIDS Line and Phoenix Island Development Strategy
M&E Monitoring and Evaluation
MCIC Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Cooperatives
MDGs Millennium Development Goals
MCIC Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Cooperatives
MCTTD Ministry of Communication, Transport and Tourism Development
MELAD Ministry of Environment Land and Agriculture Development
MEHR Ministry of Employment and Human Resources
MFAI Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Immigration
MFAT New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade
MFED Ministry of Finance and Economic Development
MFMRD Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources Development
MHMS Ministry of Health and Medical Services
MIA Ministry of Internal Affairs
MISE Ministry of Infrastructure and Sustainable Energy
MLPID Ministry of Line and Phoenix Islands Development
MoE Ministry of Education
MOP Ministry Operational Plan
MTC Marine Training Centre
MWYSSA Ministry for Women, Youth, Sports and Social Affairs
NBSAP National Biodiversity Strategic Action Plan
NCD Non-Communicable Diseases
NEPO National Economic Planning Office
NGOs Non-Government Organisations
NIR Net Intake Ratio
OB Office of Te Beretitenti
ODA Official Development Assistance
OHCHR Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights
PACER Pacific Agreement on Closer Economic Relations
PEARL Pacific Early Age Readiness and Learning program
PIFS Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat
PIPA Phoenix Island Protected Area
PNA Parties to the Nauru Agreement
PNG Papua New Guinea
PPP Public Private Partnership
PSO Public Service Office
PUB Public Utilities Board
PVU Plant and Vehicle Unit
RERF Revenue Equalisation Reserve Fund
RMNCAH Reproductive, Maternal, Neonatal, Child and Adolescent Health program
RRRT (Pacific) Regional Rights Resource Team
SDG Sustainable Development Goals
SIDS Small Island Developing States
SOEs State Owned Enterprises
SOIs Statements of Intent

vi
SPC Secretariat of the Pacific Community
SPREP Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme
SS Senior Secondary
STAKI Standardised Tests for Achievement in Kiribati
STSISP South Tarawa Sanitation Improvement Sector Project
STR Student to Teacher Ratio
STWSP South Tarawa Water Supply Project
TAFE Technical and Further Education
TB Tuberculosis
TPF Trade Policy Framework
TRNTM Te Rau n te Mweenga Act
TSKL Telecom Services Kiribati Limited
TTM Taiwan Technical Mission
TVET Technical and Vocational Education and Training
UN United Nations
UN HLPF United Nations High Level Political Forum
UNCAC United Nations Convention Against Corruption
UNCBD United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity
UNDP United Nations Development Programme
UNESCO United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization
UNESCAP United Nations Economic and Social Commission for the Asia Pacific
UNFCCC United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change
UNFPA United Nations Population Fund
UNICEF United Nations Children’s Fund
UNODC United Nations Office of Drugs and Crime
USAID United States Agency for International Development
VAWG Violence Against Women and Girls
VAT Value-Added Tax
WASH Water, Sanitation and Hygiene
WCPFC Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission
WHO World Health Organization

vii
Map of Kiribati

viii
1 Key Highlights
As a Small Island State spread across 33 atolls and 3.5 million square kilometres of ocean (an area
larger than India), Kiribati is faced with a number of development challenges. In addition to being one
of the countries most affected by climate change, Kiribati is also constrained by geographic isolation,
a highly dispersed population, high transport costs, and a low population base. The relative infertility
of its coral islands and distance to markets prohibits agricultural or industrial production on a large
scale.

While still rated as one of the poorest countries in the Pacific region, there has been remarkable
progress on increasing economic opportunities, particularly since 2014 when there was a significant
increase in Government fishing revenues. Increasing employment opportunities in the public and
private sector have been complimented by increases in overseas worker schemes, although this
growth has not been enough to lower unemployment, which remains high.

It is well known that climate change is a serious challenge for Kiribati, affecting almost every facet of
daily life. From acute water shortages, tidal inundation, seawater intrusion, and heat and storm
events, Kiribati risks reversing recent development gains through both slow and rapid onset climate
events. The Government of Kiribati is working with development partners to adapt to climate change,
with significant works underway in transport, water, power, sanitation, coastal protection and food
security, but the rate of change threatens to outpace development improvements. Importantly,
climate change has the potential to disrupt the largest economic resource available to Kiribati – the
tuna fishery – through anticipated impacts on tuna migration and spawning patterns across the Pacific

Developing an educated and healthy workforce remains vital to providing broad-based economic
opportunities and creating economic resilience. Recent years have seen significant advances in school
enrolment rates, basic literacy, and numeracy, particularly for girls and young women. There have also
been improvements in geographical accessibility, teacher qualifications and free-to-access education.
However, the high costs of service delivery and limited capacity at tertiary institutions to absorb
school-leavers remain challenging issues. Education outcomes among young males are not showing
the same level of success, with male students less likely to progress to the next stage of schooling.

UNDP Human Development Indicators in 2016 place Kiribati at a low rank of 137, a decline from its
rank of 133 in 2014. With relatively low-income levels and a high cost of service delivery, there are
significant gaps in the provision of public services. For example, until 2017 regular power on the main
island was rare, and the majority of homes do not have water or sanitation. Major investments by the
Government and Development Partners have improved utilities in the capital (Tarawa) but access to
basic infrastructure and services is generally limited, especially in the outer islands, where just under
half of the population live.

Kiribati’s health challenges remain stark: under 5 and maternal mortality rates remain the highest in
the Pacific; malnutrition is a common issue; there is a high level of stunting; non-communicable
disease prevalence is high; and tuberculosis is persistent. There are frequent outbreaks of diarrhoea
caused by poor water, sanitation and hygiene practices. Mosquito-borne disease outbreaks (such as
Dengue and Chikungunya) are frequent, and public health and food safety issues are pronounced. The
ability of the government services to respond to these multiple challenges is strained, and while this
area has been a focus of the major development partners, much work remains to be done.

While there has been iterative progress in some aspects of inclusiveness, gender-based violence,
support for people with disabilities, and broader gender issues are critical social and economic issues.

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The SDGs in Kiribati
Following the launch of the SDGs in September 2015, the Government issued the preliminary national
indicators to all government agencies, community groups, development partners and private sector
organisations. This led to the formation of the Kiribati Development Plan (KDP) 2016-19 and a national
set of indicators.

In addition to the four-yearly national plan, the Kiribati Government also has a 20-year vision for the
development of a wealthy, healthy, and peaceful nation. Covering the period up to 2036, the Kiribati
Vision 20 (or KV20) is designed around the enabling environment and social benefits from the key
economic sectors of tourism and fisheries.

As the KDP broadly aligns to the 2030 Agenda, the integration of the Mid-Term Review of the KDP with
the Voluntary National Review (VNR) aims to assess national goals alongside international and regional
commitments in a single report.

The Process for the Review

The Development Coordination Committee (DCC) is the main governing body that coordinates and
reports on all development activity in Kiribati including the review of the KDP.

Following the appointment of a special SDG Taskforce from among DCC members, an intensive
consultation period commenced with all stakeholders. Each partner was educated on the importance
of the SDGs, data collection, and the timeline for the Review. Stakeholder consultations identified
issues with capacity constraints; competing priorities; stakeholder engagement; lack of alignment
between the national, regional and global indicator sets; insufficient resources; baseline data issues;
and poor capacity to collect and analyse data.

The Review of the KV20, KDP and SDG indicators highlighted several areas of indicator fragmentation
and poor data collection. In particular, some global, regional, and even national indicators are
currently beyond the capability of Kiribati to effectively measure and report on.

Stakeholders and government agencies verified what data was available and reviewed the final report
prior to it being tabled with the High-Level Political Forum.

Outcomes of the Review

Following the Review, national goals and indicators will be realigned for the second half of the four-
year term of the KDP. Together with the developing framework for the KV20, there is substantial scope
to further reduce fragmentation of planning documents and indicators. Time and resource constraints
during the Review also meant coverage of the outer islands and youth groups was limited – future
reviews should aim to provide better coverage of both urban and rural Kiribati, leaving no one behind.
However, the national planning documents, particularly the KV20, have gone through a more
extensive consultation process which includes visits to the outer islands communities.

Kiribati continues to face limited institutional and financial capacity to effectively monitor and
implement the SDGs. Continued support by development partners is important and valued, especially
in light of the potential graduation of Kiribati from least developed country status. To this end, Kiribati
extends the invitation to development partners to continue their support towards achieving the SDGs.
While the fiscal capacity of Kiribati has improved dramatically in recent years, there are still sizeable
financing gaps in transport, utilities, and social infrastructure, especially as the existing infrastructure
comes under increasing pressure from the impacts of climate change. Technical assistance in the key
policy areas of public financial management, planning, engineering, health, education, and good

2
governance are also key gaps that will need increased in support. The cost-tails of infrastructure
investments may also create an ongoing fiscal burden on Government, which may stretch operational
resources in other areas.

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2 Introduction
Recognising the development challenge, the Kiribati Government firmly took ownership of the SDGs
in the formulation of its national plan for the period 2016-2019: the KDP.

All SDG targets and indicators have been reviewed and assessed for relevance to Kiribati’s context,
including initial country conditions in each Key Priority Area (KPA) and accounting for possible progress
in the four-year timeframe of the Plan. The KDP 2016-19 takes into account various international
initiatives that the Government of Kiribati has assented to. These include the SDGs, the Istanbul Plan
of Action, the Small Island Developing States (SIDS) Accelerated Modalities of Action (SAMOA)
Pathway and the Framework for Pacific Regionalism.

The table below illustrates how the KDP maps against these global commitments.
Table 2.1 KDP mapping with international agreements
Kiribati Framework for Pacific
SIDS Accelerated Modalities
Development Sustainable Development Goals Istanbul Plan of Action Regionalism (2015 Forum
of Action (SAMOA Pathway)
Plan 2016-19 meeting priorities)
KPA 1: Human Goal 4: Ensure inclusive and Human and social Investment in all forms of
Resource equitable quality education and development - education and education and training for
Development promote lifelong learning training and youth decent work for all
opportunities for all development
KPA 2: Economic Goal 1: End poverty in all its Trade (not an explicit target Sustained and sustainable, Increasing economic
Growth and forms everywhere area in KDP) inclusive and equitable returns from fisheries
Poverty economic growth with decent resources
Reduction work for all
Goal 2: End hunger, achieve food Economic shocks - global Food security and nutrition
security and improved nutrition impact on prices, currency,
and promote sustainable remittances, FDI, tourism
agriculture

Goal 8: Promote inclusive and Social protection

sustainable economic growth,
employment and decent work
for all

Goal 10: Reduce inequality

within and among countries
KPA 3: Health Goal 3: Ensure healthy lives and Population and primary health Health and non-communicable Substantial burden that
promote well-being for all diseases cervical cancer places on
women and girls in the
Pacific region
KPA 4: Goal 11: Make cities inclusive, Agriculture, food security and Disaster risk reduction Ensuring the sustainable
Environment safe, resilient and sustainable rural development management of fisheries

Goal 12: Ensure sustainable Climate change and Climate change Climate change remains
consumption and production environment sustainability the single greatest threat
patterns to the livelihood, security
and well-being of the
peoples of the Pacific
Goal 13: Take urgent action to Disaster risk reduction Oceans and seas
combat climate change and its
impacts

Goal 14: Conserve and Sustainable production and

sustainably use the oceans, seas consumption
and marine resources
Goal 15: Sustainably manage Biodiversity
forests, combat desertification, Invasive alien species
halt and reverse land Management of waste and
degradation, halt biodiversity chemicals
loss
KPA 5: Goal 5: Achieve gender equality Gender equality and Gender equality and
Governance and empower all women and empowerment of women empowerment of women
girls

Goal 16: Promote just, peaceful Good governance at all levels Social development
and inclusive societies

KPA 6: Goal 7: Ensure access to Productive capacity - Sustainable energy

Infrastructure affordable, reliable, sustainable infrastructure; energy; and
and modern energy for all technology

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 Kiribati Framework for Pacific
SIDS Accelerated Modalities
Development Sustainable Development Goals Istanbul Plan of Action Regionalism (2015 Forum
of Action (SAMOA Pathway)
Plan 2016-19 meeting priorities)
Goal 6: Ensure access to water Water and sanitation Water and sanitation
and sanitation for all

Goal 9: Build resilient Sustainable transport Unprecedented economic

infrastructure, promote and educational
sustainable industrialization and opportunities that
foster innovation Information
Communications
Technologies (ICT) offers,
including access to world
markets and global
knowledge
Means of Goal 17: Revitalize the global Mobilizing financial resources Means of implementation,
Implementation partnership for sustainable for development and capacity- including: a) Partnerships; b)
development building (domestic revenue, Financing; c) Trade; d)
ODA, external debt, FDI, Capacity Building; e)
remittances) Technology; f) Data and
Statistics; g) Institutional
Support for SIDS

The Mid-Term Review of the KDP, due by mid-2018, assesses the progress on each KPA to be
presented to the Government, community and development partners. As the KDP fully aligns to the
2030 Agenda, this process also serves as the main vehicle for reviewing Kiribati’s progress on the SDGs
– the two processes are tightly interwoven. The KDP Mid-Term Review also sets the stage for the next
phase of the national planning cycle, and as such, is the key evaluation platform for national
development.

As the KDP is fully localised, this report is structured around the evaluation of each KPA, as is required
under the Kiribati Mid-Term Review. As will be evident in the report, this approach also reports on the
SDGs relevant for Kiribati, thereby serving the twin goal of acting as Kiribati’s Voluntary National
Review.

The Government’s 20-year vision for Kiribati (or the KV20) is a further illustration of Government’s
commitment to development – a dream and a statement of its strong aspiration to transform Kiribati
into a wealthy, healthy and peaceful nation. KV20 sets the national direction out to 2036 and is
focused on maximising the economic and social benefit out of two key economic sectors: Fisheries
and Tourism. The KV20 calls for maximizing our natural, human and cultural capital to leverage
development outcomes.

Given the evolving nature of a 20-year vision and the significant cross-over with the KDP and SDG, the
KV20 indicators are also included in this review.

3 Methodology for the Preparation of the Review:

Government approved the commencement of the VNR process in Kiribati in December 2017. The VNR
Secretariat was hosted by the National Economic and Planning Office (NEPO) in the Ministry of Finance
and Economic Development (MFED), with the support of the National SDG Consultant, who was
generously funded by UNESCAP in January 2018. The Minister of Finance approved the formation of
the National SDG Taskforce to assist in the review that same month, with this Taskforce being drawn
from the Development Coordination Committee (which oversees all development activities).

The first meeting for the exchange and sharing of information with all stakeholders (central and local
administration, civil society, private sector, development partners), was held on 24 January 2018. It
served to outline the High-Level Political Forum and to present the scope of the report and its

5
formulation process. Presentations were made on the 2030 Agenda and the SDGs, the KDP 2016-
2019, and the Kiribati VNR – highlighting data needs and progress updates by KDP and SDG partners
in both Government and non-government sectors.

This first consultation also agreed on the main principles of the review, namely that the review would
be: open and transparent, inclusive, and participatory for all. Stakeholders also committed that the
VNR would demonstrate on the global stage the development story of Kiribati.

Greater involvement and consultations with both the government and non-government sector
continued to be made throughout the review. This included further consultation and dedicated
meetings with the Kiribati Association of Non-Governmental Organizations (KANGO) in January, the
Kiribati Chamber of Commerce and Industries (KCCI) in March, the Pacific Islands Private Sector
Organisation (PIPSO) sub-regional workshop on nutrition in March, and the Pacific Island Forum (PIF)
Civil Society preparatory meeting in March. This culminated in the second National VNR Stakeholder
Workshop on 16 March 2018. A full list of consulted parties is available in Appendix 4.

Capacity development for data providers and SDGs partners was also provided with support of the
CROP/UN SDWG Team at the Data Providers Workshop on 1 March 2018. The workshop served to
increase awareness of the SDG and KDP indicators in particular, with a focus on improving the
collection of the required data.

Monitoring and technical support to NEPO and the national consultant were also provided through
both remote and in-country technical support from UN partners (CROP/UN SDWG).

Data collection from sectors and ministries reached its peak in March and April 2018, with the final
validation workshop in late May bringing stakeholders back together for further inputs and dialogue.
Prior to the final validation workshop, the Zero-Draft was circulated to all stakeholders, with their
inputs being incorporated into the Draft Review, which was circulated in early June.

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4 Policy and Enabling Environment
4.1 Creating Ownership of the Sustainable Development Goals
The process of enabling ownership of the SDGs is largely through integration of the SDGs in the
national planning documents: the 2016-19 KDP and the KV20 – both of which had broad consultation
with subnational government, civil society, NGOs, and the private sector.

During the formulation for the 2016-19 KDP, NEPO conducted a series of awareness activities with
government ministries, community groups, and development partners. This process encouraged
ownership by the Kiribati people and fostered closer partnership between Kiribati and development
partners. The 2016-19 KDP also took into account the Mid-Term Review of the 2012-15 KDP which
was undertaken by representatives from NEPO, UNESCAP, UNDP Pacific Centre, SPREP, and PIFS.
Lessons learned from the 2012-15 KDP Mid-term Review were incorporated into the design of the
2016-19 Plan. In particular, there were focussed discussions on ensuring the alignment of the KDP and
UNDAF, ensuring that the SDGs were well integrated into national systems.

The KV20 went one step further, by taking consultations directly to the community in a series of church
and community meetings over the course of 2017 and 2018. This included an extensive roster of
consultative dialogues on some of the most outer-lying islands in the country. Consistent with Kiribati
culture, these meetings were often held in traditional meeting houses to a relatively small gathering
of the local community. In some cases, this led to a refinement of the national vision in response to
community feedback.

The processes for ownership has created an ‘enabling environment’ for the close integration of the
SDGs into national planning frameworks and in the development of relevant policies, legal reviews,
and updates that enhance efforts to address key priorities of the KDP and implementation of the SDGs.

The VNR and 2016-19 KDP Mid-Term Review focused on community groups and peak-body
organisations as the main rallying point for community engagement, due largely to time and budgetary
constraints. A radio campaign during the Parliamentary Sessions in April 2018 (the most popular time
to tune-in to the radio) attempted to raise awareness about the SDGs and the Review and provided
information on how the general public could provide input. Radio was selected as the primary media
as it is a popular medium for general news and information in Kiribati – there are no private television
stations and limited private press.

4.2 Incorporation into national frameworks

The 2016-19 Kiribati Development Plan
The 2016-19 KDP is the guide for formulating policies and programs to advance inclusive economic
development in Kiribati. It does this by outlining six KPAs that focus development activity within
certain areas. These KPAs are: Human Resource Development; Economic Growth and Poverty
Reduction; Health; Environment; Governance; and Infrastructure.

Each KPA includes a series of national strategies and indicators. In particular, all SDG targets and
indicators have been reviewed and assessed for relevance to Kiribati’s context. A pathway approach
to progressing towards achievement of the SDGs has been adopted, cognisant of guiding principles
underscored in the 2030 UN Development Agenda, namely the need to account for national realities,
capacities, levels of development and respecting national policies and priorities.

7
All projects that are proposed by Ministries, agencies, NGOs and Island Councils have to be aligned
with the principles of the KDP. The KDP provides a framework for development so that donors and
government agencies have a clear understanding of the policy directions of the Government. The Plan
provides an invaluable reference for development partners in aligning their assistance objectives with
the priorities of the Government of Kiribati.

Ministry Strategic Plans (MSPs) for the period 2016-19 are aligned with the KDP and provide the
guiding framework for each Ministry on technical, administrative, and strategic issues. MSPs also feed
into the broad priorities of the KDP, in both a top-down and bottom-up approach. Ministerial
Operational Plans (MOPs) set out costed activities to progress the MSPs and feed into the budget
process for the preparation of the recurrent and development budgets.
Figure 4.1 Flowchart from the KDP to the National Budget
•Key Priority Areas
KDP
2016-19

MSPs •MSPs aligned to KDP and assist in

2016-19 formulating the KDP

•Workable activities to achieve

MOPs expected results (costed work
plans)

Recurrent and
Development
Budget

The Kiribati Vision 20

The KV20 is similar in this regard, but with a focus on longer term indicators and strategies – it is a
long-term development blueprint for Kiribati covering the period 2016 to 2036. The Vision Statement
of the KV20 is for Kiribati to become a wealthy, healthy and peaceful nation. The KV20 seeks to achieve
our development aspirations by maximising the development benefits from fisheries and tourism as
key productive sectors. The development of these sectors are expected to stimulate the development
of other sectors through backward and forward sectoral linkages.

While the majority of this Review analyses the KDP and the progress on the SDGs, it is important to
note the strong synergies with the KV20.

After going through extensive consultations, the KV20 is anchored on four pillars: Wealth; Peace and
Security; Infrastructure; and Governance. In addition to the core Pillars, the Vision also highlights
gender, youth, vulnerable groups, equity and partnership as cross cutting principles. The KV20 will
mainstream equity in all the sector programmes and projects. The aim is to create an inclusive
development environment that will open opportunities to all members of Kiribati society.

8
Together with the 2016-19 KDP, the KV20 also recognises Kiribati’s vulnerability to climate change as
a key constraint to achieving development. The Vision underscores the need to mainstream climate
change adaptation and mitigation into various programmes. Mainstreaming climate change into
development programming will ensure that the working environment is sensitive to environmental
conservation, climate change and sustainable development.

The Wealth Pillar aims to develop the natural capital, human capital and cultural capital to improve
economic growth and reduce poverty, addressing SDG 1 (End Poverty in all its forms) and SDG 8
(Decent Work and Economic Growth). Development of the natural capital will include implementing
measures to sustainably maximise revenue from the fisheries and marine resources (SDG 8 & 14),
improving contribution of the tourism sector to GDP (SDG 8), implementing strategies to support the
development of inclusive trade and private sector (SDG 8), and to improve land use and planning to
create additional land for commercial development (SDG 11 and 15).

The human capital component of the Wealth Pillar is directly related to SDG 4 (Quality Education) to
ensure inclusive and equitable education and life-long learning opportunities for all. This part of the
KV20 seeks to create a highly educated and skilled population; increase access to decent employment;
develop a highly skilled, qualified and efficient work force; and create an accessible and affordable
healthcare system (SDG 3). Given its linkages to employment opportunities, creating a globally
competitive and healthy human resource base is critical towards achieving the development goals of
the Vision.

The KV20 also recognises the importance of cultural capital and traditional knowledge in supporting
community identity and the tourism industry, which will contribute to the achievement of the SDG
Goals 4, 8 ,11 and 12, and be consistent with the Regional Culture Strategy 2010-2020. Kiribati has
also acceded to International Conventions on Culture in 2018 and ratified the 2003 UNESCO
Convention for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage. Like some other Pacific nations,
Kiribati is still relatively young in our cultural sector development – the KV20 will strive to complete
the National Cultural Policy by the year 2019 with the support from our development partners.

The Peace and Security Pillar aims at creating a secure, safe and peaceful Kiribati by strengthening
the national security frameworks, strengthening the relevant institutions, and strategic partnerships.
This Pillar encompasses SDG 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions), but also aims to ensure
adequate protection of Kiribati’s national fishery (SDG14).

The KV20 recognizes the significant cross cutting role of infrastructure in providing basic services to
the community and creating an enabling environment for the development of the fisheries and
tourism. The Infrastructure Pillar which is relevant to SDG 6 (Clean water and sanitation), SDG 7
(Affordable and Clean Energy), SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure), and SDG 11
(Sustainable Cities and Communities), aims at improving connectivity and accessibility in relation to
economic and social infrastructure. It seeks to improve the air, land and sea transport infrastructure,
ICT, utilities, and social infrastructure (which includes education, health and community
infrastructure).

The Governance Pillar aims to create a corrupt-free society (SDG 16) by: strengthening local
traditional knowledge; reviewing legislative frameworks; strengthening the integrity and
independence of institutions mandated to promote good governance and eliminate corruption;
strengthen strategic partnerships; and institutionalize anti-corruption and good governance principles
in the public service and education systems of Kiribati.

9
4.3 Integration of the three dimensions of sustainable development
In terms of the three dimensions of sustainable development (economic, social, and environmental)
the KDP makes explicit mention of all three dimensions with social issues the main focus of KPA 1, 3
and 5 (Health, Education, and Governance), economic issues covered in KPA 2 and 6, and KPA 4
(Environment) referring explicitly to environmental and climate change issues. There is substantial
cross-over across the six areas. For example, fisheries development is mentioned in KPA 1 (fisheries
training schemes), 2 (fisheries revenue and industry development) and 4 (sustainability and climate
change issues).

Similarly, the KV20 notes the cross-cutting nature of development. For example, the Wealth Pillar
covers Human, Natural, and Cultural capital as a broad definition of what determines a nation’s wealth
Together with mainstreaming the cross-cutting issues of equity and environment, the KV20 also fully
integrates the sustainable approach to development.

The following are a few of the examples that illustrate how the three dimensions are integrated in the
development process in Kiribati:

I. Education is key to achievement of the SDGs and the development of a productive workforce.
An inclusive approach in the education sector for all children has successfully been adopted
in the Education Act 2013 and the Compulsory Education Policy 2015. In 2016, education was
also made free up until the final year of high school to ensure equitable participation by the
most vulnerable groups. A subsidy scheme for school expenses is also accessible by those
students with parents that are infirmed or destitute.

II. The National Gender Equality and Women’s Development (GEWD) Policy, and the National
Approach to Eliminating Sexual and Gender Based Violence (ESGBV) in Kiribati attempts to
address gender and domestic violence issues to ensure inclusive economic and social
participation.

III. The Phoenix Island Protected Area (PIPA) is one of the largest marine protected areas in the
world, and the largest marine conservation effort of its kind by a Least Developed Country
(LDC). The main driver was around ensuring the environmental and economic sustainability of
Kiribati’s most important resource for its people: the national fishery.

4.4 Leaving no-one behind

The progress of disadvantaged groups is a key element of the KDP and KV20, with both plans explicitly
highlighting the need to improve the lives of the most vulnerable. Efforts to bridge the social and
economic differences between genders, regions, socio-economic groups, and those with disabilities,
is a common narrative in Kiribati – particularly in relation to disparities in service delivery to the Outer
Islands.

In terms of national systems, there have been difficulties in the disaggregation of official data that
would make broad-based interventions possible. The recent launch of the Gender Extract and
Disability Monograph will go some way in bridging these gaps, but even when such data is available
the policy capacity to analyse the data remains thin. Additionally, the resources required to regularly
collect microdata across the dispersed islands of Kiribati is a major impediment to inclusive
development efforts. This often means that without development partner support, Kiribati is not well
placed to gather regular intelligence on the most vulnerable – relying instead on project data or the
national census to provide indicators.

10
However, this has not proven to be a barrier to making concerted efforts in national plans for inclusive
development. For example, in the area of education, the Education Act 2013 and Education Policy
2015 attempt to ensure inclusivity, non-discriminatory access, and gender and disability sensitivity in
the provision of education. The Government has made Junior Secondary School available in all of the
islands, improving the geographical inclusion of the national curriculum up to senior years. The
Government has also taken recent steps to make primary and secondary education free to access up
until the final year, which will allow those families with little or no income to send their children to
school.

For the outer islands, the recent consultations on the KV20 went to some of the most distant islands
to ensure their inclusion in the national planning process. The national Outer Island Infrastructure
Program (the largest contribution of government funds to an infrastructure project in Kiribati history)
is an explicit recognition of the need to invest in our most vulnerable communities. Together with the
subsidisation of copra production on the outer islands (which has been the largest recurrent
expenditure of Government since it was doubled in 2016), this is a clear demonstration of the
importance this Government places on ensuring that the economic growth being experienced at the
national level contributes to the wellbeing on all islands in the country.

4.5 Institutional Mechanisms

At the national level, the Development Coordinating Committee (DCC) is responsible for overseeing
all development activities and national plans, including progress on the SDGs. Composed of the heads
of all ministries, the DCC has a broad mandate to review and coordinate development activity. The
National Economic and Planning Office (NEPO), as the secretariat to the DCC, presents regular reports
on project appraisals, implementation, and challenges, as well as bi-annual reports on the national
plan. The Mid-Term Review informs the second half of the 2016-19 KDP implementation, feeds into
the final report on the 2016-19 KDP, and contributes to the formulation of the next KDP (2020-2023).
As the KDP closely links with Ministry Strategic Plans, the national indicators are integrated into core
ministry activities which form the basis of performance and budgeting discussions between the
ministries and Cabinet.

A final evaluation of the 2016-19 KDP will be conducted after four and half years of the Plan’s
implementation. The evaluation is led by NEPO with support from development partners. The
underlying principle of the evaluation is to ensure independence and objectivity.

As the KDP represents the medium term aims of the KV20, the review cycle of the KV20 is also linked
to that of the KDP. The overall monitoring and evaluation will remain with NEPO, but specific activities,
monitoring, and evaluation will be an internal management activity conducted by the implementing
agencies as specified in the implementation matrix. These reviews will be used to iteratively improve
the planning and implementation process of the KV20. The KDP Mid-Term Review will also serve to
populate the baseline indicators of the KV20.

For the 2016-19 KDP Mid-Term Review and SDG VNR, a specific SDG Taskforce was approved by the
Minister of Finance in January 2018 to focus NEPO reporting to the DCC. This Taskforce was structured
around a representative from each of the six KPAs of the 2016-19 KDP, as well as the National Statistics
Office, NEPO, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, with secretariat support from a UN funded TA.
Consistent with the process for national policy reviews, the DCC tabled the findings of the Review with
Cabinet for their final endorsement before being presented at the UN HLPF.

11
4.6 Structural Issues
Kiribati faces stark development challenges across a wide range of areas. While the national planning
frameworks of the 2016-19 KDP and the KV20 are comprehensive in their coverage, and consistent
with the SDGs, adequate institutional capacity and financing to implement these plans continue to be
challenging.

The relatively small population of Kiribati and attractive incomes elsewhere in the region have resulted
in poor institutional capacity to implement major projects, reforms, and policies. This has led to a need
for external technical assistance in a number of key areas of Government so that major policies can
go ahead. However, even with this support there are still significant institutional gaps that prevent
effective implementation at the functional level – with public service reforms and improvements in
service delivery sorely needed. Dispersed population centres, poor communication, and a congested
work agenda have also hampered intragovernment, subnational, and community coordination.

In terms of financing, while Kiribati enjoys a small fiscal surplus and comfortable cash reserve, it could
not possibly fund all of its development needs from domestic revenue sources – indeed, much of the
KDP and KV20 aspirations are yet to have a funding source identified. This is particularly true for major
infrastructure needs, which even if provided at only basic levels would exceed national GDP many
times over. Even if the healthy balance of the Kiribati sovereign wealth fund (the RERF), which is
approaching AUD1 billion, were to be used to finance infrastructure needs it would be exhausted
within only a few years. This has meant that development activities, particularly infrastructure, have
largely been funded by development partners. For example, the recent scale up in the World Bank
allocation for Kiribati and, to a lesser extent, the Asian Development Bank, have enabled keystone
investments in transport, water, sanitation and outer island infrastructure that simply would have not
been possible otherwise.

In terms of domestic revenue mobilisation, the introduction of a VAT system, improved tax
compliance, and an increase in fisheries revenue (due in large part to the Vessel Day Scheme under
the Parties to the Nauru Agreement) have significantly improved the ability of the government to
provide essential services. The increase in revenue since 2014 has enabled the increase in the copra
price scheme for the outer islands, the increased adequacy of public service pay, enabled free basic
education, and increased the financing to health and education programs. The additional revenue has
also enabled greater participation of the Government of Kiribati in development and infrastructure
spending. While this will most certainly translate to general improvements, the high cost of service
delivery (especially in the outer islands), creates additional challenges that are not easily addressed.

Despite recent successes, there is still a long way to go before development ambitions are achieved,
with institutional capacity and financing continuing to be key challenges. With the increased impacts
of climate change on health, infrastructure, and social programs, this development challenge is likely
to only get more pronounced over coming years.

Outside of capacity and financing issues, data collection and analysis are key weaknesses to effective
monitoring and evaluation. As is clearly demonstrated in this Review, there are significant overlaps in
the goals of the SDGs, the KDP and the KV20. While this has produced a coherent set of focus areas
across planning documents at the higher level, there is significant fragmentation at the indicator level.
The challenge of monitoring and evaluating the multiple sets of indicators has stretched already thin
institutional capacity for statistics, with Kiribati unable to report on many of the national, regional,
and global indicators. Indeed, the fragmented national indicator set is one of the key opportunities for
improvement identified by this Review and will be a priority for the second-half of 2016-19 KDP
implementation.

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5 Progress on Goals and Targets

KPA 1: Human Resource Development

SDG Goal 4: Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote
lifelong learning

Early, Primary, and Secondary education

The basic education system of Kiribati is made up of pre-school (3 to 5 years old) primary school (Years
1 to 6) and Junior Secondary School (JSS - Forms 1 to 3 / Years 7-9). This is further supplemented by 4
years of Senior Secondary Schooling (SSS) which starts from Forms 4 to 7 (Years 10-13). The primary
and junior secondary components of schooling are compulsory and free while the SSS component is
free only to Years 10 to 12 under the Government’s Free Education policy. Government also approved
subsidization of student transportation and stationery for primary and JSS students in 2015.

Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE)

ECCE is a relatively new part of the national education framework. Preschools are generally provided
by church, private, and community organizations with little oversight. The new focus on life-long
learning has been extended to include ECCE as the first step in the formal education process. The
current Education Sector Strategic Plan (a component of both the KDP and KV20) is committed to
identifying resources needed for pre-schools, and to provide training and professional development
to teachers. UNICEF has been greatly involved in supporting the Ministry of Education on improving
Early Childhood Developments (ECD). A new development in this area is an ECCE legislation which was
passed by House of Parliament in August 2017; regulations are in progress.

School Accessibility and Student Participation

The total school enrolment has increased from 27,140 in 2013 to 28,565 in 2016. However, enrolments
for junior secondary school (JSS) decreased from 7,038 to 6,423 during the same period. The WASH in

13
schools program, as supported by UNICEF through funds of the New Zealand Government, focuses on
improving clean and safe drinking water, functioning sanitation and improved hygiene practices. With
serious community involvement in the program, this may have played a significant contribution in the
relative increase of enrolments overall. It may be too early to tell if the introduction of free senior
secondary schooling (SSS) in 2016 may have had an impact on student numbers.
Table 5.1 School Enrolment 2013-2016
Year
Education level 2013 2014 2015 2016
Primary 15357 16201 16043 16880
Junior Secondary 7038 6788 6683 6423
Senior Secondary 4745 4960 4980 5262
TOTAL 27140 27949 27706 28565
Source: KEMIS 2017

The progression (or survival) rate for students up to Year 5 showed an improvement from 86% to 93%
between 2014 and 2016, but the opposite was true for the survival rate to Year 6, which decreased
from 89% in 2014 to 74% 2016 (Figure 5.1). This suggests that there is still a large minority of young
I-Kiribati who are still not receiving basic education to the end of primary school, despite it being free
and compulsory. This has a significant impact on further education outcomes and represents an
ongoing challenge for the education system as a whole. The Government is targeting a survival rate in
primary education of 80% by 2019 and 100% by year 2036.

The Year 6 to Year 7 transition rate improved to 98% in 2016, the same level as 2014. The support of
the Australian Government through the Kiribati Education Improvement Program (KEIP) to improve
the school infrastructure and standards is a significant contribution to improve students’ attendance
and retention.
Figure 5.1 Proportion of Survival at Primary School and Transition to JSS
100%
90%
80%
70%
Survival Rate to Year 5
60%
50% Survival Rate to Year 6
40%
Promotion Rate Year 6 to Form 1 with
30% repeater
20%
10%
0%
2014 2015 2016

Source: MOE

The Gender Parity Index (GPI), which measures the ratio of females to males, was 1.08 in 2011 and
1.04 in 2014 indicating a consistently higher proportion of girls in school than boys across the four-
year period. No new data was provided for the 2014-2016 period but given the continued enrolment
rates in tertiary institutions continue to favour females, it is likely that this trend has continued.

14
Table 5.2 Gender Parity Index in Schools
Year 2011 2012 2013 2014
Gender Parity Index 1.08 1.06 1.07 1.04
Source: MOE

In terms of geographical inclusion, the Kiribati Government ensures that all islands have access to both
Primary schools and JSS. Depending on the population of children, the Education Quota system is
applied to determine how many Primary and JS Schools will be on each island, with all islands having
at least one. At the district-level, at least one Senior Secondary School is available for continued
secondary education (Table 5.3) – although the districts differ greatly in terms of student population
and geographical area. Government provides school buses for each island along with sufficient
operational cost/support to cover for fuel and servicing of the buses. Management of the vehicles is
entrusted with Island Councils.
Table 5.3 Number of Schools by Type, 2014 – 2018 in by Island Districts
2014 2018
Islands P JS CS SS P JS CS SS
District North 44 8 6 4 45 8 6 5
Abaiang 10 1 2 11 1 2
Butaritari 7 1 7 1 1
Makin 2 1 2 1
Marakei 3 1 3 1
North Tarawa 10 1 1 10 1 1
South Tarawa 12 3 3 4 12 3 3 4
District Central 19 6 1 2 19 6 2 1
Abemama 4 1 1 1 4 1 1 1
Aranuka 2 1 2 1
Banaba 1 1 1 1
Kuria 2 1 2 1
Maiana 3 1 3 1
Nonouti 7 1 1 7 1 1
Linnix District 8 3 1 2 8 3 1 2
Kiritimati 3 1 1 1 3 1 1 1
Tabuaeran 3 1 1 3 1 1
Teeraina 1 1 1 1
Kanton 1 1
South District 23 7 1 1 23 7 1 1
Arorae 1 1 1 1
Beru 3 1 1 3 1 1
Nikunau 3 1 3 1
North Tabiteuea 8 1 1 8 1 1
Onotoa 3 1 3 1
South Tabiteuea 4 1 4 1
Tamana 1 1 1 1
TOTAL 94 24 10 8 95 24 10 9
Source: MOE

15
Government previously supported free education up to JSS level in addition to providing free basic
school materials such as exercise books, pencils, pens, as well as free transport to Primary School and
JSS students. The Free Education policy for schooling that commenced in the second term of 2016 has
also been extended to all students who have passed their exams in SSS, with a removal of the quota
system that was previously in place (i.e. all students who pass are eligible).

Box 5.1 The Kiribati School and Centre for Children with Special Needs
The Red Cross School, now known as the Kiribati School and Centre for Children with Special Needs (or “The
Special School”) was established in 1991 by the Kiribati Red Cross Society. In its first year there were 5
teachers with 35 registered students (with daily attendance between 18 to 25 students per day). Parents
took over the day-to-day operations of the school in 2000.
The Special School is currently the only institution catering for children with disabilities in Kiribati and now
boasts 39 teachers and 227 registered students across preschool and primary school age.
The Ministry of Education has been working with the Special School for mainstreaming the delivery of
education to the students which has since seen 8 students (1 blind, 1 low vision, and 6 hearing impaired
students) attend senior high school, 4 more students (also with hearing impairments) attend intermediate
schools, and 3 (with mild intellectual impairments) attend regular primary schools.
The Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade has been providing core funding to the Special
school for the past 11 years, with the Government of Kiribati (via the Ministry of Education) also providing
core funding for the last 5 years. Multiple donor partners, organizations and individuals have also supported
a variety of projects to support the continued success of this unique institution in Kiribati.

Literacy and Education Quality

Literacy for Year 4 students has improved significantly, from 29% in 2012 to 73% in 2015. Numeracy
for Year 4 has also improved, increasing from 66% in 2012 to 93% in 2015. Despite the fall in the
survival rate, Year 6 literacy and numeracy levels also improved, with literacy increasing from 40% in
2012 to 56% in 2015 and numeracy improving from 43% in 2012 to 72% in 2015. These are impressive
gains over a relatively short period of time and demonstrate considerable improvements in the quality
of education being provided.
Table 5.4: Literacy and Numeracy Proficiency Level (%)
Year 4 Year 6
2012 2015 2012 2015
Numeracy 66 93 43 72
Literacy 29 73 40 56
Source: MOE

The Government will continue to implement measures aimed at having highly educated and skilled
population. Measures available in programs such as the PEARL program that was supported by the
World Bank aims at improving children’s literacy skills. Under the KV20, the number of school-aged
children receiving formal education will aim to be increased to 85% by 2019 and 100% by 2036. Other
targets include the percentage number of school drop outs to be reduced from 15% to 10% by 2019
and 3% by 2036. Government will also work towards improving English language literacy across all
levels from 30% to 50% by 2019 and 100% by the year 2036.

There are two types of academic qualifications for teachers within the Kiribati Education System. The
first type of teachers is known as Qualified Teachers: those teaching at each level of education having
attained at least the minimum academic qualifications required by the national authorities for giving
classes at schools. The second type of teachers is known as Certified Teachers: those teachers who are
certified to have completed at least the two-year teaching certificate.

16
The minimum academic qualifications required by national authorities for teachers has changed from
Form 5 to Form 6 (from Year 11 to Year 12) for Primary Teachers and Form 7 (Year 13) for JSS and SSS.
Certification requires a two-year teaching certificate, which can be obtained from the Kiribati Teachers
College.

Primary and JSS teacher qualification ratios fell significantly in 2015 (Figure 5.2), with Primary
recovering some of this decline in 2016. This was similar for SSS teachers, with 2016 showing
significant improvement from previous years. The qualification of JSS teachers remains a concern.
However, the teacher qualification data for 2015 should be viewed with caution, as this was the first
year that the qualification survey was done electronically (rather than paper-based) and had a lower
reporting rate than in previous years. The 2016 figures are viewed to be a more accurate
representation of the data.

The Pupil Teacher Ratio (PTR) for Primary and JSS is high on South Tarawa (1:40-50) and lower on the
outer islands (1:20). The Kiribati Teachers College (KTC) aims to lower the ratio for South Tarawa to
1:30 by 2023 through an increase in the annual intake to the diploma program. Teachers for the SSS
are serviced by graduate teachers from USP and other tertiary institutions in the region. The KV20
aims to improve the ratio of qualified teachers to 80% by 2019 and 100% by the year 2036 in order to
promote quality education.
Figure 5.2 Proportion of Certified and Qualified School Teachers, 2013-2016
100%
90%
80%
70%
60%
50%
40%
30%
20%
10%
0%
2013 2014 2015 2016 2013 2014 2015 2016 2013 2014 2015 2016
JSS Primary SSS

Certified Ratio Qualified Ratio

Source: MOE

Support from development partners on teacher and school leader capacity building, as well as support
from UNICEF on the Teacher Code of Ethics and the Child Protection in school, have assisted in
improving teacher capacity in the teaching process and improving student participation in class.

School Curriculum and other reforms

The Primary curriculum has undergone major reforms in recent years through the Australian-funded
Kiribati Education Improvement Program (KEIP). KEIP aims to improve access to quality basic
education for all girls and boys, including children with disabilities. Under KEIP, Australia is working
with the Government of Kiribati to provide safe and healthy learning environments, adequate
resources, a modern curriculum, professional teachers, and improved management of the education
system. KEIP started in 2011 and is currently in Phase III, which commenced in April 2016. The
curriculum for Years 5 and 6 were addressed in 2017, with year 7 curriculum the focus of the 2018

17
reforms. Once the JSS curriculum has been reformed by the end of 2019, the KEIP will move on to SSS.
KEIP has also been responsible for the renovation and reconstruction of around 18 schools in the
urban areas of Kiribati.

The National Curriculum and Assessment Framework (NCAF) reflects principles of child centred active
learning and contains the policies and guidelines for the content, structure and delivery of the national
curriculum for primary and secondary schools in Kiribati. It is very different from the past education
curriculum that focused on academic learning, preparing professional students for tertiary and higher
educational opportunities and non-manual work in the government sector, but neglected the majority
of students seeking livelihood skills.

The newly developed curriculum has shifted towards accommodating the disparate geographic profile
of Outer Islands so that all Kiribati students have access to full and meaningful educational
opportunities. The NCAF now covers a wide-ranging view of all experiences and underlying
pedagogical philosophy that is expected to contribute to the learning experience and processes. Hence
there is an integrated approach that merges various aspects of teaching and learning, such as lesson
activity and assessment.

The Kiribati Curriculum applies to all schools in Kiribati, both government and private schools; all
students regardless of gender, ethnic group, religion, location, background, ability or disability; and all
years of formal schooling, from early primary to the completion of secondary school.

Subjects such as Health and Family Planning are taught in both the Primary and Junior Secondary
schools but more specifically at the Senior Secondary levels. For those students mainstreamed to the
Arts subjects and not covering this topic, they can learn through the radio media where the Ministry
of Health has a program promoting awareness on family planning and other health related matters.

In terms of major sports facilities and gymnastic halls, Primary and JSS schools do not have access to
this kind of infrastructure. Some Church SSS have basketball and volleyball courts. PE (Physical
Education) curriculum is taught in Year 10 and 11 only and focuses only on field athletics such as long
and short distance running, discus, shot put, high jumps and long jumps. The capital island has only
three public fields and three public basketball/tennis courts. Through collaboration with church
schools increased play grounds for public use of the soccer fields, basketball and volleyball grounds
after school hours has improved overall participation rate, although this is difficult to verify without
detailed data.

WASH in Schools
With the endorsement of the national WASH in Schools policy, the government has committed itself
to ensure a minimum level of water, sanitation and hygiene standards in all schools. The following
measures are examples of the implementation of this policy:

• Under WASH in Schools, the MoE has undertaken to enhance education around Menstrual
Hygiene Management (MHM) as part of the curriculum and out-of-school activities. After a
MHM study that provided better insight in the challenges girls face at school, the government
has committed itself to improve the environment for girls in schools.

• Through the financial support of the New Zealand aid programme and technical support from
UNICEF, the Ministry of Education and school communities have successfully implemented
WASH in Schools program in 32 participating schools in 4 targeted islands of Abaiang, Maiana,
Marakei and North Tarawa (all PS, JSS/SSS); upgrading their water, sanitation and hygiene
standards to provide a better learning environment for students.

18
 • UNICEF through MoE has provided support to 9 schools in Butaritari (7-PS, 1-JSS, 1-SSS) in
terms of improving their WASH facilities. UNICEF has also provided a WASH Education Tool
Kit for teachers as their reference in providing WASH education to their students.

Learning and Life Skills for Young People and Adults

Kiribati has four tertiary institutions. These include the Kiribati institute of Technology (KIT), Marine
Training Centre (MTC), Kiribati Teachers College (KTC) and the University of South Pacific (USP).
Tertiary institutions have an intake of approximately 25% of school leavers per year. This is below the
Government’s target level despite the construction of new classrooms at both KIT and MTC by the
Governments of Australia and New Zealand. In keeping with the spirit of inclusiveness, the KV20 has
set the ambitious target of 4 vocational training centres in the outer islands by 2019 (up from 1
currently) and 23 by 2036, which will increase the TVET graduates from the outer islands to 160 by
2019, and to 8800 by 2036. The KV20 also aims to improve access to vocational training in tourism
and fisheries related skills as well as cross-cutting technical courses that would support those sectors.

Kiribati Institute of Technology

The Ministry of Employment and Human Resource Development (MEHR) reports that KIT is consulting
with businesses and industry about their skill needs in an attempt to better align course offerings. This
has led to increased courses in carpentry, automotive skills, electrical technology, accounting and
business. Notably, female students exceed the number of male students in every year, particularly in
the field of business, community services, accounting, and nursing.
Intake 2015 - 2018
Table 5.5 KIT Intake 2015-2018
2015 2015 Total 2016 2016 Total 2017 2017 Total 2018 2018 Total Grand Total
Course Female Male Female Male Female Male Female Male
CERT III in Information, Digital Media &
Technology - Hardware Technician Skills set 6 6 12 3 18 21 4 15 19 10 20 30 82
Certificate I in Business 27 6 33 33
Certificate II in Automotive Servicing Technology 2 26 28 5 13 18 2 17 19 2 28 30 95
Certificate II in Business 50 7 57 22 4 26 29 1 30 28 3 31 144
Certificate II in Community Services 16 7 23 26 3 29 28 3 31 29 3 32 115
Certificate II in Construction Pathways 5 32 37 3 18 21 4 28 32 3 13 16 106
Certificate II in Drainage 5 29 34 6 12 18 3 16 19 3 13 16 87
Certificate II in Electro Technology (career start) 14 24 38 8 12 20 4 13 17 7 10 17 92
Certificate II in Metal Roofing and Cladding 2 4 6 2 10 12 2 9 11 29
Certificate III in Accounts Administration 19 12 31 22 9 31 24 7 31 26 4 30 123
Certificate III in Electro technology Electrician
(Skill Set) 10 14 24 24
Certificate III in Light Vehicle Mechanical
Technology 4 8 12 12
Certificate III in Plumbing-Plumber Skill Set 1 8 9 1 9 10 2 7 9 28
Certificate IV in Accounting 41 16 57 12 7 19 20 9 29 18 7 25 130
Diploma of Nursing 33 6 39 29 7 36 25 6 31 13 2 15 121
Grand Total 228 191 419 139 121 260 146 133 279 141 110 251 1209
Source: KIT enrolments

The Skills for Employment Program (previously the Kiribati Technical Vocational Education and
Training Sector Strengthening Program) is an Australian funded program that aims to develop a more
capable, qualified and mobile I-Kiribati workforce. It includes new initiatives to increase the quality
and relevance of training at KIT to meet local, regional and international labour market demand, and
to strengthen pathways to employment. This includes a dedicated Employment Support Services unit,
work placements, partnerships with Group Training Organisations, and a vocational pathway bridging
program to reach young people disengaged from the education system. Other initiatives aim to
broaden access to other disadvantaged groups, including people living with a disability and young
mothers.

19
With essential Australian Government financial and technical support, KIT achieved registration under
the Pacific Quality Framework (PQF) in 2018. This framework provides an alternative option for KIT to
design and develop programs to meet differing student pathways.

The KIT has invested heavily in developing a strong and positive brand within the Kiribati community.
This has resulted in KIT being recognized as a high quality TVET institution, allowing KIT graduates to
receive preferred employment opportunities from local and international companies operating in
Kiribati. A key strength of KIT is its ability to offer international standard TVET courses through
partnership with TAFE South Australia, TAFE Queensland East Coast and Fiji National University.

However, poor access to the outer islands, performance reliability of staff, and the high cost of
internet connectivity has impacted negatively on KIT teaching and administration. Although KIT has
achieved significant reforms in workplace behaviour and productivity, the performance of some staff
needs to be raised to maintain KIT’s strong brand attributes and provide the necessary mentoring for
KIT students and graduates.

The Marine Training Centre

MTC has been training I-Kiribati since 1967 as seafarers, fishermen and hospitality workers. It has a
unique and long-standing relationship to German shipowners resulting in employment rates up to
95%. Since 1967 more than 5,000 I-Kiribati have been trained as seafarers, and in 2017, approximately
1,000 I-Kiribati worked as seafarers or fishers on foreign ships. In 2017, there were around 2,880
students enrolled across 155 courses.

New Zealand has been supporting MTC for decades and made significant investments into MTC’s
infrastructure. The recent programme is the Institutional Strengthening Project - Phase IV. Phase IV
aims to:

• Train I-Kiribati to be qualified and sought after. Graduates find employment consistent with
Kiribati's Labour Migration Policy and are able to provide remittances.

• Maintain MTC's status as well-managed, credible, responsive and relevant tertiary institution
in Kiribati.

MTC is continuously updating and expanding its courses to meet employers' demands and
expectations. As the KV20 focuses on fisheries and tourism, MTC will be a key part in training the
workforce needed.

However, MTC does face challenges in attracting suitable applicants. Many graduates from secondary
schools have difficulties in communicating in English confidently and have difficulties understanding
simple scientific or mathematical tasks. Furthermore, MTC struggles to fill senior posts: there is a
significant lack of experienced marine officer's and engineers, as well as English teachers in Kiribati.
Without qualified staff, the training programs at MTC become extremely difficult to implement and
will require ongoing technical support.

Scholarships and Public Service capacity development

Given the role of the public sector as the main employer in Kiribati, the Public Service Office (PSO)
plays an important role in providing education and capacity support. The PSO does this through
providing pre-service and in-service scholarships, and in-country and overseas short-courses, as well
as providing whole-of-government oversight for HR, governance, and customer service delivery.

The National Human Resources Planning Committee, with representatives from Government and NGO
stakeholders, recommend to Cabinet a list of priority areas for pre-service and in-service training each

20
year. For the period 2016-2019, the priority areas are selected based on workforce skill gaps in the
key areas of the KDP and KV20.

The Scholarship Board of the Ministry of Education, guided by the list of priority areas, allocates
scholarship awards for the Open and Pre-Service categories based on merit.

School graduates seeking a higher education need to qualify for entry into the University of the South
Pacific or the Australia Pacific Technical College; scholarship selection is entirely based on merit.
Pathways to technical and further education and higher education are only possible in Kiribati for Year
12 and Year 13 school graduates. This results in a large pool of 15-24 year-olds seeking formal or
informal sector employment when they are unable to progress to further study.

Table 5.6 clearly shows that female participation in scholarship programs generally exceeds that of
males by around 50% over the past five years. In 2018 there are 16 male and 23 female new and
ongoing students for the public service scholarships.
Table 5.6 Government of Kiribati Scholarship Awards 2013 -2018
Year Females Males Total
IN-SERVICE (Civil Servants) SCHOLARSHPS
2018 23 16 39
2017 27 13 40
2016 10 8 18
2015 27 18 45
TOTAL 142
PRE-SERVICE SCHOLARSHIPS
2015 69 46 115
2014 77 50 127
2013 67 46 113
TOTAL 355
Source: PSO data

In 2018, the key areas of priority are:

• Tourism and related disciplines (shipping, airline, cultural, IT & ICT);

• Fisheries/Applied Science;
• Anti-corruption/Good Governance and related fields including economics, finance, taxation,
accounting, auditing, law, business administration and commerce;
• Engineering;
• Education/HR/Admin/International Relations, Community Services/Gender/Investigation;
Environment; and
• Journalism.

With relation to Academic training, Bachelor’s Degree/Diploma are for pre-service continuing students
whilst Masters and higher qualifications are for mature and in-service training. The Government also
plans to offer limited PhD scholarships in areas of critical need.

In terms of In-service scholarships for civil servants, Taiwan has significantly contributed in this area
while the Australian and New Zealand government have continuously provided significant scholarship
support through open category scholarships. For example, between 2015 and 2018, the Australian
Government provided 136 tertiary scholarships and the New Zealand Government provided 80. The
New Zealand and Australian scholarships include pre-service, in-service and eligible applications from
members of the public. All scholarship programs contribute to developing capacity of our human

21
capital. Other scholarship awards (including other short-term training) with other bilateral donors are
pursued in the countries offering the relevant awards.

The PSO is also currently undertaking its HR transformation process to strategically align its HR policies
and functions with the KV20 aspirations. Since 2017, more investment has been made to have training
programs (referred to as ‘targeted’ trainings) be delivered more cost-effectively in-country and which
the New Zealand Government has provided financial support (including the ongoing Reimbursement
Scheme). This approach has involved building partnerships with training providers and institutions to
deliver training programs in-country, rather than abroad. The HR development strategy will also
include a Competency Framework to assist in identifying competency gaps which may require
specialized/professional training (rather than just academic).
Table 5.7 In-Country Programs offered by the PSO
Targeted Training 2016 2017 2018 Total No. of Training M F
Programs: Programs Completed
Cert. IV Project 30 30 14 17
Management
Diploma in Accounting 61 61 29 32
Certificate in Justice 32 32 15 17
Midwifery 15 15
MBA 8 Ongoing To complete in 2019 4 4
Semester 1
Bachelor of Education 22 Ongoing Ongoing To complete by end of
2018
Reimbursement 163 139 Ongoing 302 108 194
Scheme
Source: PSO

Under the KV20, the PSO is aiming to reduce service complaints by 35% in 2019, and 90% by 2036;
reduce the skills and qualification gap to 20% in 2019, and to reach 0% by 2036; increase the training
budget by 1% in 2019, and up to 5% by 2036; and to complete a National Public Servants Competency
Framework by 2019.

22
 KPA 2: Economic Growth and Poverty Reduction
SDG Goal 1: End poverty in all forms everywhere

As a small island state with a dispersed population, the costs of service delivery and basic
infrastructure can be prohibitive, presenting major impediments to poverty alleviation. In this context,
the KV20 and KDP both outline that expenditures should prudently provide the necessary resources
and infrastructure to achieve sustainable economic growth. Recognising the cross-cutting nature of
poverty reduction efforts, from improving access to health and education services through to
providing employment opportunities and basic infrastructure, this section of the Review will discuss
only the incidence of poverty in Kiribati. As the most recent poverty data for Kiribati is from the 2006
Household Income and Expenditure Survey (HIES), the effectiveness of recent poverty reduction
measures will need to be discussed in the next Voluntary National Review.

There is no direct translation for the word ‘poverty’ in Kiribati. The Kiribati Participatory Poverty
Assessment in 2007 found that I-Kiribati communities considered that there were very few people
who ‘had nothing’ (te kain nano ni kannano). This local definition of poverty is broadly similar to food
poverty, something that is relatively rare in Kiribati, at around 5 per cent of the population in 2006
(based on national poverty lines). In the same study, having access to only traditional food was seen
as hardship (te maiu ni kanganga), which aligns to the notion of experiencing difficulties in providing
for basic family needs. By this broader measure of basic needs poverty, the incidence of poverty is
much higher at around 21.8 percent of the population.

With a Gini coefficient of 0.39, the degree of inequality in Kiribati was found to be similar to that in
other Pacific Islands, but poverty rates varied significantly across the different island groups. These
differences are driven by available economic opportunities, the extent of isolation, access to
subsistence agriculture and fisheries, and the age structure of the population. The highest rates of
poverty in 2006 were found in the Southern Gilbert Islands, where 16 percent of the population were
found to be below the food poverty line reflecting isolation, limited agricultural potential, and
vulnerability to drought. These islands also had the highest incidence of basic needs poverty with 29
percent of households falling into this category. From a demographic point of view, these islands had
the highest proportion of elderly people in the country, and therefore experienced a high dependency
ratio. In contrast, poverty rates were very low in the Line Islands, reflecting a younger migrant
population and more abundant natural resources.

Female- and elderly-headed households were over-represented in the poorest 20 percent of

households, and children were also more likely to experience poverty. A large proportion of the
population was also found to be vulnerable to falling into poverty: if the basic needs poverty line were
20 percent higher, the national poverty rate would have been 34 percent.

While there is no data to indicate trends in household income growth since the 2006 HIES, real GDP
per capita declined by just over 10 percent between 2006 and 2011, before rising again to return to

23
its 2006 level by 2016. This suggests that while there may have been recent gains in overall GDP,
average household incomes may not have grown by as much due to increases in population. If this is
the case, then poverty rates may not have improved markedly over this period.

Perhaps surprisingly, the urban capital of South Tarawa had the second-highest incidence of basic
needs poverty, with 17 percent of households struggling to provide for themselves. As South Tarawa
contains the largest population, this means that the majority of the poor households in Kiribati are
located in the capital.

For South Tarawa, the pressures of overcrowding and climate change on the environment have meant
a relative decline in the ability of the population to supplement their incomes with subsistence
activities. While the availability of paid employment in the public service is overwhelmingly
concentrated on South Tarawa, unemployment remains high, and the greater reliance on the cash
economy means that a larger number of households cannot meet their basic needs through
subsistence. In general, households in Tarawa tend to be larger (7 people compared to 5 in the outer
islands), have higher incomes from wages and remittances, and have better access to public services
(like health and education). However, these households also tend to have less access to land, have
poorer health from water, sanitation and overcrowding issues, and have less alternative food options.

The continued trend of urbanisation will further increase these pressures. Between 2010 and 2015,
the population of South Tarawa grew by 12.4 percent, far higher than the 1.6 percent population
growth experienced in the rest of the country (total population growth was 6.9 percent over the same
period).

Recognising the unsustainable trend of rapid urbanisation, the current Government expanded the
Copra price guarantee on the outer islands to $2 per kilogram, well above the market price. This is
aimed at creating a cash incentive for those living in the outer islands (or those in South Tarawa
without regular income) to move or stay in rural areas. Anecdotally, this policy seems to have slowed
the urban drift, but it will be difficult to show this statistically until the next Census in 2020. The
geographical inequalities in Kiribati are discussed further in SDG 10 (Inequality).

24
SDG Goal 2: End hunger, achieve food security and improved nutrition and
promote sustainable agriculture

Outright hunger is not prevalent in Kiribati, and Kiribati’s biggest challenge is poor nutrition as a major
issue. Health records show increases in incidence of non-communicable diseases (NCDs), lifestyle
diseases, nutritionally-related diseases (such as vitamin A deficiency and anaemia among children),
diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, and certain cancers among adults. Along with overweight,
under nutrition in children remains a significant public health issue with almost one quarter of young
children five years of age or less recorded severely/underweight. Kiribati has developed a national
food and nutrition security policy to respond to the resulting health issues and aiming to empower
individuals and communities to build and sustain food and nutrition security throughout our nation.
The policy encourages a multi-sector partnership approach with key relevant ministries and
organizations.

Food and nutrition security underpins all development. With limited land, poor soils and harsh climate
conditions, Government efforts are directed at improving traditional crops to withstand the Kiribati
climatic conditions, such as coconut, bwabwai (swamp taro), breadfruit and pandanus. Working with
NGOs and donor partners, there are efforts to introduce other fruit trees, vegetables, and root crops.
Recent efforts have promoted small-scale home gardening for domestic consumption as well as for
local markets in Tarawa, with some success.

Accessibility of household to food crops and livestock is estimated to be a key vulnerability indicator
for each islands’ food security. A recent survey showed a decline in food availability and variety
between the 2010 and 2015 Census periods, with an associated increase in the consumption of
imported food. Southern Kiribati islands have harsher climatic conditions and thus have less varieties
of crops and the worst accessibility.

Livestock accessibility for most islands fare better than food crops. Livestock are mainly pigs and
chickens, with pigs proving to be highly valuable for family special occasions and community, church
and island functions. They are also a profitable source of income.

25
Table 5.8 Average accessibility to food crop diversity per household
2010 2015

to food crops

to food crops
types of food

types of food
HH that have

HH that have
Islands

diversity per

diversity per

to food crop
accessibility

accessibility

accessibility
Total no. of

Total no. of

Differences
No. of HH

No. of HH
different

different

diversity
Average

Average

Ranking
crops

crops
HH

HH

in
Nikunau 365 2276 6.24 357 1028 2.89 -3.4 3
STabiteuea 249 3347 4.91 253 628 2.48 -2.4 3
Makin 347 2237 6.45 351 1335 3.8 -2.7 3
Abemama 583 3717 6.38 602 2247 3.73 -2.7 3
NTabiteuea 682 3347 4.91 706 1784 2.53 -2.4 3
NTarawa 1002 6050 6.04 1128 4155 3.68 -2.4 3
Onotoa 332 1869 5.63 323 1113 3.45 -2.2 3
Butaritari 630 4195 6.66 624 2824 4.53 -2.1 3
STarawa 4728 21349 4.52 5584 14007 2.51 -2.0 2
Tamana 202 1161 5.75 187 700 3.74 -2.0 2
Nonouti 508 2837 5.58 532 1933 3.63 -2.0 2
Marakei 492 2940 5.98 499 2118 4.24 -1.7 2
Abaiang 926 5537 5.98 996 4392 4.41 -1.6 2
Arorae 238 1205 5.06 217 790 3.64 -1.4 2
Beru 449 2104 4.69 458 1537 3.36 -1.3 2
Kuria 190 1011 5.32 217 897 4.13 -1.2 2
Aranuka 214 1087 5.08 237 950 4.01 -1.1 1
Maiana 383 1901 4.96 399 1640 4.11 -0.9 1
Betio 1977 4667 2.36 2293 3692 1.61 -0.8 1
Tabuaeran 348 1694 4.87 418 1820 4.35 -0.5 1
Teeraina 278 1290 4.64 292 1275 4.37 -0.3 1
Kiritimati 857 2225 2.59 1017 2543 2.5 -0.1 1
Kanton 6 1 0.17 6 9 1.5 1.3 1
Banaba 57 107 1.88 77 270 3.51 1.6 1
Source: MELAD

Table 5.9 Average accessibility to livestock (pigs and chicken) per household
2010 2015
Islands
different types of

different types of
diversity per HH

diversity per HH
Total no. of HH

Total no. of HH
accessibility to

accessibility to

accessibility to
Differences in
food crops

food crops

food crops

food crops
No. of HH

No. of HH

food crop
that have

that have

diversity
Average

Average

Ranking

Kuria 190 1442 7.59 217 1063 4.9 -2.7 3

Nikunau 365 2250 6.16 356 1449 4.07 -2.1 3
Makin 347 2465 7.1 351 1770 5.04 -2.1 3
Aranuka 214 1311 6.13 237 1016 4.29 -1.8 2
Teeraina 278 2067 7.44 292 1682 5.76 -1.7 2
Marakei 492 3172 6.45 499 2507 5.02 -1.4 2
Tabuaeran 348 2469 7.09 418 2435 5.83 -1.3 2
Nonouti 508 3917 7.71 532 3692 6.94 -0.8 1
Beru 449 3089 6.88 458 2851 6.22 -0.7 1
Abemama 583 3200 5.49 602 2932 4.87 -0.6 1
Butaritari 630 5005 7.94 624 4609 7.39 -0.6 1
Tamana 202 1713 8.48 187 1494 7.99 -0.5 1
Abaiang 926 4625 4.99 996 4671 4.69 -0.3 1
Kiritimati 857 3686 4.3 1017 4145 4.08 -0.2 1
Betio 1977 4234 2.14 2293 4886 2.13 0.0 1
NTarawa 1002 3843 3.84 1128 4321 3.83 0.0 1
Maiana 383 1693 4.42 399 1862 4.67 0.3 1
STarawa 4728 11878 2.51 5584 15776 2.83 0.3 1
STabiteuea 249 1641 6.59 253 1755 6.94 0.4 1
Arorae 238 2129 8.95 217 2039 9.4 0.5 1
NTabiteuea 682 3425 5.02 706 3644 5.59 0.6 1
Onotoa 332 1823 5.49 323 2461 7.62 2.1 1
Banaba 57 126 2.21 77 552 7.17 5.0 1
Kanton 6 9 1.5 6 54 9 7.5 1
Source: MELAD

26
Food security is also a Climate Change issue. The Kiribati Joint Implementation Plan (KJIP) for climate
action identifies the need for ‘increasing water and food security with integrated and sector-specific
approaches and promoting healthy and resilient ecosystems’. The sensitivity analysis of climate
change on fisheries and food security notes that the ‘productivity for coral reef fish and invertebrates
[may] decline by 20% by 2050 due to both the direct effects (sea surface temperature) and indirect
effects (changes to fish habitats).’ Observed and potential impacts on agriculture and food security
notes ‘increasing risks that the sea will overtop parts or even whole islands, causing salination of some
fresh groundwater, destruction of infrastructure, and the death of crops and livestock’.

Projects that are geared to addressing food security issues in relation to climate change impacts:

I. The Government of Kiribati project “Enhancing national food security in the context of global
climate change” is an on-going project based in the Environment and Conservation Division of
MELAD. The project will address both agriculture and fisheries food security issues with an
overall objective of “building the adaptive capacity of vulnerable Kiribati Communities to
ensure food security under conditions of climate change”. The project also supports the island
people to “prosper through a thriving environment and strong cultural values”. All project
activities will target the reduction of food security issues by setting in place capacities required
for local communities to maintain and enhance ecosystem integrity, as established in the
National Guidelines for Ecosystem-based Adaptation Management.

II. The Agriculture and Livestock Division of MELAD strategic plan for KDP 2016-19 emphasizes
the development goal of achieving a food and nutritionally secured nation through the key
outputs of “improving production systems, boarder control services, community mobilization
and partnership with relevant stakeholders in agricultural value chain to promote synergy and
collaboration”. Most of the agricultural development efforts are funded under Government’s
recurrent budget.

III. External funding support and partnerships with Government assist capacity to achieve
development goals. These include GEF-LDCF Project for food security in the face of climate
change in four islands: Maiana, Nonouti, Abemama and North Tarawa.

IV. The Taiwan Technical Mission (TTM) is supporting home gardening and animal (pig) farming
through training and provision of planting materials which are usually vegetables and piglets
to all the 33 islands.

V. The IFAD Kiribati Outer Island Food and Water Project (KOIFAWP) aims to promote the Kiribati
local and nutritious food through home gardening initiatives on Abemama, Nonouti,
Tabiteuea North and Beru.

VI. Japanese Government and Germany (GIZ) have also been of great assistance in renovating
some of the old agricultural structures such as the pig pens and the Animal Health Laboratory.

The Government is also targeting the distribution of resilient and high yield varieties of coconut, root
and tuber crops, as well as establishing island, school, and community nurseries and gene-banks.
Outreach programs are a regular routine work of the Agriculture Division of MELAD, promoting and
training farmers sustainable cultivation methods to avoid further deterioration in the fragile make-up
of the islands. Safeguarding Kiribati from invasive and harmful pests and diseases is a continuous
activity of Biosecurity while ensuring trade is facilitated.

27
Agriculture activity in Abaiang is a good case to illustrates increasing interest by locals to grow more
variety of root crops, vegetables and improve cultivation methods. Abaiang has the most variety of
food crops and livestock compared to the rest of other outer islands.

Box 5.2 Summary of Interviewees’ Perceptions on Agriculture - Climate Change Related Issues In Abaiang
1. Islanders would need more assistance on agriculture in terms of agricultural tools, seeds, improved pig breeds and chickens
2. Three villages namely Tuarabu, Takarano and Tabontebike were selected as pilot sites for the climate change-agriculture
project. Each village has completed work on construction of a pig pen and chicken shed. There is also a land plot selected by
villagers that serves as a gene bank for growing local tree crops for food security purpose. Pigs and chickens of improved breeds
were also provided to project villages
3. People are growing a lot of kumara on the whole island. Some villages like Ewena are practicing agro-forestry system where
they grow many different types of tree crops like coconut, breadfruits, fig tree (te bero), banana, etc., on one piece of land. The
villagers compete among themselves for the prizes and the result is announced during the village ‘maneaba’ anniversary at the
beginning of every year
4. Most of the produce, like pumpkin, cabbage, tomato, capsicum, etc., are sent to the capital, Tarawa for marketing purpose. On
some occasions, a small quantity of these are also sold locally on the island
5. On-going agriculture related projects are the USAID-GIZ-SPC climate change, Soil Health (ACIAR funded) and organic
certification of coconuts
6. The major need for cash is to meet the payment of children’s school fees on a term basis (a 3-months period)

The KOIFAWP project has also shown success in boosting agricultural production and consumption of
nutritional local foods on 4 pilot islands (Tab North, Abemama, Beru and Nonouti). Targets set for the
project had been progressively well achieved. One activity under the project is the distribution of
agricultural hand tools to support farming communities. During the planned second phase of the
project another set of 5-6 islands are to be covered in this food security program.

Trialling of composting mix to improve soil health is also another component of the KOIFAWP jointly
implemented by MELAD, ACIAR, and SPC. MELAD is also trying to equip all the islands with efficient
water pumping system as part of its strategy to improve agricultural production in the Outer islands.

The Taiwan Technical Mission (TTM) agricultural support program assists communities by providing
training and material support (seeds, seedlings, and piglets). It also provides training on making
balanced cooking recipes that use the locally grown products. A good number of people have
benefited from the technical support of TTM, especially in South Tarawa (where the mission is based).
Other NGO Live and Learn programs also exist to support communities and home gardening.

There are observable results of the programs of TTM and NGOs in the increase of South Tarawa
households getting involved in home gardening and in marketing vegetables and local fruits (cabbage,
pawpaw, pumpkin, cucumber, tomatoes and more). Although volumes are still too small to have a
widespread impact on overall health and nutrition outcomes, there is evidence of small changes in
attitudes towards gardening and healthy eating.

Outside of imported foodstuff and limited local agriculture, fish and marine food sources make up the
vast bulk of the Kiribati diet. As Kiribati’s largest natural resource, marine-sourced food will always
form an important pillar for food security.

The Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources’ (MFMRD) strategic plan 2016-19 envisions working
towards the maximization of economic growth and economic opportunities, enhancement of food
security, and sustainable livelihood through sustainable fisheries. An inclusive approach to

28
community empowerment and effective participation
of the private sector is emphasized as essential for
informed decision making.

The Government is committed to ensure the safety of

fish for human consumption, monitoring activities to
manage fish and shellfish resources, new fish culture
trials in outer island waters (Abaiang, North Tarawa),
and establishment of marine protected areas in South
Tarawa (Nanikai-Teaoraereke) using local approaches
(maebono) as a trial. Other initiatives include trials of
seaweed and milkfish integrated farming, water and shellfish monitoring, creel survey for fishermen
and fish sellers (reef fish), ciguatera monitoring on South Tarawa, translocation of ‘te bun’ (anadara),
fishing centre solar power installation in the outer islands, and the monitoring of Sandfish in North
Tarawa. The on-going Observer Program on overseas fishing vessels provides a source of employment
and helps sustainability and conservation efforts by ensuring that foreign fishing fleets are abiding by
the Fisheries Act.

Together these measures are all aimed at improving the ability of local I-Kiribati to sustainably utilise
the coastal and near-shore marine resources to meet their dietary and economic needs.

29
 SDG Goal 8: Promote inclusive and sustainable economic growth,
employment, and decent work for all

Kiribati is one of the smallest, most remote and most geographically dispersed countries in the world,
which creates significant economic growth and service delivery challenges. Private sector
development opportunities are highly constrained by the lack of economies of scale possible in such
a small and fragmented domestic market that is extremely remote from large markets abroad. Severe
infrastructure deficits in the areas of utilities, transport and communications compound these
constraints.

Economic activity is driven by subsistence fisheries and copra (which is subsidized by the Government),
the public sector (including state-owned enterprises (SOEs)), and a service economy underpinned by
the public sector in the capital of South Tarawa (where approximately half the population live). Public
expenditure was equivalent to 112 percent of GDP in 2016, funded primarily by fisheries license fees
(65 percent of GDP) and grants from development partners (33 percent of GDP). The Kiribati
Government directly accounts for as much as 50 percent of GDP and some 80 percent of formal sector
jobs (however, formal sector employment accounts for only 20 percent of the labour force).

Beyond subsistence agriculture and fisheries, the private sector remains small, mostly consisting of
small firms in the wholesale, retail, and transport sectors. The most significant opportunities for
private sector development exist in the fisheries sector, with potential opportunities also in tourism.
Open unemployment is estimated to exceed 30 percent, and youth unemployment is around 50
percent.

The KV20 and KDP 2016-19 place a high premium on a stable macroeconomic environment as a key
platform for addressing poverty issues and creating jobs, as the poor are disproportionately affected
by periods of economic downturn or inflation. Achieving macroeconomic stability will, however,
require the implementation of the fiscal measures to accelerate macro-economic stability for long
term sustainable development, and continue the improved performance and reform of SOEs.

The KV20 has targeted the largest economic driver of the country – fisheries – and biggest potential
growth industry of tourism. The KV20 also places a high priority on infrastructure and social sectors
(health and education), as well as trade and private sector development. The Vision will work towards
improving the GDP growth rate to 5% in 2019 and 10% by 2036.

Kiribati Recent Economic Performance

While economic growth has generally been low and volatile, with real per capita GDP falling between
2007 and 2010. The dramatic increase in fisheries licence revenues from 2011 through to 2015

30
noticeably improved growth outcomes, with real per capita GDP improving by around 13% over the
period.

After 10.3% growth in 2015 real GDP growth declined to 1.1% in 2016, due in large part to the
completion of major capital works and a decline in fishing revenue from the record highs in 2015. Real
GDP growth in 2016 was driven by agriculture and fishing, wholesale and retail trade, and
construction, although this improvement was somewhat offset by government spending to support
the copra price scheme.

Figure 5.3 Real GDP/capita and growth 2006-2016 Figure 5.4 Contributions to real GDP growth, 2016
1,700 10.0% Total nominal growth 1.1
1,600 8.0%
1,500 6.0% Agriculture and fishing 2.4
1,400 4.0% Wholesale and retail trade 2.1
1,300 2.0%
1,200 0.0% Construction 1.5
1,100 -2.0% Government 1.0
1,000 -4.0%
900 -6.0% Transport and storage -0.5
2006

2013
2007
2008
2009
2010
2011
2012

2014
2015
2016

Taxes on products 0.4

Other -5.8
Real GDP per capita (LHS)
-7 -6 -5 -4 -3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3
Real GDP growth rate (RHS) Percentage point contribution to GDP (%)
Source: Kiribati National Statistics Office; NEPO Source: Kiribati National Statistics Office

The Government acts as the main distribution mechanism for the national fisheries revenue and,
together with development partner programs, the Government fiscal position is a key determinant of
total economic activity.
For example, fisheries revenue in 2011 was $29.1 million, but by 2015 this had risen to $197.7 million.
While fishing revenue fell to $147.1 million in 2016, the significant increase in total revenue has meant
that the Government can more actively engage in development activities that can target growth. In
particular, this has enabled the Government to invest in major capital works and transfer programs
(like the copra subsidy), which have supported the construction industry, wholesale, and retail trade.
Despite a large increase in public expenditures to support growth (total Government funded
expenditure was $174.4 million in 2016, up from $100.2 million in 2011), the conservative bias in
estimating volatile fishing revenues has meant a continued budget surplus (the surplus was $33.7
million in 2016).

Significant fiscal surpluses since 2014 have enabled the Government to accumulate fiscal buffers and
repair the Kiribati sovereign wealth fund: the Revenue Equalisation Reserve Fund (RERF), which
reached $968.1 million by May 2018. As a small island economy that is exposed to both financial and
climate risks, these buffers are a crucial component of managing economic and fiscal shocks.
Previously, the RERF was used to simply balance the Budget when fishing revenues were below the
estimates. However, given the significant fiscal buffers that have been accumulated the KV20 lays out
a plan to reform the RERF into an endowment fund for all generations of I-Kiribati and is targeting a
RERF balance of $1 billion by 2020 (a target that is well on track). The current cash reserves and a
conservative bias in fishing revenue estimates will replace the RERF in the revenue equalisation role
and support overall macro-stability.

31
 Box 5.3 The Economic Reform Taskforce
The Economic Reform Taskforce (ERT) is made up of Government of Kiribati representatives and those
development partners who are engaged with Budget Support operations. In 2017, these partners were the
World Bank, the Asian Development Bank, New Zealand, and Australia. The objective of the ERT is to: (i)
strengthen public financial management; and (ii) improve the environment for inclusive growth. The ERT
decides on a joint matrix of reform activity that is supported by all parties.

The first pillar of the ERT reforms is in public financial management (PFM) and focuses on strengthening the
primary functions of the PFM system, such as public procurement, accounting, fiscal policy, and cash
management. Over time, and in conjunction with other measures, these reform actions should contribute to
wider improvements in the maintenance of fiscal sustainability, the containment of fiscal risks, and the quality
of public spending.

The second pillar, is improving the management of public assets and liabilities, which relates mainly to
reforms of the RERF, debt reporting, and asset management.

Finally, the environment for inclusive growth pillar, focuses on improving oversight of joint ventures in the
fisheries industry, improving the quality and expanding the coverage of essential public utilities, facilitating
competition and universal service provision in the telecommunications industry, and reforming SOEs.

Together with setting up the Budget Support triggers, the reform program also focuses development partner
technical assistance programs in areas of joint priority. The ERT is a joint process and is guided by the Kiribati
development plans.

The ERT has been a key driver in major economic and fiscal reforms in Kiribati including the successful SOE
reform program, the management and investment reforms to the RERF (which have lowered management
costs from $1.5m per year in 2013 to $0.7m in 2017, as well as seen dramatic improvements in investment
performance), the review and reform of the national procurement system, the introduction of annual reviews
of fisheries joint-ventures, improved financial reporting, and the planned introduction of an Integrated
Financial Management Information System.

The SOE reforms have been particularly successful, with a reduction in the number of SOEs from 22 to 14
since the passage of the SOE Act in 2013. The Act included the introduction of Government Community
Service Obligation (CSO) payments to SOEs who are requested to provide non-commercial services to the
public.

The sale of the Government retailer and wholesalers (The Kiribati Supply Company and Bobotin Kiribati) and
the public telecommunications company (Telecommunication Service Kiribati) has opened up the private
sector in these areas, with improved services and jobs growth for the community. This is in addition to the
institutional reforms at the Public Utilities Board (PUB), which have enabled reliable electricity and water
services on South Tarawa. Overall, the reforms have played a large role in improving the profitability of the
SOE portfolio from total losses of $1.8m in 2009, to total profits of $11.6m in 2016).

Prices and Inflation

After a large increase in fuel prices in 2008-09, inflationary pressure has been low, with inflation
averaging -0.2% since 2010. Annual inflation for 2017 was just 0.4%. The major increases for 2017
were a 19.9% increase in the prices of Non-Alcoholic Drinks (contributing 2.2 percentage points to
inflation) and a 5.2% increase in Alcohol and Tobacco (contributing 1.0 percentage points). These
increases were partially offset by a 24.3% fall in Utility prices (decreasing inflation by 1.2 percentage
points) and a 2.1% fall in Food prices (decreasing inflation by 0.9 percentage points).

32
Figure 5.5 Annual average inflation 2007-2017
30.0%

25.0%

20.0%

15.0%

10.0%

5.0%

0.0%

-5.0%

-10.0%
2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017

Source: KNSO

Trade and income transfers

Like most small island states, Kiribati runs a large goods deficit with the rest of the world, driven largely
by the need to import a large portion of its food and almost all of its retail and capital goods from
overseas. Exports have traditionally been mainly coconut products and fish. Kiribati is highly reliant
on imports of foodstuffs. Exports in 2016 rose by 6.2% to $14.1 million, and imports grew 7.2% to be
$147.4m. This resulted in a goods trade deficit of $133.3m.

The growth in exports was driven by unrefined copra export (up by $1.4m), crude coconut oil (up by
$1.1m) among other smaller increases, which collectively outweighed a $2.5m decline in fish exports.
For imports, the main increases were in Food (up by $10.3m), Beverages and Tobacco (up by $7.8m),
and Crude Materials (up by $3.5m), with a decline in Machinery and Transport (down by $8.7m) and
Manufactured Goods (down by $4.4m).
Figure 5.6 Exports and Imports, Kiribati, 2006-16 (‘000)
160,000
140,000
120,000
100,000
80,000
60,000
40,000
20,000
-
2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016

Imports Exports

Source: KNSO

However, in terms of national income, the current account is in surplus, driven largely by fishing
licence revenues. In 2016 for example, the $147.1 million in licence revenues far exceeded the $133.3
million deficit on the goods trade.

33
In terms of income to households, remittances from seamen in the past have been a large source of
income from abroad. However, since the Global Financial Crisis, the number of seamen employed
overseas has steadily declined to 855 at the end of 2015. Economic conditions, changes in vessel
technology (where ships have become larger), and increased competition from Asian nations’ have
contributed to this decline. Seamen’s remittances were $7.6 million at the end of 2016, an increase
from the $5.3 million in 2014, but below the peak of $12.5 million in 2002. Despite the recent growth,
there are ongoing concerns surrounding international shipping volumes and the demand for seafarers.
Figure 5.7 Seamen’s Remittances, 2000-2015

Further opportunities for overseas employment such as seasonal workers’ schemes in New Zealand
and Australia have recently expanded, providing alternatives to traditional maritime sector
employment. The White Paper on Northern Australian development opens further potential for low
skilled I-Kiribati for future work in Australia.

Promoting Inclusive Trade and Private Sector for Sustainable Development

While the private sector is small in relation to the public sector, private sector formal employment has
increased significantly since 2010. The number of private sector contributors to the Kiribati Provident
Fund (KPF) has increased from 2,087 in June 2010 to 4,005 in June 2016, a rise of 92.0%. Over the
same period, the number of public sector contributors increased by just 1.9%.
Figure 5.8 Public and Private Sector KPF Contributors, Kiribati, 2009-2016
12,000

10,000

8,000

6,000

4,000

2,000

-
DEC

DEC

DEC

DEC

DEC

DEC

DEC
SEPT

MAR
SEPT

SEPT

SEPT

SEPT

SEPT

SEPT
JUNE

MARC

JUN
SEPT
JUNE

JUNE

JUNE

JUNE

JUNE

JUNE
MARCH

MARCH

MARCH

MARCH

MARCH

MARCH

2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016

GOVERNMENT PRIVATE

Source: KPF

34
Dominant industries for employment continue to be in the Agriculture/Fisheries, Retail/Sales and
Manufacturing sectors (Table 5.10). While there has been a significant increase in observable
construction activity in Kiribati over the past 5 years, the construction industry comprises just 3% of
jobs in 2015. According to KPF data 60% of all registered businesses with documented employees are
in the retail/sales sector.

Table 5.10 Working age population by industry

Industry (formal and informal) 2010 2015
Accommodation and Food Services 196 (0.7%) 638 (2%)
Utilities Repair & Equipment installation 271 (1%) 181 (0.6%)
Manufacturing (mostly informal sector) 3563 (13%) 3985 (14%)
ConstructionandRelatedActivities 535 (2%) 846 (3%)
Wholesale, Retail and Motor vehicle repair 4784 (18%) 3424 (12%)
ICT 586 (2%) 234 (0.8%)
Agriculture and Fisheries 5983 (22%) 6811 (24%)
Public administration 2021 (7.5%) 3502 (12%)
Education services 514 (2%) 1940 (7%)
Health services 784 (3%) 977 (3.5%)
Source: Kiribati 2010 and 2015 Census in ‘Labor Market Study 2016’ by Scope Global

While the private sector has experienced some recent growth, the majority of the businesses are
mainly based on the urban islands of Tarawa and Kiritimati. The total number of registered businesses
in South Tarawa and Kiritimati are 2642 and 232 respectively, in contrast to the Other Outer Islands
which has less than 100 registered businesses.

In order to support the development of the private sector, the government adopted Trade Policy
Framework (TPF) in December 2017 to guide its private sector and trade development agenda. In the
context of the foreign trade policy, Kiribati signed PACER Plus trade agreement in June 2017 and will
be considering the accession to the Interim Economic Partnership Agreement (I-EPA) to support fish
exports to the EU market. Kiribati also recently acceded to Berne Convention for the Protection of
Literary and Artistic Works and acceded to Marrakesh Treaty; to facilitate access to cultural materials
especially for the visually impaired. In order to facilitate better trade links, Kiribati has also adopted a
National Quality Policy to strengthen the national quality infrastructure and the National intellectual
property Strategy to improve the intellectual property regime. Kiribati is in the process of enacting a
new copyright legislation to support the development of the cultural capital as envisaged in the KV20.

Developing an inclusive private sector will also require investment to support the development of
private sector on the outer Islands, which have dismally performed in terms of business development.
Although foreign investment can be a good ingredient to private sector development to the economy,
only 18 foreign investors have established their enterprises in Kiribati. To address this challenge, a
new Foreign Investment legislation is being enacted to streamline investment application and
administration regime. The government is also in the process of reviewing company law and business
registration systems.

35
Government has made a number of policy commitments to achieve KDP and SDG targets for inclusive
growth and employment:

I. In compliance with the international commitments of Government to the Convention of the

Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD), there is a new policy in development for persons
living with disability which aims to protect and safeguard their interests and inclusivity.

II. A new (draft) National Youth Policy 2017 of Government aims to ensure all youth inclusively
are developed to contribute effectively to nation development through sports, culture-based
arts (local dancing etc.), emerging (entertainment) talents, volunteer youth work, and
employment.

III. A draft Gender Equality and Women Development Policy is in final stages of development and
approval, addressing women and children needs for safe environments, womens’ economic
empowerment, and increased participation in leadership and decision making. The National
Conditions of Service recognises maternity leave entitlements and breastfeeding.

IV. A TVET Strategy aims to improve national economic growth and increasing employment
opportunities for I-Kiribati at home and abroad, especially young women and men through
appropriate tailor-made training courses and demand-driven programs offered at an
internationally compatible standard.

V. Increased recruitment of quality candidates for seasonal workers schemes and the Pacific
Labour Scheme.

VI. The Employment and Industrial Relations Code makes provision for the regulation of
employment contracts; industrial relations; the settlement of employment disputes; for
matters concerning work conditions, wages, decent work for inclusiveness, and to work in
conditions of freedom, equity, security and human dignity; and in the interest of employers
to safeguard against penalties.

VII. Government, with assistance of Taiwan, continues to provide small grants to communities to
start up small businesses helping mostly women to be economically empowered. The grant
is also accessible to people and communities in urban and rural areas affected by severe
storms and sea surges, to help them recover and to build sea-walls. A budget of $1m is
available annually for this support.

36
 SDG Goal 10: Reduce inequality

As gender inequality is covered under SDG 5 and Kiribati does not have sizeable minority populations,
this section will focus more on the regional inequality experienced in Kiribati. The distribution of
poverty is covered under SDG 1.

In Kiribati all people have access to hereditary lands and have free access to the sea for food and for
economic needs, although urbanisation and poor environmental practices (particularly in South
Tarawa) have degraded their ability to do so. Income inequality, as measured by the Gini coefficient,
was 0.39 in 2006 – broadly similar to other Pacific nations.

The varying quality of services offered between island groups and the capital of Tarawa is a particular
issue for the Government – especially for services like health care and higher education. Economic
and business opportunities, accessibility to government and donor funded programs, and public
service employment also tend to support those living on the urban island of South Tarawa and
Kiritimati. However, less population pressure on the outer islands has been shown to support lower
overall poverty rates when compared to South Tarawa (as discussed under SDG1).

With high transport costs and small cash economies, the outer islands in Kiribati are some of the most
difficult places in the world to deliver basic goods and services. The Government has attempted to
address this challenge by increasing the price-floor on publicly purchased copra to $2 per kg. This has
resulted in a massive cash injection into outer island economies: the copra payments were around
$8 million in 2015 but have since risen to an estimated $33 million in 2017. While a review of the
economic impacts of this policy will commence soon, there has been an obvious increase in the
purchasing power of outer island communities which will go some way to bridging the gap in incomes
between the rural and urban areas.

The Government also has two freight schemes in place to help address the elevated shipping costs to
the outer islands. The first of these is the import levy imposed on all imported goods at the point of
entry. This levy then directly subsidises the internal shipping costs for these remote communities in
an attempt to lower retail prices to something broadly consistent with South Tarawa (the major port
of entry). The second is a fruit and vegetable subsidy that will cover the shipping costs of any fruit and
vegetables produced in the outer islands so it can be sold in markets of South Tarawa. This scheme
has been somewhat successful in complimenting agricultural efforts on the outer islands, with
bananas and other fruits available for purchase in the capital, but shipping volumes remain low.

In 2018 the Government announced $30 million dollars for phase I of the Outer Islands Infrastructure
Project – a parallel effort alongside investments in maritime transport infrastructure by the World
Bank and ADB. These efforts compliment a growing portfolio of capital investments in the outer islands

37
that are aimed at improving service delivery to the most remote communities in Kiribati. This is a key
focus under KPA6.

Box 5.4 The Line and Phoenix Islands Integrated Development Strategy (LPIDS) 2016-2026
The Line and Phoenix Islands are located in the eastern “tropical convergence zone” of the south central
Pacific, with the administrative capital of Kiritimati being more than 2000 miles east of Tarawa, some 1600
miles north of Rarotonga, and 1400 miles south of Honolulu, the nearest neighbours. In this context, the Line
Islands and particularly the Phoenix Islands are among the most remote place within Kiribati, which is one
of the most remote places on earth. With a population of around 10,500 (6,356 of which live on Kiritimati
Island), this extreme remoteness has presented its own set of unique challenges within the Kiribati context.

The LPIDS was the first attempt at linking the 2016-19 KDP to long-term development aspirations. The focus
of the strategy is on the Line and Phoenix group of islands, and Kiritimati island in particular. The vision of
the plan is:

“The people of the Line and Phoenix Islands will enjoy a safe and healthy environment that is resilient to the
impacts of Climate Change and that supports productive, enterprise-based livelihoods, human health and
sustainable development within a sound governance framework.”

The Strategy is built around the three strategic goals of sustainable, inclusive, and environmentally aware
development. Taking a whole-of-island approach, the plan calls for investment of everything from water and
energy investments through to developing the hospital and local training facilities.

The LPIDS is heavily supported by the EU development program.

Other efforts to reduce inequality include:

• Policies of the Education sector, for Small Grants, ESGBV, Anti-corruption, project
employment, overseas seasonal work, rights of people with disability, health, climate change,
and others are discussed in different sections of this report, but all are developed and
implemented with the aim of reducing the inequalities within these areas.

• Overseas seasonal work programs encourage all islands to be provided a fair share of the
available positions, provided that individuals meet the relevant criteria. For example, the
selection tests for MTC trainees to work on international ships are inclusively conducted in all
islands.

• Government has also expanded funding support to all students that qualify for higher forms
of education, providing boarding facilities for some students from the outer islands that do
not have family members on the islands with Senior Secondary Schools. This is in addition to
the Free Education policy and subsidies for school supplies that aim to give all children access
to adequate education opportunities regardless of their income level or location.

• For dropouts from junior secondary school, both the USP and the KIT have developed
vocational programs to provide further opportunities for training and employment, although
the outer islands are underserviced.

• Improved telecommunications services to the outer islands, including telephony, internet, and
the extension of the national radio service to the Line and Phoenix Group.

• Expanded air services operated by the Air Kiribati Limited (AKL) in the form of higher capacity
domestic airplanes (a Dash 8 aircraft) to meet critical transport needs, as well as the
subsidising of non-commercial airlinks in the Line Islands, where vast distances and low
population make commercial domestic services unviable.

38
• Government is committed, under international and regional conventions that it is a party to,
to reduce inequalities. For the CEDAW, CRPD, CRC, ILO conventions, Government has
developed appropriate laws and policies to implement the conventions. Although a number
of these are yet to be reported or reviewed, limited reporting shows that Kiribati has and is
making progress in some areas.

• The Government has introduced the Kiribati National Youth Policy 2017-2019, Kiribati
National Disability Policy 2017-2021 and Gender Equality and Women Development Policy
2017-2019 to promote equality and inclusiveness.

39
 KPA 3: Health
SDG Goal 3: Ensure Healthy Lives and Promote Well-being for All
A healthy population is a productive population. Good health is recognised as a pre-requisite to
economic growth, poverty reduction and the realization of the KV20, KDP and SDGs. The health
challenges for Kiribati are stark and entrenched. These challenges are across both Communicable
(CDs) and Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) which remain significant threats to the lives, wellbeing
and the productivity of I-Kiribati. While progress has been made in service delivery, indicators
continue to remain unacceptable across a number of areas.

The recent increase in rates of reported NCDs and nutrition related diseases makes these the leading
causes of morbidity. The prevalence of diabetes in the 2015-16 STEPS Survey was 20.5%. Although
data shows new cases of diabetes dropped from 1450 in 2016 to 1100 in 2017, the prevalence of
diabetes is still much higher than historical levels pre-2008.
Figure 5.9 Annual cases of Diabetes 2002-2017 and 4-year moving average
1600
1400
1200
1000
800
600
400
200
0
2009
2002
2003
2004
2005
2006
2007
2008

2010
2011
2012
2013
2014
2015
2016
2017

Source: MHMS

40
It is worth noting that a rise in NCDs is likely to impact on life expectancy; with the MHMS Strategic
Plan for 2016-19 noting that the NCD incidence could slow down, or even reverse, recent
improvements in life expectancy. Adult mortality rate in 2015 was 45.9 and dropped to 43.4 in 2016.

The urban areas of TUC and BTC, both in South Tarawa, have registered the highest cases of diabetes
and hypertension (Figure 5.10), likely reflecting the high availability of convenient, high salt and high
sugar foods. As further background, the total number of cases with more than three risk factors in
developing NCDs has increased from 79% in 2004-06 to 83.6% in 2015-16. Tobacco use is also high,
with around 67% of adult men and 37% of adult women regular users of tobacco.
Figure 5.10 Cases of diabetes and hypertension, 2016
1000
900
800
700
600
500
400
300
200
100
0
Marakei

TUC

Maiana
Kuria

Tamana
Butaritari

Kiritimati
Tabuaeran
Teraina
Kanton
Arorae
Makin

Abaiang

BTC

Aranuka
Abemama

Tab North

Onotoa
Beru
Tarawa North

Nonouti

Tab South

Banaba
Nikunau

Diabetes Hypertension

Source: MHMS

Cases of Communicable Diseases (CDs), associated with overcrowding and poor hygiene, also remain
a great challenge to the health and wellbeing of I-Kiribati. Tuberculosis (TB) and Leprosy are the most
common cases. Leprosy is highest in South Tarawa, at 17 cases per 10,000 population, when compared
to the outer islands (Figure 5.11).
Figure 5.11 Cases of Leprosy by Island in Kiribati (2010-2015)
500 454
450
400
350
300
250
200
150
100
38 48 33
50 2 9 5 14 4 3 5 17 2 4 8 7 11
1 1
0

Source: MHMS

41
Tuberculosis cases ranged between 366 and 429 per 100,000 population in 2010-2013 with latest data
in 2016 showing an increase to 470. A significant number of TB cases are found in the densely
populated area of Betio in South Tarawa. Temakin and Takoronga recorded the highest cases of TB
with 52 and 64 cases, respectively, while no cases were recorded in Tangintebu and Tebunia (Figure
5.12). Other cases of CDs include outbreaks of diarrhoea, which is generally concentrated among
children under five years of age.
Figure 5.12 Incidence of TB Cases on South Tarawa (2015)
70 64
60
52
50 43
40 36

30 24
21 22 22
17 16 19
20
12
10 5 7
4 4 3 4
1 0 0
0
Takoronga

Korobu

Eita

Causeways
Nanikai

Ambo

Abarao

Nawerewere
Banraeaba

Taborio

Bikenbeu East
Tangintebu
Tebnia
Bairiki

Bangantebebure
Antenon

Antebuka
Temwanoku

Teaoraereke

Bikenbeu West
Temakin

Source: MHMS

Maternal and Child health

While policy measures are being implemented through the Reproductive, Maternal, Neonatal, Child
and Adolescence Health (RMNCAH) program, high population growth remains a significant
development concern. The total fertility rate remains above three children per woman (TFR of 3.5 in
2017) and there is a high prevalence of STIs, with a study in 2004 showing around 15 percent of
pregnant women were infected. At the end of 2010, Kiribati had a cumulative total of 54 HIV/AIDS
cases, of which 24 were known to have died.

However, the primary concern relates to child mortality. A comparative analysis of child mortality
measures across the Pacific Island Countries at different age groups shows Kiribati to have the highest
under five mortality rate in the Pacific (excluding Papua New Guinea).

42
Figure 5.13 Under five, Infant and Neonatal Mortality Rates in the Pacific, 2015

Source: UNICEF

Infant mortality rate ranged between 34 and 41 per

1,000 live births during 2010 to 2013, falling to 26 in
2017. The main causes of death were pneumonia,
prematurity, and birth asphyxia. Neonatal Mortality
was 10.2 per 1,000 in 2015 and increased to 11 in
2017. The Under 5 mortality rates have improved
slightly, falling from 52 per 1000 live births in 2012
to 44 per 1000 live births in 2017.

The maternal mortality rate rose from 125 per

100,000 live births in 2010 to 151 in 2014, and to 179.3 in 2016. However, annual variation in maternal
mortality should be assessed in the context of the volatility that a small number of cases can introduce
(for example, four maternal deaths were recorded in 2015).

Malnutrition is a persistent health concern among children and adults in Kiribati. Malnutrition is a
significant risk factor for other conditions, with 38 percent of males and 54 percent of females aged
20 years and over being classified as obese in 2008. At the same time, under-nutrition is a significant
problem among children; the 2009 DHS found that close to one quarter of children are underweight
or severely underweight. Improvement is occurring however, in 2010 the percentage of new-born
infants weighing less than 2500 grams at birth was 22 percent but by 2016 this percentage had
dropped to 6.2. While recent improvements have been seen, improper and inadequate consumption
of nutritious diets, and high consumption of foods which are high in fat, sugar, and salt, remain
contributing factors to NCD and malnutrition rates.

The recent graduation from GAVI was supplemented by transitional funding from Australia, with the
Government of Kiribati taking up this responsibility in 2018. Immunization is offered to all newborns
and infants, but immunization records for children under five-year olds showed a drop in coverage for
measles from 89.2% in 2015 to 82.8% in 2016. Recent efforts have improved this 92.2% in 2017.

Health Institutions - Service Availability and Accessibility

The health care facilities that are available in Kiribati consist of three different settings: Hospitals (4),
Island Health Centers (21) and Village Clinics/ Dispensaries (106). Visits to households for certain
individual health cases are undertaken by health staff, including the distribution of TB and Leprosy
medications. Medical service and medicines are free in Kiribati.

43
Medical doctor availability has improved from 4.1 per 10,000 in 2015 to 6.0 per 10,000 in 2017. The
total number of available health personnel (which includes medical doctor, dentists, assistants, nurses
and midwives) increased from 39 per 10,000 in 2015 to 42 per 10,000 in 2017. The vast majority (71
percent) of medical staff are nurses.

In terms of health facilities, the New Zealand Government is the major development partner working
in the Health infrastructure space. The Tungaru hospital in Tarawa is the main hospital facility in
Kiribati, and was originally constructed with the assistance of Japan.

The 2016-19 MHMS Strategic Plan

The above health situation confirms the unhealthy position of Kiribati in relation to the rest of the
world. Despite some positive progress, Kiribati remains one of the lowest performers in health
indicators among Pacific Island Countries. This is acknowledged in both the KDP (that has set targets
and indicators to address the issues) and in the MHMS’s Strategic Plan 2016-2019, that concurrently
identified six strategic objectives:

1. Strengthen initiatives to reduce the prevalence of risk factors for NCDs, and to reduce
morbidity, disability and mortality from NCDs.
2. Increase access to and use of high quality, comprehensive family planning services,
particularly for vulnerable populations including women whose health and wellbeing will be
at risk if they become pregnant.
3. Improve maternal, newborn and child health.
4. Prevent the introduction and spread of communicable diseases, strengthen existing control
programs and ensure Kiribati is prepared for any future outbreaks.
5. Address gaps in health service delivery and strengthen the pillars of the health system.
6. Improve access to high quality and appropriate health care services for victims of gender-
based violence, and services that specifically address the needs of youth.

Maternal and child health were combined into a single objective under the RMNCAH to improve
coordination between maternal and child health, reflecting a key area for improvement under the
review of Kiribati Child Survival Strategy 2008–2012.

The sixth objective was identified as a priority issue for the next four years. Strategies relating to
gender equality are included in the KDP under KPA 5 on governance, and gender-based violence is
considered in the results matrix for this KPA. The needs and health issues of youth are considered in
various parts of the KDP including in relation to health (STIs and HIV) and governance (empowerment,
involvement and participation).

The MHMS Strategic Plan 2016-19 emphasizes the importance of relationships, partnerships and inter-
sectoral coordination and collaboration. The Ministry has relationships with key local partners,
including other Kiribati government departments and agencies, NGOs, and community-based groups.
It also has relationships with numerous bi-lateral and international development partners. The Plan
also promotes the use of the Health Sector Coordinating Committee as the main avenue to create
dialogue with key partners, share MHMS progress on implementation of priority interventions,
monitor spending, and determine needed assistance from development partners

The Ministry partners with NGOs to execute a number of activities to contribute to achieving goals
and targets. The Kiribati Family Health Association is an active partner of the Ministry and is mandated
under its constitution to focus on Family Health and the core function of women health-check services
(for cancer). KFHA operates a mobile check-up and lab service, and does community and outer island
outreach programs in this area. Furthermore, in partnership with the Kiribati Red Cross Society (KRCS)

44
under its WASH, Disaster Management and First Aid programs, significant health improvements have
been achieved at the community level. In addition, the Youth Division of MWYSSA, through the
RMNCAH program has mobilized youth registered with the Ministry to undertake required basic
health surveys, community outreach programs, and more.

MHMS also partners with Kiribati Community Health Organization (KCHO), a national CSO overarching
smaller NGOs and community groups and representing them in higher-level national and international
meetings, workshops and conferences. KCHO is an active partner to the MHMS in advocating on health
issues and challenges, empowering smaller community groups to understand their roles and cause in
health-related interventions, and to create understanding and ownership in various development
aspects of the KPAs and SDGs. An initiative from the KCHO to eliminate open defecation is a pilot
project to construct WHO and MHMS recommended pit toilets in every household within the
community. The project is well supported and co-monitored by the MHMS and UNICEF as part of the
national WASH program. UNICEF provided technical assistance and sato pans to provide low cost
sanitation options in the communities.

UNICEF has been a consistent partner and supporter for Kiribati Immunization programs for children,
supporting also the Pharmacy, capacity building for nurses, amongst others. UNICEF has also
supported the MHMS and Health Promotion Team in enhancing the water, sanitation and hygiene
(WASH) standards in the clinics in some islands, as well as rehabilitated 22 WASH facilities. With
UNFPA, UN Women, UNDP, and the WHO, MHMS is benefiting from joint programs such as the
RMNCAH. Close support by national staff of the UN Agencies at the UN Joint Presence have assisted
with project acquittals and reporting and capacity building of project staff in the Ministry. Kiribati’s
traditional bilateral donors are New Zealand and Australia, both of whom are actively supporting the
MHMS in a wide range of areas alongside significant financial and technical support also being
provided from Japan and Taiwan.

For strengthened coordination of this support, the MHMS brings together donor and ministry/NGO
partners to an annual National Health Forum. Through the Health Steering Committee, there have
been better and closer working relationships that have enabled more effective monitoring, evaluation,
and implementation of the programs supported by the development partners.

45
 KPA 4: Environment
SDG Goal 11: Make cities inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable

Urbanization in Kiribati is an urgent challenge, impacting on government service delivery, access to

services and infrastructure, environmental resources, economic opportunities and ultimately people’s
standard of living. The urban population makes up about 57 percent of the total population, with
continuing rapid urban growth creating the dual problems of declining working age populations in the
outer islands, and strained urban infrastructure and poor environmental conditions in South Tarawa.

Land on South Tarawa is severely constrained, with limited land area and high population density. The
general land use plan is determined by the Central Land Planning Board, which was established under
the Land Planning Ordinance. However, private lands are often developed independently of this plan,
with large informal settlements on South Tarawa in both public and private spaces. In contrast, as the
Line Group did not have an indigenous population, the land tenure in state lands such as Kiritimati,
Tabuaeran and Teraina is governed by the State Lands Act, which combines land tenure with planning
requirements for the sustainable use of land resources and leases land to private holders on long or
perpetual terms.

Secure access to land can contribute to social and economic development, and guarantees tenure,
which builds more confidence in investors, be they small or large. While improving land use is critical
towards sustainable development, land scarcity, squatting, contesting of land ownership titles, and
the policy requirements in subleasing Government lands (consent which usually comes at an
expensive price to landowners) are major obstacles to private sector development in urban areas, and
to a lesser extent, this also impedes the expansion of public services and facilities.

Weak monitoring, enforcement, and governance challenges relating to land ownership contribute to
non-compliance to the general land use plan. This is evident in disorderly development in most areas

46
of South Tarawa and limited land to support commercial activities. Land scarcity, especially for
Commercial purposes in South Tarawa, implies that there is need for substantive investment towards
land reclamation and creation.

The Government recognises the need to strengthen land use planning and administration to create
transparent and effective procedures for obtaining land for private sector development. In this
context, an updated General Land Use Plan (GLUP) for South Tarawa was developed in 2017. GLUPs
will also be developed for Kiritimati, Tabuaera, Teraina and PIPA by the year 2023. Ongoing efforts
are being made to strengthen the national land policy and legislative framework and additional
investment will be targeted towards increasing land area designated for residential and commercial
purposes.

With land accreted as a result of the Betio causeway construction in South Tarawa, Government
endorsed the Recreational Reserves Act 1996 for public spaces and parks for use by the public in two
causeway areas in Betio and Bairiki, as well as other designated parks. While this will increase the
amount of public spaces for recreational and community use, these spaces still fall well short of what
would ordinarily be expected in a healthy urban environment.

Due to very high rate of urbanization, Tarawa, Teinainano and Betio (all on South Tarawa atoll) are
very densely populated with poor living conditions, overcrowding, and strained waste management
infrastructure. Government is pursuing available options including land fill sites for rubbish, new
settlement space in Temaiku to ease overcrowding issues in Urban Tarawa, assisted migration to settle
on Government owned lands in Kiritimati, Tabuaeran and Teraina, and investing in sanitation and
water systems. De-urbanization considerations are also being pursued with plans to develop the outer
islands and improving living standards: improvements of roads, internet and mobile services,
improved cash earning in copra cutting (via the Government subsidy scheme), water, education and
health services.

Box 5.5 The Temaiku Project

The Temaiku Project is an ambitious concept of creating 330 hectares of land on the Temaiku Bight in South
Tarawa. The design calls for the infill of the existing land area to a height of two metres above the highest
measured sea level, ensuring the safety and security of around 30,000 residents for the next century or
more. The creation of usable land will also extend the existing freshwater lens, which will alleviate some of
the critical water supply issues on South Tarawa.

Such an ambitious plan has required widespread engagement with the community and government, and
touches on almost every area of public service delivery. With technical support funded by the Government
of New Zealand, extensive consultations on the environmental and social impacts have progressed alongside
the technical engineering and design work.

The financing and technical requirements for the land reclamation, enabling infrastructure, private
investment, and government reforms are substantial, with existing partner and Government resources
requiring significant increases to ensure that the plan for South Tarawa turns into a reality. With population
growth and continued climate change, the Temaiku project presents an opportunity for South Tarawa to
dramatically improve the wellbeing and safety of its residents.

In addition to urbanisation pressures, the quality of housing in Kiribati is a significant health issue, with
poor housing contributing to the spread of communicable and mosquito-borne diseases on South
Tarawa (such as dengue fever and chikungunya). The government housing project generously
supported by New Zealand aid has dramatically improved and updated some public servant housing
by creating more modern dual-storey and medium density suburbs. This program is being rolled out

47
on a continuous basis, but improving private housing remains a challenge with current success being
limited to a relatively small pool of public servants.

In an effort to increase the private funding that is available, The Kiribati Housing Corporation has
approved a house-loan scheme to assist people build new and better homes, but low incomes and
lack of securitisation limits access. The only bank in Kiribati, ANZ, also offers personal and mortgage
lending, as well as provides training and mechanisms to support home owners to better manage their
investment.

In an attempt to consolidate urban planning, a Draft National Urban Policy (NUP) 2017 has been
proposed. It consists of seven policy areas: Economy, Governance, Land, Housing, Environment, Social,
and Urban Infrastructure (including, Water and Sanitation, Transport, Communication, and Energy).
The policy sets a vision for the next 10 years and beyond, identifying key interventions and actions in
the short, medium, and long terms. These actions aim at building on existing projects and policies with
the NUP convening a review two years after commencement of its implementation (which would be
around the time the next KDP is formed). The policy also indicates Kiribati’s strong commitment in the
implementation of the New Urban Agenda and the Pacific New Urban Agenda.

48
SDG Goal 12: Ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns

South Tarawa, is home to roughly half of Kiribati’s population of about 107,600. South Tarawa has
two municipal (Island) councils— Betio Town Council (BTC) and Teinainano Urban Council (TUC).

Similar with other small Pacific island countries, Kiribati has a significant waste problem which includes
end-of-life vehicles, white goods (refrigerators, freezers, and washing machines), electronic
equipment, general household refuse, and plastics. These wastes and other similar debris are of major
concern without proper disposal mechanisms given the limited land space and fragile environment.
To address waste issues, MELAD drafted the National Solid Waste Management Strategy in 2007 with
the assistance of SPREP, and also prepared the Kiribati Integrated Environment Policy in 2012.

There are two landfills established and operated by TUC located in Nanikaai and Bikenibeu, and one
landfill in Betio operated by BTC. All contained wastes are collected by the urban councils, private
operators and direct disposal by the public at the landfills. The Betio landfill is reported to have a
remaining capacity of 8,500 cubic meters, while at Bikenibeu and Nanikai, remaining capacity is 32,500
cubic meters and 17,800 cubic meters respectively. Other smaller dumpsites also exist, but these are
illegal under the Environment Act. In addition, Kiritimati Urban Council (KUC) is responsible for solid
waste management on Kiritimati Island, including rubbish collection and recycling.

Kiribati’s most successful recycling initiative has been the Kaoki Maange (Keep Kiribati Beautiful)
Program. The recycling system is based on the Kaoki Mange Container Deposit Legislation, operated
under contract by a private business, and functions as a recycling system for aluminum cans, PET
bottles, and lead-acid batteries. The Special Fund (Waste Materials Recovery) Act 2004 allows for a
deposit of A$0.05 to be levied on each beverage container at the point of import, with consumers
being able to redeem A$0.04 when returning containers for recycling. The remaining A$0.01 covers
handling fees to support recycling operations. The ministry had also formulated the National Solid
Waste Management Strategy in 2007, with the assistance of SPREP and prepared the Kiribati
Integrated Environment Policy in 2012.

A pilot project on collecting non-organic waste in green bags is managed by the Foundation for the
Peoples of the South Pacific, Kiribati (FSPK), a nongovernment organization that oversees truck
scheduling, public engagement work, and green bag distribution.

Environment and Conservation Division (ECD) of MELAD plays a key role in public awareness related
activities, some donor-funded programs, and enforcing the Environment (Amendment) Act 2007.
Local initiatives have provided incentives for cleaner villages, such as the annual “tidy village”
competitions. Overall legal, policy, and planning for solid waste management is a national government
responsibility which the New Zealand Government is supporting via its solid waste management
programs.

49
SDG Goal 13: Take urgent action to combat climate change and its impact

As a result of its inherent characteristics as an atoll nation and a least developed country with a fragile
economy and environment, Kiribati is extremely vulnerable to climate change. Kiribati’s has an
extremely limited ability to respond to climate change risks, which is exacerbated by its highly
vulnerable socio-economic and geographical situation. Climate change is no longer a future threat,
but a daily reality that has already intensified disaster impacts, water shortages and inundation events.
The key observed impacts of climate change in Kiribati includes but is not limited to:

• Severe coastal erosion as a result of sea level rise

• Frequent inundation of coastal areas and entire communities as a result of extreme weather
events, storm surges and sea level rise.
• Changing weather and climatic patterns resulting in extremely long dry periods and droughts.
• Contamination and salination of water resources from inundation during frequent spring
tides.
• Increasing incidence of water-borne and vector-borne diseases undermining water and food
security, and the livelihoods and basic needs of the population

As a result of the climate challenges facing our country and our people, the government of Kiribati is
already taking bold steps to address this calamity.

Climate Change policy

In light of the impacts of climate change and related disasters risks, a National Climate Change Policy
has been developed to safeguard the future existence of Kiribati as a sovereign nation: her people,
culture, environment, development progress, and aspirations.

The key objectives of the policy intend to address issues relating to:

i) Coastal protection and climate proofing infrastructure,

ii) Food Security,
iii) Water Security,
iv) Energy Security,
v) Environment,
vi) Sustainability,
vii) Health Security,
viii) Disaster Risk Management,
ix) Unavoidable Climate Change Impacts/ loss and damage,
x) Capacity Building and Education, and
xi) Climate Change financing.

50
For Kiribati, climate change is no longer just an environmental issue, but one that transcends all areas
of government and our society. With this realization, the government of Kiribati has entrusted the
portfolio of climate change management to the Office of Te Beretienti (OB) and MELAD with the aim
of ensuring a well-coordinated, whole-of-government and country approach and response to this
issue.

a. Whole of Island Approach

Instead of focusing on only selected villages or single sectors, the Whole of Island Approach targets
the whole island ecosystem, communities, and governance structures, whilst also considering its
relationships with the national government and partners. Climate change and disaster risks must be
dealt with in the context of local development. Actions towards increasing resilience should become
an integral part of local development plans that multiple partners support. The ownership of each plan
is with the respective Island Councils. The government of Kiribati has so far carried out integrated
vulnerability assessment (IVA) on 6 outer islands and this effort will be intensified once assistance is
secured from the LDCF. UNDP is currently assisting Kiribati in preparing project documents for
approximately AUS $9m to be submitted to GEF in support of this activity, although this may be at risk
if Kiribati graduates from LDC status, which is being considered in mid-2018.

b. Kiribati Joint Implementation Plan for Climate Change and Disaster Risk Management.
The Government of Kiribati, following consultation with regional technical advice, initiated the process
for developing the Kiribati Joint National Action Plan for Climate Change and Disaster Risk
Management (KJIP) in 2011. The KJIP complimented the National Disaster Risk Management Plan
(2012) and the National Framework for Climate Change and Climate Change Adaptation (2013) by
identifying tangible actions to build resilience and an integrated approach. The KJIP was initially
published in 2014 and will undergo review in 2018. Upon completion, the revised KJIP will be
submitted as the Kiribati National Adaptation Plan under the UNFCCC.

c. Kiribati Adaptation Project Phase 3 (KAPIII)

The Kiribati Adaptation Program has entered its third phase and will end by December 2018. The
objective of KAPIII is to improve the resilience of Kiribati to the impacts of climate change on
freshwater supply and coastal infrastructure. KAPIII will achieve this objective by strengthening
government capacity to appropriately address these issues and improving the management and
governance of water resources and infrastructure.

The program is a complex undertaking (total cost of US$10.8m), involving a number of related
activities by several ministries and agencies that also have many other responsibilities. Some of those
activities will require initiative, effort and follow-through. A number of national and external
consultants have been mobilised to supplement the staff resources of line ministries. The four main
components are: to improve water resource use and management; increase coastal resilience;
strengthen the capacity to manage the effects of climate change and natural hazards; and project
management, monitoring and evaluation.

d. Intended Nationally Determined Contribution (Mitigation)

Kiribati is not obligated under the UNFCCC to reduce its emissions of greenhouse gases. Nonetheless,
there have been significant efforts to reduce fossil fuel imports and increase domestic renewable
energy use. Alongside greater investment in solar renewables by development partners to
supplement generation by the Public Utilities Board, the setting up of the Kiribati Solar Company which
provides solar lighting on rural islands and markets solar appliances, trailing of coconut oil-based bio-
fuel and on-grid solar PV on urban Tarawa illustrate these efforts. For mitigation, Kiribati has made a
commitment “to reduce emissions by: 13.7% by 2025 and 12.8% by 2030 compared to a BaU (Business

51
as Usual) projection…” and can enhance its commitment by an additional 48.8% by 2025 and 49% by
2030, conditional on support and assistance provided. Kiribati further committed to “proactively
protect and sustainably manage its mangrove resources, as well as protect and enhance coastal
vegetation and sea grass beds”.

Implementation of Ozone Depleting Substance (ODS) Regulation

Additional to climate change obligation, MELAD also houses the ODS Project which established the
ODS Regulation in 2017. Reducing ODS is an obligation of the Kiribati government under the Montreal
Protocol. This regulation was put in place to control the import, export, handling, storage, use and sell
of ODS at the national level.

52
 SDG Goal 14: Conserve and sustainable use of oceans, seas, and marine
resources

The sea is an important source of protein food and income for the people of Kiribati, and the most
important source of income for Government through fishing licenses. The Government has taken
necessary steps to conserve and ensure sustainable use of her oceans, seas and marine resources
through the prudent management of fishing licenses and fishing effort. The Ministry of Fisheries and
Marine Resources Development (MFMRD) has the mandate of the national fishery and marine
resources.

The following are some of the efforts made to sustainably manage these resources:

Fisheries Policy 2013 – 2025.

For the Policy, the Government of Kiribati will work on the five strategic objectives: (1) to support
economic growth and employment opportunities, through sustainable fisheries, aquaculture and
marine resources development, (2) protect and secure food security and sustainable livelihoods for
I-Kiribati, (3) ensure long-term conservation of fisheries and marine ecosystems, (4) strengthen good
governance with a particular focus on building the capacity of MFMRD to implement and support
fisheries management, development, and monitoring, control and surveillance, and (5) to build
climate change resilience for fisheries and marine resources in Kiribati.

The Government is also promoting the introduction of larger fishing vessels, advancing the legislation
to govern seabed mining activities, and has declared all of Kiribati as a shark sanctuary from 2016.

Fisheries Act 2010.

Under the Fisheries Act 2010, MFMRD is tasked to promote sustainable management of fisheries and
the development and use of fisheries resources for the benefit of Kiribati, including the recovery of
fees that reflect the value of resource, and to protect the fish stocks and marine environment of
Kiribati. Based on this Act, the Kiribati National Fisheries Policy 2013-2025 has been developed with
aims that portray short, medium, and long-term strategic objectives that will enhance responsible
fisheries management with emphasis on the need to support, improve, and sustain the peoples’
livelihood, food security and sustainable economic growth.

Community Based Fisheries Management (CBFM)

This is a regional project that Kiribati is benefiting from, with $3.8 million shared between 3 countries
– Kiribati holding $1.2 million. The objective of the project is to develop and nurture the structures,
processes and the capacity to implement and sustain the national programs of CBFM.

53
The Observer Program
The Observer Program on foreign fishing vessels allows close monitoring and control of fishing in the
Kiribati waters through Kiribati workers placed on each fishing vessel and maintains a log of catches
providing required details in the log template that MFMRD prepares.

Engaging local councils

There are also fisheries programs to safeguard resources and food security rendered to outer islands.
The public provision of Te Waa-n-O (local fishing canoes) empowers families in the outer islands to
fish for food or income in more distant and deeper waters. The Government has also supported ice
plants, with funding assistance from Japan, to all outer islands to help with storage of catch for
transport and marketing. Fishery cooperatives in a number of outer islands also facilitate community
groups to share fishing equipment and storage.

Island council by-laws exist to ensure proper control of their marine/sea resources by requiring foreign
fishing vessels to apply for the Council approval. At the national level, the Fisheries Act outlines proper
control and measures for foreign fishing companies, consistent with the conditions of international
agreements like the Parties to the Nauru Agreement (PNA). Alongside laws are policies on
conservation and the prudent management of marine resources.

Bringing PIPA home

The Phoenix Island Protected Area (PIPA) is a marine protected area which Kiribati declared as a closed
to any fishing activity. It has been internationally recognized and registered as a world heritage site. It
is discussed at length under SDG 15 and is a crucial element to effective management of the national
fishery.

A continuation of the marine protect areas approach is currently being trialled by the PIPA Secretariat
in other areas of Kiribati. This is recognized as the ‘Bringing PIPA Home’ initiative and is currently on
trial with the Betio Town Council on South Tarawa. Outside of allocating areas as marine reserves, the
concept is also extended to a cleaning campaign to make the town healthy and pleasant for members
of society and visitors.

Joint ventures
Joint venture undertaken between Kiribati and Foreign Companies serves as an important
development measure for the national fishery. For example, the Kiribati Fish Limited (established in
2010) aims to provide employment and other benefits to the people (such as affordable fish prices
and varied fish products) in a sustainable manner. KFL has been largely successful in creating local
demand for the less destructive long-line fishing industry, which has been able to provide greater
volumes of high-value tuna loins to local and international markets.

The Environment (Amendment) Act 2007

The Environment and Conservation Division MELAD is mandated under the Environment Act to
conserve the environment. While implementing this Act, an environment licensing system is put in
place to ensure environment significant activities including foreshore activities minimize adverse
impact to marine resources.

Conservation of marine resources are also regulated under Environment Act 2007 through the
licensing and enforcement programs and scientific research permits. ECD also has the Integrated
Community Based Mangrove and Natural Resources Co-Management Plan (CBMMP) that contributes
to the conservation and sustainability of marine resources.

54
The Ramsar Convention on Wetlands site in Nooto, North Tarawa contains a range of coastal
ecosystems that support high levels of biodiversity and are rich in resources. The site is also an
important breeding area for marine species, including endangered species, and is one of the few areas
in Kiribati where mangroves grow naturally.

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 SDG Goal 15: Sustainably manage forest, combat desertification, halt and
reverse land degradation, halt biodiversity loss

Kiribati ratified the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity (UNCBD) in 1994, the
International Treaty of Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (ITPGRFA) in 2005, the
Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety in 2004, and is also a party to the United Nations Convention to
Combat Desertification (UNCCD). It has National Biodiversity Planning Committee (NPBC) which is
made up of multi-disciplinary team comprising of stakeholders from a variety of Government
Ministries as well as Civil Society partners.

Kiribati has a large ocean territory with rich marine biodiversity. Kiribati declared the Phoenix Islands
a Marine Protected Area (PIPA) at COP 7 of the United Nation on Convention of Biological Diversity
(UNCBD) in Brazil, in 2006. At the time, this was the largest marine protected area in the world. The
ocean surface of PIPA is 410,500 km2 or 11.7% of the Kiribati EEZ – comfortably above the 10% Aichi
Target 11 (of the UNCBD) and SDG Target 14.5 to conserve 10% of coastal and marine seas by the year
2020.

The PIPA is a showcase of Kiribati’s commitment to its biodiversity. It is home to a number of

predatory fish, sea turtles, sea birds, corals, giant clams and coconut crabs, most of which have been
depleted elsewhere in the region. More than 120 species of coral thrive in PIPA whilst 514 species of
reef fish have been identified, including several new species, with unique assemblages reflecting
PIPA’s remoteness in the central Pacific. The coral-reef-based ecosystem, unlike most of the reefs in
the world today, is healthy with an abundance of key marine species seldom encountered elsewhere.

In 2010 the PIPA was designated a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, and in 2015 the Government
implemented a full closure of the PIPA to commercial fishing. PIPA is considered of crucial scientific
importance for calibrating the effects of isolated fishing events, monitoring the process of sea level
change, and evaluating the effects of climate change. Recent analysis confirms that PIPA is a spawning
ground for skipjack, yellowfin and bigeye tuna, which supports its role as assisting the long term
sustainability of the entire Pacific fishery. Therefore, PIPA is protecting tuna stocks for Kiribati’s most
important economic asset – its national fishery.

Kiribati’s biodiversity is prone to severe issues and over exploitation through human induced activities
and exacerbated by climate change impacts. Under the UNCBD, Kiribati is obligated to develop a
National Biodiversity Strategic Action Plan (NBSAP) to protect, manage and conserve biodiversity. The
NBSAP 2016-20 aims to protect and conserve biodiversity and is complemented by the Kiribati
Biodiversity Area Report (KBA).

56
In contrast to its maritime environment, the indigenous land-based flora and fauna of Kiribati are
among the poorest on earth and there are few, if any, endemic species. The people have developed
sophisticated agriculture systems based mainly on coconut, breadfruit, pandanus and swamp taro.

Kiritimati Island, in the Line Group, is the largest atoll in the world and holds a diversity of avifauna
that is of both regional and international significance. The atoll provides nesting, roosting, feeding
and migration sites for over 40 bird species. The LPIDS 2016-36 is a big step forward in managing the
development in Kiritimati and other Line and Phoenix Islands. and includes environmental
sustainability as a key consideration to development efforts. In the context of a fragile ecosystem and
limited rainfall, Goal 3 of the LPIDS 2016-36 states that the plan will “effectively manage the
biodiversity and urban settlements” on Kiritimati island in particular.

57
 KPA 5: Governance
Goal 5: Achieve Gender Equality and Empower all Women and Girls

Figure 5.14 Gender Indicator Summary

110,136 60%
of people aged 60 years and over
total population are females
(3,833 females)

51%
of the total population are
52%
of the female population lives in
females the urban area of South Tarawa
(56,040 females) (29,229 females)

47%
of adult women are
73%
of young women are
unemployed unemployed
(10,691 aged 15 years and over) (4,870 aged 15-24 years)

23%
of households are headed
48%
of households headed by a woman
by a women have access to mass media
(29,229 HHs) (1,977 HHs have radio and/or Internet)

20%
of women work in cultural
4%
of women aged 25+ have a post-secondary
industries educational qualification
(2,340 aged 15 years and over) (948 women)

70%
of girls aged 12-18 years are
169%
169 girls are enrolled in
attending secondary school secondary education for every
(5,332 girls) 100 boys

27%
of adult women currently
40%
of adult men consume alcohol
smoke (20,623 aged 15 years and over)
(10,009 aged 15 years and over)

7% 68%
of ever-partnered women aged
of seats in parliament are 15-49 years have experienced
held by women physical and/or sexual violence by
(3 out of 46 seats) an intimate partner in their lifetime
(Kiribati Family Health and Support Study
2008)

In terms of the target to “Ensure women’s full and effective participation and equal opportunities for
leadership at all levels of decision making in political, economic and public life”, Kiribati still has
significant room for improvement. Women are still more likely to not participate in the workforce,
have higher unemployment rates, tend to work more as self-employed workers in non-formal sectors,
and are less likely to be employers themselves.

58
Table 5.11 Men and Women Share of Employment
Indicator MEN WOMEN
(%) (%)
Labour force participation rate, aged 15 years+ 73 60
Unemployment rate, aged 15 years+ 36 47
Labour force participation rate aged 15–24 years 67 73
Unemployment rate aged 15–24 years 62 73
Proportion of employed who are own-account workers aged 15yrs+ 33 42
Proportion of employed who are employers, aged 15yrs+ 0.5 0.7
Percentage distribution of employed population working in agriculture aged 15yrs+ 32 13
Percentage distribution of employed population working in industry, aged 15 12 27
years+
Percentage distribution of employed population working in services, 56 60
aged 15 years+
Percentage distribution of employed population working in cultural occupations, 3 16
aged 15 years+
Percentage distribution of employed population working in cultural industries aged 7 20
15 years+
Proportion of individuals using the Internet, aged 15–64 years 20 22
Proportion of households with access to mass media (radio and/or Internet), by sex 47 48
of household head
Length of maternity leave N/A Up to 12
weeks
Percentage of wages paid during maternity N/A 100
Source: Kiribati Statistics Office, Census of Population and Housing 2015

Notes: The Employment Relations and Industrial Relations Code 2015 makes 12 weeks maternity leave possible,
depending on individual employment contracts. There are 12 weeks of maternity leave in the public sector, fully
paid for the first two births only. Maternity leave can only be taken six weeks prior to delivery and six weeks after
delivery.

These general trends appear to be reversed for young population however, with female participation
and performance in schools consistently better than that their male colleagues, and female youth
more likely to participate in the workforce (despite the higher unemployment rate). Females also tend
to dominate tertiary scholarships, exceeding the number of male participants by consistently 50% or
more.
Table 5.12 Reported occupations in the legislators, senior officials and managers group, 2015
Main Occupation Male Female Total
Legislator 3 0 3
Cabinet members 4 2 6
Members of Parliament 31 2 33
Island Councillors 135 7 142
Chief government officials 1 2 3
Senior government officials 14 14 28
Deputy 6 1 7
Government assistant 22 43 65
Island council clerks 8 24 32
Chief Executive Officer 19 8 27
Officer in Charge 10 5 15
Managing Directors 6 9 15
Business Manager 49 31 80
General Managers 67 50 117
Commercial Managers 10 6 16
NGO Managers 19 14 33
Human Resource Manager 1 5 6
Project Coordinator 10 14 24
Other Managers 69 50 119
Total 484 287 771
Source: 2015 Census

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The 2015 Census records for legislators, senior officials and managers (Table 5.12) highlights a large
representation gap, with males occupying 63% (484) of the total senior occupations. There is a
particularly striking gap in the elected positions, with Members of Parliament (94% male) and Island
Councillors (95% male) showing almost no female representation.

The same pattern is observed in the police and magistrate judges (Table 5.13). Of the 572 police
positions, only 32 are held by women and of the 50 judges, 22 are women. However, gender
representation in government ministries, SOEs and Statutory bodies show more balanced
representation, with 54% of the positions held by women in 2015. This ratio was maintained in 2017,
with 44% of the public service workforce being female and 38% male (18% of positions were vacant),
with females occupying 54% of occupied posts.
Table 5.13 Women’s share of government positions, 2015
7% Proportion of seats held by women in national parliament 2015
37% Women's share of managerial positions1
5% Percentage of female police officers2
44% Percentage of female judges3
54% Women’s share of Secretary of Ministry positions
15% Women’s share of Chief Executive Officer positions in State Owned Enterprises
1 Managerial positions are those occupations that have been coded by the national statistics office as falling under the
International Standard Classification for Occupations (ISCO) Major Group 1 (referred to as “Legislators, senior officials and
managers” under ISCO-88).
2 From Census occupation information.
3 Census occupations of Magistrate class I and Magistrate class II.

Source: Kiribati Statistics Office, Census of Population and Housing 2015, composition of parliament from Inter-Parliamentary
Union PARLINE database (http://archive.ipu.org/parline/reports/2169.htm)

Gender sensitisation and mainstreaming has become entrenched and evident in most government
processes. The 2015 Census included indicators to measure women’s economic activities and rate
awareness on the major principles of the Te Rau n te Mwenga Act 2012. Gender parity has increasingly
become the norm in the composition of decision making bodies such as Boards of Public Companies,
the Public Service Commission, and interview panels for civil service recruitment. Since 2003 women
have also held high public offices with the appointment of the first woman Vice President in that year.

The first woman Secretary to the Cabinet was appointed in 2003 and this position has been held by
women from then until now (2018), except for a period from 2007-2009. As recently as 2015, all of
Kiribati’s three diplomatic missions overseas were headed by women.

While women have often dominated the more junior management positions in Kiribati Government,
by 2018, 8 of the 15 Permanent Secretaries heading government ministries are women.
Table 5.14 Government management positions, by Gender, 2018
Male Female
Secretary to Cabinet - 1
Secretary (Head of Ministry) 7 8
Deputy Secretary 7 9
Senior Assistant Secretary 4 10
Assistant Secretary 4 14
Source: PSO employment records

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Changes are happening at a slower pace in informal sectors and traditional settings. The need to
strengthen women’s economic empowerment is necessary given the relative lack of access to, and
control over, economic resources in the form of land and personal property because of traditional
ownership norms and laws. In the private sector, more women have become successful owners of
private companies owning some of the largest most successful businesses, although they are still
relatively few in number.

Education
The Education Act enacted in 2013 aims to provide for an education system in Kiribati that makes
available to every student a high-quality education that will i) help maximize the student’s educational
potential; ii) enable the student to become an effective and informed member of the community and
iii) promote compulsory education.

The principles of Inclusive Education are also provisioned for in the Act. In the application guidelines,
the Act prohibits disciplining a student because she is pregnant or is a parent (section 41.2). Education
curriculum is also mainstreamed for gender equality and gender-based violence responsiveness and
prevention. The purpose of teaching young children is for them to learn non-discriminatory
behaviours, loving and caring attitudes, and building respectful relationships in school.

The Government has made notable progress to support inclusive education through free and
compulsory education, Junior Secondary School accessibility in all islands, provision of free basic
school materials, and transport services for primary and JSS. TVET at KIT has also demonstrated
considerable improvements in supporting women to take courses in conventionally male dominated
programs (although the opposite is not true).

As was noted under KPA1, females have generally outperformed their male counterparts in academic
pursuits. Education analysis of the 2015 Population Census demonstrated a vast improvement in
female education outcomes. Female numbers are consistently higher at the different levels of
education (primary, secondary, and tertiary), with higher levels of education reinforcing increasingly
large gaps between the genders, especially in the below-25 age cohort.
Table 5.15 Male/Female age and education level
Age School level Total Male Total Female Total Male Total Population recorded in
Range & Female the age-range
M F Total
6-11 Classes 1 –– 6 6515 6563 13078 7599 7391 14900
12-18 Forms 1 –– 7 4315 5322 9647 7729 7660 15389
Certificate 24 40 64
19-24 Diploma 31 65 96 6331 6248 12579
Degree 23 52 75
Masters 1 1 2
25+ Higher 999 948 1947 23288 26414 49702
Education
Source: 2015 Census

Indeed, the gap in education at the junior and secondary levels has noticeably shifted away from
males, with young men now the main demographic of concern regarding consistently poor
performance, attendance, and dropout rates. This trend is already well entrenched at the tertiary
level, with KIT and university admissions strongly favouring female students. This may create
significant social issues in future years, with a relatively poorly educated cohort of young men who are
unable to engage in the increasingly services-based Kiribati and global economy.

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Gender-based violence
Gender discrimination remains culturally entrenched, despite recent improvements. Gender Equality
in Kiribati presents a major challenge that will take sustained normalisation over a period of years
before noticeable changes can occur. This was clearly demonstrated during the IWD 2018 ‘plea’ that
women made for Government to consider redoubling efforts to eliminate the continued violence
against women.

Kiribati signed and adopted the CEDAW in 2004. The Government has worked on its overdue CEDAW,
CRPD and UNICEF reports with the assistance of regional organisations such as UNWomen, UNICEF,
RRRT/Pacific Community, and OHCHR in Fiji. Whilst reporting is yet to be made public, the reports
note the large body of work to address the obligations to end discrimination and address gender
equality for the elimination of violence against women and girls. There is limited capacity in data and
reporting to show the impact, but experience and observation show a generally higher awareness and
public appreciation of what the government and partners are doing to address discrimination and
gender issues.

As a result of awareness raising, there is an increase of reporting to the police on domestic violence
showing that more women or the population are more aware of their rights and protection under the
law. Cultural barriers continue to be a persistent issue that decision makers and the advocators
identify as a priority in this area. This has been supported by increased advocacy efforts support from
donor partners programs and projects.
Table 5.16 Police Statistics on Domestic Violence cases

Source: Kiribati Police Service

The Behavioural Change program 2014/2015 supported by the World Bank support to SAFENET,
mainstreaming of gender in the KJIP, curriculum changes to address gender equality, and Ending
Violence Against Women and Girls Through Respectful Relationships programs are a few of the
attempts that Government has already implemented to try and reduce gender-based violence. Along
with these are ongoing annual advocacy campaigns such as the white ribbon day, 16 days of activism,
orange day, Black Thursdays, and the marking of International Women’s Day.

The establishment of the MWYSSA in 2013 was a priority by the government in recognition of women
and youth issues. Focused attention had been the adoption of human rights principles in national
legislation including the Children, Young Persons and Family Welfare Act 2013, Education Act 2013,
Juvenile Justice Act 2013, and Te Rau n te Mweenga (TRNTM) Act 2014. There is need however to
fund and address the areas identified in the TRNTM Act National Implementation Plan launched in
December 2017.

At the policy level, the Elimination of Sexual and Gender Based Violence policy and the draft Gender
Equality and Women Development policy are two key Government policies for EVAW and ESGBV.
Awareness support programs through Human Rights trainings for the public conducted in outer islands

62
and in Tarawa, alongside consultations for the new TRNTM and training of SAFENET members in outer
islands, comprise key work by the Ministry. In partnerships with communities and island councils,
Government and development partners support annual campaigns for Gender Equality and the
elimination of violence against women and girls.

In collaboration with UNFPA, support to improve essential services through the UN Women’s Essential
Services Program (ESP 2017-2018) aims to fund assistance for survivors to get immediate
service/response at an internationally comparable level. Police, Judiciary, Health, Social Welfare
services are key stakeholders being supported to deliver integrated support to survivors.

There is increased appreciation of prioritizing the gender-based violence (GBV) by service providers:

• MHMS has instituted a specialized service counter for counselling and urgent treatment of
survivors through the RMNCAH program with support of UN Women.

• The courts are recognising the need to expedite hearing of Domestic Violence cases and
priority is given by the court to these cases. Currently the judiciary is supported to improve
its Bench Book and have it translated for better service by all courts nationwide.

• The Judiciary has also been supported to improve the witness/survivor court hearing system
to enable a distant hearing facility to ensure security/safety as well as avoid direct encounters
of the survivor/witness with perpetrators.

• The MWYSSA’s SAFENET (under initial World Bank and UN Women late support) committees
and activities in Tarawa and outer islands are revived under the ESP to continue its important
role in monitoring and case management, to ensure Domestic Violence and VAWG cases
receive due and appropriate support.

• Extended focus from campaigns for elimination to primary prevention of VAWG has received
support by DFAT and UN Women with a four-year program on Strengthening Peaceful Villages
approved and implemented in late 2017.

• A new MHMS Healthy Family clinic serving survivors of GBV providing counselling services and
referral support to appropriate authorities such as police, health, crisis centre was successfully
built and operational in 2016. The Healthy Family clinics also aim to provide integrated health
delivery by providing general health and family planning support.

The Government also continuously supports and works together with NGOs who are partners in the
combat to end violence including KFHA, OLSH Crisis Centre, Alcohol Awareness and Family Recovery
centre (AAFR), AMAK and the Kiribati Women and Children Support Centre (KWCSC). Partnerships
with communities and island councils continues in annual campaigns against violence against women
and girls and Gender Equality, with support of donor partners (Australia, UNWomen). MWYSSA works
with NGOs closely sitting on a number of its National Committees for ESGBV, SAFENET, and National
Women’s special events Committees.

However, there is always more to be done, and the journey toward gender equality and the
elimination of gender-based violence is far from complete. Even with a number of reviews undertaken,
the Constitution of Kiribati still has gaps on gender rights, the Native Land’s Ordinance does not
recognize equality between men and women in terms of land ownership and rights, the Immigration
Act is not in favour a foreign husband’s rights for citizenship, and the restriction on the number of
maternity leaves available for mother in the National Conditions of Service (to only two occasions) is
still problematic (even if this rule is unevenly enforced).

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 Goal 16: Promote Just, Peaceful and Inclusive Societies

Kiribati ratified the United Nations Convention Against Corruption (UNCAC) on September 27, 2013 -
declaring to the international community that Kiribati is ready to implement the principles of this
convention in its national policies and legislation. In the margins of the 7th Conference of the State
Parties to the UNCAC in 2017, Kiribati negotiated a resolution for the Small Island Developing States
(SIDS). This SIDS resolution recognized that corruption could undermine the ability to address climate
change by damaging the already limited natural resources of SIDS. The Resolution was adopted by the
majority vote in the conference and strongly supported and co-sponsored by European Union, US, UK,
Australia, New Zealand, Norway, Singapore, Haiti, Honduras, Nauru, Marshall Islands, FSM, Cook
Islands and Tuvalu.

In 2016, the Government tabled and adopted the Leaders Code of Conduct Act 2016 to provide a legal
framework for the oversight of current and former leaders of the Government. Following the
establishment of this legislation, the Public Service Integrity and Corruption Control Unit and the
National Anti-Corruption Committee were formally established in 2017 with the legal mandate of
regulating, assessing, investigating and reporting on all corruption held against an individual public
servants or leaders, respectively. The other major roles of these bodies include the timely submission
of Kiribati reports (self-assessment report, and report on UNCAC resolutions) to United Nations Office
on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), and to make recommendations to Government on new anti-corruption
initiatives. The Public Service Integrity and Corruption Control Unit is currently undergoing systematic
work to develop the Anti-Corruption Code of Conduct for the public service, which is expected to be
complete by the end of 2018 – integrating this work into the Public Service Act is expected to follow
in 2019. Additionally, in 2018 the Government fully funded the independent Leadership Commission
to further strengthen national institutions in this area.

The 2017-2019 National Anti-Corruption Strategy is the first ever national document developed for
anti-corruption and guides Government in achieving its goal of preventing and fighting corruption in
Kiribati. The reforms aim at bringing and instilling the ethical values (transparency, accountability and
integrity) of Good Governance. The strategy covers eight fundamental thematic areas:

i) Anti-Corruption in the Public Sector,

ii) Institutional Capacity Building,
iii) Public Finance Management and Procurement,
iv) Criminalization and Law Enforcement,
v) Public Awareness and Education,
vi) Legislation Review,

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 vii) Fighting Corruption in the Private Sector, and
viii) International Cooperation and Asset Recovery.

Government, through the Public Service Office, has organized consultative workshops with relevant
Government entities and Anti-Corruption Committee members to better align the activities of the
Kiribati National Anti-Corruption Strategy with SDG Goal 16, particularly with target indicators 16.3.2,
16.4, 16.5, 16.6, 16.7 and 16.10.

Due to recent successes and its commitment in the fight against corruption, Kiribati has been declared
to the international community as an Anti-Corruption Champion for Pacific Island Countries. As a
Pacific Champion, the United Nations Office of Drugs and Crime (UNODC), in collaboration with other
international agencies, have agreed that Kiribati should host the first ever Pacific Leaders Anti-
Corruption Regional Meeting in 2019.

Prior to that regional meeting, Government has also planned to hold a National High-Level Panel
Discussion on Anti-Corruption in 2019 to engage political leaders, church leaders, women societies,
youth groups, union and employer organizations on ways to combat corruption at the national level.
It is anticipated that this panel discussion will result in the signing of a National Political Declaration
or a Joint Pledge documenting the joint promise of regulating and eliminating corruption.

Progress has also been made in strengthening audit and financial management institutions:

• Government ministries and SOEs are required to perform annual auditing by the Kiribati Audit
Office (KAO), with audit reports tabled with the Speaker of the House. The Public Accounts
Committee (PAC) of the Parliament is tasked to monitor Ministries and SOEs audit reports at
every Parliamentary session. Prior to 2017, the KAO was only required to perform financial
audits, but the passage of the Audit Act 2017 enables the KAO to fulfil its obligation under the
KDP 2016-19 to conduct full performance audits on financial processes. This will ultimately
result in much more rigorous auditing reports being tabled and debated in the PAC.

• Stemming from the ERT, a review of the national procurement system undertaken by the ADB
in 2016 revealed systemic issues with the current procurement system including a
complicated Act and poor enforcement. The associated recommendations of the review were
accepted in 2017, with the recruitment of a Chief Procurement Officer (CPO) and Unit taking
place in 2018. The ADB and New Zealand are also jointly funding TA for the CPO to amend or
replace the current Procurement Act, as well as revise and promulgate new a new
Procurement Procedures manual.

• The recent approval of a new Integrated Financial Management Information System (IFMIS;
also ADB funded in 2017) will allow for better commitment and payment control, as well as
improve financial oversight, reporting and audit capability. The scoping work for the new
IFMIS has already commenced, with the procurement and implementation of the new system
being a primary focus for MFED and development partners over the coming years.

• The SOE Act of 2013 requires much more structured and transparent processes surrounding
SOE financial planning and reporting. Through the SOE reform program, there has been a
dramatic improvement in the timeliness of financial statements from SOEs, which are
submitted to Parliament via the NEPO office in MFED. The SOE Act also outlines the criteria
for Community Service Obligations, which increases the transparency surrounding the
subsidisation of non-commercial services provided by SOEs.

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 • A capacity building program has also been put in place with the Pacific Association of Supreme
Audit Institutions (PASAI) and other regional partners to build the capability of the KAO to
execute its expanded role.

All told, these reforms will give the KAO and MFED the tools and mandate to provide much more
detailed, comprehensive, and timely financial and audit reports.

In addition to improvement financial management the government is also aiming to uplift customer
service operations for the public, and improve the PSO’s ability to better monitor and evaluate civil
service employee performance. A new Division (Public Service Performance and Services
Management) was recently established for this specific purpose.

The KV20 has Governance as one of its central pillars with the aim of creating a corrupt free society
by 2036. The Governance Pillar aims to further strengthen national and local traditional and
governance policy and legislative frameworks; foster and strengthen the integrity and independence
of institutions mandated to promote good governance and eliminate corruption; strengthen strategic
partnerships; and institutionalize anti-corruption and good governance principles in the public service
and education systems in Kiribati. The continued focus on this Pillar has been welcomed by
Parliamentarians, the Private Sector (Business Community) and Church Leaders including their
Executive members.

Consistent with this vision, more work is required to lift capacity in the management and delivery of
public service programs and institutions. In particular, there is a need for centralization of anti-
corruption information, a re-assertion of the independence of anti-corruption institutions, and
continued efforts to improve the standards applied to public financial management and reporting.
Service delivery standards also need to be improved to ensure that increased government services are
delivered to the public efficiently and effectively. While not covered in great depth here, there is also
a need to ensure that police officers and the judiciary are adequately equipped, trained, and accessible
to deliver effective justice services to all members of the public.

Furthermore, financial inclusion remains elusive, with formal banking services not reaching the most
vulnerable, especially in the outer islands. The Outer Island Councils also require dedicated
governance support, something that is highlighted in the yet to be funded Kiribati Local Governance
and Rural Development (KIRLOG) project.

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 KPA 6: Infrastructure

Faced with increasing pressure from climate change conditions, the KDP 2016-19 stipulates the need
for high resilience and sustainability of infrastructure in urban and rural areas. This applies in the
constructions of causeways, roads, airfields, sea ports, seawall defences, building and construction,
safe water and sanitation, renewable energy, inter-island transport systems and telecommunications.
It also necessitates the formulation and application of an infrastructure maintenance plans.

SDG 6: Ensure Water Access and Sanitation for All

The National Water Policy 2008 and its three key objectives remains relevant to Kiribati’s need to
address vulnerability in the face of climate change, population growth, scarce resources, safety
concerns and the health issues of water borne diseases. Water is a scarce commodity in Kiribati and
is sourced from underground freshwater lens and from rain. It is therefore critical for Kiribati to ensure
it continued availability and quality for human consumption. The water unit within the MISE monitors
the ground water availability and issues regular updates to the Public Utilities Board, the main supplier
of drinking water for the more populous urban centre of South Tarawa. With a rapidly growing
population, and a diminishing and polluted freshwater lens, the water issues on the main island are
acute.

The medium-term reform plan for PUB in South Tarawa is ongoing. Under this reform plan and New
Zealand assistance, training and up-skilling of PUB technical staff was implemented since 2016, revised
electricity tariff rates were applied, and the upgrading of the electricity distribution network will
complete in 2018. In terms of water distribution, the World Bank contributed to the piloting of a 24-
hrs a day water supply to households in the first 3 villages on South Tarawa. This will serve as the basis
for The South Tarawa Water Supply Project (STWSP), whose objective is to supply 6ML of additional
desalinated water into the PUB water reticulation system by 2030. The STWSP is jointly funded by the

67
ADB, World Bank and GCF. The Project Preparatory Technical Assistance (PPTA) phase has been
completed and would lead into the next phase of the Project Design Advance (PDA).

These efforts build on the South Tarawa Sanitation Improvement Sector Project (STSISP) which started
in 2011 with the aim of improving the health of the people in communities of South Tarawa through
the rehabilitation of the existing sewerage and salt water flushing system. The project is part of the
existing PUB’s managed sewerage system on South Tarawa covering the main centres of population
in Bikenibeu, Bairiki and Betio and serving 1,034 out of 7,877 households in these areas. The project
will also renovate the sewerage outfall systems.

Part of the STSISP is community engagement to help with the sustainability of the systems. Public
awareness programmes to promote the water, hygiene and sanitation are part of this initiative. Onsite
sanitation project saw the construction of 33 toilet blocks on 28 different sites in non-sewer covered
areas of South Tarawa. These facilities are equipped with septic tanks and are serviced with sewerage
trucks.

Other community sanitation programs are being undertaken by Civil Societies including the Kiribati
Red Cross Society (KRCS) supported by the Government of Australia. Under this initiative, the KRCS
Community Based Health Program has assisted church-based community groups built 14 toilet blocks
providing 104 toilets that drain into the PUB’s sewerage system. Each block is equipped with water
tank and groundwater well for flushing. On successful completion and positive impacts of this initial
project, the intervention will be replicated in other densely populated urban villages.

The Outer Islands

The water unit within MISE also provides updates to
the National Water Committee on drought
conditions in Kiribati., with the outer islands also
facing acute water issues. With limited rain water
catchment on most islands, the ground water is
almost the only source of fresh water. A vulnerability
assessment that was undertaken by the water unit
with SPC in 2004 assists government identify
program options to address water issues for the
outer islands. Table 5.17 shows a vulnerability
assessment of ground water for all islands in Kiribati,
with most islands showing high rates of vulnerability.

To assist alleviate the pressing issues of the more vulnerable communities, the Government has
installed 4 solar desalination systems and will install another 5 soon. Eight (8) more systems are
planned to be installed for the remaining communities in the next 8 months. These systems will
provide between 2,000 - 6,000L of additional water per day to each of the 17 communities.

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Table 5.17 Vulnerability Assessment of Groundwater resource in All Islands of Kiribati
Average Sustainable Yield
2015 Annual Rainfall Probable Lens Sustainable Yield
Islands Sustainable per Capita % Vulnerability
Population (mm) Area (km2) per Capita (L/day)
Yield (m3/day) (m3/day)

Makin 1990 2821 1.74 2790 1.40 1402 52 Medium

Butaritari 3224 3106 3.89 8751 2.71 2714 100 Low
Marakei 2799 2050 5.34 2761 0.99 986 36 Medium
Abaiang 5568 2158 6.22 3852 0.69 692 25 High
North Tarawa 6619 1943 7.37 4620 0.70 698 26 High
Maiana 1981 1543 6.76 1315 0.66 664 24 High
Kuria 1043 1518 10.22 1867 1.79 1790 66 Medium
Aranuka 1124 1518 6.85 1263 1.12 1124 41 Medium
Abemama 3299 1518 17.11 3156 0.96 957 35 Medium
Nonouti 2744 1507 9.56 1722 0.63 628 23 High
Tabiteuea North 3956 1418 13.65 2025 0.51 512 19 High
Tabiteuea South 1304 1418 3.62 537 0.41 412 15 High
Onotoa 1394 1230 8.95 404 0.29 290 11 High
Beru 2051 1355 4.14 1155 0.56 563 21 High
Nikunau 1791 1242 9.74 977 0.55 546 20 High
Tamana 1106 1425 3.18 480 0.43 434 16 High
Arorae 1011 1826 4.01 1381 1.37 1366 50 Medium
Teraina 1718 3017 4 7268 4.23 4231 100 Low
Tabuaeran 2317 2107 7.7 6546 2.83 2825 67 Medium
Kiritimati 6447 974 14.5 2000 0.31 310 7 High
Kanton 20 952 2.25 480 24.00 24000 100 Medium
Banaba 280 1860 0 0 - High

Source: Office of Te Beretitenti 2018

In the Line Islands, the Kiritimati Water Supply Project funded by the EU and managed by the SPC, is
seeing the near completion of an improved water supply system for communities from Decca-London
in Kiritimati Island. The system which became operational in February of 2018, was commissioned the
following month. The upgrading of the existing systems in the Four-Wells for Tabwakea village water
supply system had included the metering of all houses and fixing of leakages in the distribution
network.

In the Gilberts Group, there are two projects currently addressing the lack of potable water in the
outer islands, the Kiribati Adaptation Project (KAP), supported jointly by the World Bank and MISE,
and the Kiribati Water and Sanitation in Outer Islands Project Phase II (KIRIWATSAN II), supported by
The European Union, SPC and MISE . Under the KAP project, the water gallery installed in North
Tarawa is 70% complete, while the rain water harvesting and reticulation system in Buota will
complete in the second half of 2018.

The KIRIWATSAN Phase II is addressing both facilities and capacity development across the 16 islands.
Construction has commenced in Makin, Butaritari, Marekai and Abaiang while capacity building is
ongoing; 80% of the facilities across the 7 islands (Butaritari, Marakei, Abaiang, Maiana, Nonouti, Beru
and Nikunau) are expected to be completed by May 2019. Facilities will range from increased storage
facilities, communal well improvement using Tamana pumps through to mini village infiltration
galleries. The project also aims to introduce eco-friendly toilets to protect the fragile water lens, with
the piloting of compost toilets across the 35 participating villages.

The Kiribati Outer Island Food and Water (KOIFAWP) project with MELAD has provided 279 rain water
harvesting systems and KIRIWATSAN I (funded by the EU and implemented by UNICEF an MISE) has

69
provided an additional 355 rain water harvesting systems on islands which are considered at “high
vulnerability” of water supply issues.

The UNICEF programme WASH in Schools (supported by New Zealand) led by the Ministry of Education
and communities in outer islands, focuses on both the facilities and the utilisation and maintenance
of water, sanitation and hygiene in schools. It is a follow-up on the KIRIWATSAN I project where more
than 40,000 people in the Gilbert islands were supported to make their village open defecation free
(ODF). KIRIWATSAN focusses on increasing access to safe and sustainable water and sanitation to
reduce WASH related diseases in the Gilbert group. In addition to these efforts, WASH in Schools phase
1 worked with 32 schools have access to improved water and sanitation and students practice
improved hygiene standards on daily basis.

Eleven out of the 32 targeted schools have

“Before [the construction of toilets in my
reached the ODF status in 2018. Access to
village] I only used the beach as my toilet and
toilets at home, but also practice are the key
this was with a lot of shame. My children
barriers. When a child does not have access to
used the backyard.
safe sanitation at all times, a new practice will
I am now living in a clean and hygienic not automatically become a natural behaviour.
environment and with this I feel happier than Eleven schools being ODF, is a remarkable
ever before. I will maintain my toilet clean achievement given the strong social culture
and encourage my grandchildren to do the around sanitation and the vulnerable
same.” environmental context.

– Betio resident, Kiribati In terms of measuring community attitudes, the

UNICEF Shifting Norms in Kiribati Report (draft)
asked what the social norm is for WASH in
Abaiang. People responded that all people adapted to the new WASH standards. In addition to
infrastructure and awareness programs provided by the national government, the elders in the island
have been a powerful force for convincing local households to practice safe sanitation. Although open
defecation is still practiced and evidence is not systematically collected or not available, the new
practices and mindset has already led to a shift in social norms. Earlier self-reported experience
showed that people were not familiar or uncomfortable with the use of toilet, but this has changed.
Sustainable behaviour change, breaking through barriers towards improved and positive change, is a
long-term commitment and encompasses the life cycle, from birth to adult.

Additionally, UNICEF WASH in Healthcare Program lead Ministry of Health and Medical Services in 3
islands (South Tarawa, Betio and Abaiang) focus on the healthcare facility governance, facilities and
capacity building of medical assistants/nurses on WASH to minimize the spread of infectious diseases
in healthcare facilities. At present the program has developed the WASH in Health Care Facilities
Policy, repaired/rehabilitated WASH facilities in 22 health clinics/centers and trained 22 health
workers (medical assistants/nurses) on WASH.

UNICEF also provided support to Ministry of Infrastructure and Sustainable Energy in reconstituting
the National Water Sanitation Coordination Committee (NWSCC) to address coordination issues in
WASH sector and duplication of initiatives. Currently, the NWSCC is leading the coordination work
and updating of the National Water Resource Policy and 10-Year Implementation Plan.

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 Goal 7: Ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern
energy for all

The recently adopted Kiribati Integrated Energy Roadmap 2017–2025, provided a guide for scaling up
the renewable energy share of total production:

• South Tarawa 61% - Solar, Battery and OTEC

• Kiritimati central grid 69% - Solar, Battery and Wind
• Rural Infrastructures and Communities 100% - Solar, Battery

There is an increasing number of solar energy connections in outer islands. The distribution of 1,230
solar lighting kits in 2014-15 and the installation of 30 solar lighting systems for community halls, 18
systems for all island councils’ workshops, and 140 for outer islands teachers’ residents, dramatically
improved the provision of electric lighting. Further, there is a 100% solar system coverage for all
boarding secondary schools in the outer islands. All outer islands council offices and quarters and fish
centres will be provided with solar PV or hybrid systems in 2018, further embedding renewable energy
as a sustainable source of power for outer island communities.

Three solar photovoltaic systems connected to “For too long, Kiribati – as one of the most
the PUB Grid on South Tarawa have been remote countries in the world – has been
completed and commissioned in 2017 providing dependent on imported fuel. This is not only a
an additional peak capacity of 1.4 MW, or 30 per massive burden on our finances, but has a
cent of peak demand. These include the Japan- negative impact on the environment around
funded 400 kWp system, the UAE-funded 500 us.
kWp system and World Bank funded 516 kWp
system. After the completion of these three PV- As a nation profoundly affected by the
grid projects, the renewable energy share for impacts of climate change due to the world’s
South Tarawa grid now runs at 14% annually. over-reliance on fossil fuels, it is important for
us to practice what we preach.”
The World Bank’s news release “Kiribati’s Over-
reliance on Fuel to End with World Bank – The Hon. Korabi Nenem,
Project” presents an informative brief on Solar Vice President, Kiribati
Energy at the Public Utilities Board and the
benefits it will bring to address vulnerability of Kiribati from over-reliance on fuel, the population to
benefit from the project, greenhouse gas emission reduction, and the dollar savings that government
will make. It is estimated the energy generated from the World Bank investment alone reduce diesel

71
fuel use by 230,000 litres per year, reduce annual greenhouse gas emissions by 765 tons, and save the
Government of Kiribati US$290,000 annually.

The electricity access to households in South Tarawa is around 80%, with PUB lowering its connection
fee in 2018 to extend the distribution network to cover all households. Nevertheless, the funding from
Taiwan and India for another 5,352 sets of solar light kits will be provided to the remaining households
not accessing the grid on South Tarawa in 2018.

In May 2018, the Kiritimati Energy Project Phase 1, funded by EU and New Zealand, commissioned the
central grid supplying power from Ronton to Banana included the 180kWp PV-grid system and a
rehabilitation to the Poland village’s Solar PV hybrid mini-grid. Currently, the access coverage in all
the villages is around 90% except for the Tabwakea 4 lease, where the distribution network had not
been widely disseminated. Recently, Government had released around 1,500 land lease plots to local
residents and will increase the access coverage on the island, thus, the service provider will need to
address the access incrementally when the plots are settled.

Another initiative has been solar lighting system for

roads and causeways in the urban South Tarawa which
has benefited motorists and road users at night and
reduced potential accidents. The improved lighting
also offers better security for pedestrians.

For energy efficient systems and standards, a draft

regulation on electrical/electronic appliances labelling
will be finalized by end-2018 for approval by Cabinet
and implementation under the proposed Consumer
Protection Act 2018.

The Kiribati Solar Energy Company was established as a means of implementing and sustaining the
solar projects in the outer islands, with the project coverage shown below.
Table 5.18 Details of Solar in All islands
2015 J92/EDF 8 Taiw an Solar Lighting Kit System (35W) 0.12m2 EDF 10 Project
SMS (100W)SHS (100W) Additional Proposed distribution Solar Kit System (35W) 0.3m2 Small Business System (200W) 1m2 Maneaba System (200W) 1m2 Teachers' System (200W) 1m2 Mini-grids (240W) Total
1m2 1m2 Approved Delivered required for the remaining kits Share Installed Share Installed Share Installed Share Installed 1.6m2 installed (W)
Makin 17 61 499 499 82 82 5 5 2 2 29535
Butaritrari 6 57 630 977 197 30 8 8 2 2 43545
Marakei 6 37 499 578 126 13 6 1 2 25185
Abaiang 36 83 932 942 812 166 250 211 12 11 2 2 40 40 2x69 95975
North Taraw a 50 110 1029 539 447 91 145 144 7 7 2 2 20 20 1x105 70905
Maiana 14 54 428 594 92 104 5 7 2 2 33030
Kuria 0 57 583 556 185 38 44 30 3 2 1 1 26810
Aranuka 9 68 260 260 11 2 49 49 4 4 1 1 19515
Abemama 3 59 240 240 88 18 146 104 8 10 2 2 20 20 1x180 67840
Nonouti 0 29 599 699 122 37 7 7 2 2 20 20 1x69 51020
TabNorth 0 0 682 904 167 102 9 7 2 4 20 20 1x123 70930
TabSouth 0 24 249 249 56 11 59 50 3 1 12865
Beru 0 15 549 549 85 17 95 26 6 6 2 2 20 19 1x105 52225
Nikunau 9 22 375 375 87 90 5 4 1 1 20375
Onotoa 0 20 332 332 69 40 4 3 2 2 16020
Tamana 12 22 202 234 43 9 3 1 1 12105
Arorae 0 14 238 238 14 3 58 21 3 2 1 1 11065
Banaba 6 0 94 138 13 4 2 2 2 5970
Teeraina 298 270 9450
Tabuaeran 445 60 (still aw aiting shipment - reported at 110117) 89 40 1400
Kiritimati 50 271 77 61 1x69 28180
Kanton 6 0
Total no. of panels168 732 9219 9444 1698 346 2010 1247 100 85 30 28 140 139 789 703945

Source: Ministry of Infrastructure and Sustainable Energy 2015

72
 Goal 9: Build resilience infrastructure, promote sustainable
industrialization and foster innovation

Challenges from more frequent king tides and storms due to changing climate patterns have
increasingly impacted the coastlines, causing physical damage to assets and economic and social
losses to Government and communities. The climate change and impact vulnerability assessments of
islands were undertaken in an effort to address coastline degradation and other climate change
induced issues. Through the vulnerability assessment reports, government is able to determine and
deliver timely support to critical cases of coastal erosions and inundation.

Government, in partnership with the phased World Bank supported Kiribati Adaptation Project (KAP)
and other development partners, is undertaking coastal protection applying more robust seawall
designs to withstand the impacts of the rising sea. This is necessary to protect crucial public
infrastructure particularly roads, hospitals, community buildings, and other assets from exceptionally
high waves and storms. One of the visible efforts in this direction is the total replacement of the
“sandbag” seawall design with a new “mass-concrete” seawall design, which provides better and
longer lasting protection.

Development and adoption of climate proofing policies and codes for government, public and private
buildings are also part of the Government response to the rising tide. The Building Act 2006 seeks to
implement measures to significantly improve the safety and standard of construction work in Kiribati.
A Building Code 2012 ensures that acceptable standards of structural sufficiency, fire safety, health
and amenity, are maintained for the benefit of the Kiribati community. The code allows, where
appropriate, for variations in climate and geological risks (such as inundation).

Since February 2017, the National Building Code of Kiribati (NBCK), has been applied to public buildings
only. The Code requires that all public building constructions must have rainwater catchments and
safe toilet systems. This is a direct and immediate push by the Government to fulfil SDG 6.

Furthermore, it is anticipated that by end of 2018, the Code will include all classes of buildings
including residential. This implies that all constructions that will commence in 2019 will only receive
approval if they include indication that they will have rainwater tanks and safe toilet facilities.

A comprehensive maintenance plan for major public infrastructures and buildings is also being
developed as part of the ERT for mainstreaming asset management and maintenance into the
government’s annual recurrent and development budgets.

73
Given the remote and dispersed nature of the islands of Kiribati, transport and ICT infrastructure is a
key component to bringing the nation together and enabling access to international markets. To
realise the dream of a connected Kiribati, the Government has embarked on a series of road, airport,
harbour and ICT infrastructure initiatives in recent years.

The rehabilitation of the roads in South Tarawa to

international standard was completed with road signs,
solar street lights and improved junctions for safety of
drivers and road users. The Kiribati Road
Rehabilitation Project (KRRP) was the largest fully
realised project in Kiribati history, with the major
works completed in 2017 after 6 years of planning and
construction supported by the World Bank, the ADB
and Australia. As a result of sealing the main road,
travel times for South Tarawa residents were halved,
air quality near the road was dramatically improved,
and there was now a safe sidewalk for pedestrians. This led to a dramatic increase in the presence of
roadside shops and stalls, increased car ownership, reduced vehicle repairs, and a significant rise in
the provision of privately-owned public transport options. The project linked South Tarawa
communities and enabled improvements in emergency services, commerce, and public service
delivery right across the island.

While the better road conditions have enabled higher travel speeds, together with increased
congestion from more vehicles there has been an associated increase in the road toll from accidents.
The Road Safety Act is in place to try and mitigate this undesirable outcome, but community
appreciation for the new dangers will take time to develop.

Regular maintenance of the roads is carried out through private contracts supervised by the MISE to
ensure standards are upheld.

The final section of roadway to be upgraded is the causeway between Bairiki and Betio. The
reconstruction of the causeway will improve the crucial link between the two main areas of South
Tarawa, and also link the main maritime port to the rest of the island. To be completed with the
assistance from Japan by 2020, the causeway will enable improved travel times and facilitate
improved delivery of utilities (water, power, and communications) between the two main population
centres. The new design also improves the climate resilience of the causeway by increasing the
elevation and reinforcing the seawalls that were breached during the storm-surge from tropical
cyclone Pam in 2015.

With the support of the World Bank, ICDF (Taiwan) and the Kiribati Government, the Kiribati Aviation
Investment Project (KAIP) upgraded the runways at Bonriki (South Tarawa) and Cassidy (Kiritimati),
raising the standard of the landing surface and supporting infrastructure to an internationally
comparable level. Both runways are now able to receive bigger and increasing numbers of
international and domestic flights into Kiribati. Safety fences and night landing facilities for the
international airport are part of this initiative and mean that Kiribati is now meeting the ICAO
standards for aviation safety. Renovation of the international airport terminal buildings will provide
better airport services to incoming and outgoing passengers with the terminal buildings to be
completed by the start of 2019. This investment is crucial to the KV20 emphasis on tourism
development, and together with the reconstructed wharf at Betio (funded by Japan) represents the
major logistical link between Kiribati and the outside world.

74
In addition to investments in South Tarawa, Kiritimati Island (including the LPIDS), and Kanton (via the
PIPA), the government has also embarked on an ambitious investment program in the outer islands
of Kiribati. Building on the success of the cofinancing made by the World Bank, the ADB and the
Government of Kiribati on KRRP and KAIP, the Outer Islands Infrastructure Project aims to connect the
outer islands with the main economic hub of South Tarawa.

The Outer Islands Infrastructure Project is likely to be parallel financed by development partners over
a number of phases. The World Bank and ADB have concentrated their first phase on maritime
infrastructure which will enable an immediate improvement in trade links, maritime safety, and the
enabling environment for further public and private investment. The focus on building climate-
resilient infrastructure will also ensure improved all-weather access to some islands, as well as guard
against predicted climate impacts.

The first phase of Government funds will focus on road and airport infrastructure, with a particular
focus on enabling airlinks to those islands that will serve as local hubs for expanded air services from
Air Kiribati. Again, the focus for the new infrastructure is to create climate resilient, all weather, access
to some of the most remote communities in Kiribati.

In addition to transport infrastructure, the Kiribati Connectivity Project, jointly funded by the ADB and
World Bank will construct two deep-sea cables to Kiribati: one to South Tarawa (the East Micronesian
Cable System) and the other to Kiritimati Island (the Southerncross NEXT cable). Along with the
recently completed reforms to the telecommunications sector, and investment in outer island
connectivity, these two ICT cables will lead to a dramatic improvement in internet speed and
affordability. This could be potentially transformative for the Kiribati economy and the delivery of
public services.

Taken together, these significant investments by the Government and development partners in
enabling infrastructure will set a strong foundation for further economic growth and improved service
delivery.

75
 Means of Implementation
Goal 17: Revitalize the global partnership for sustainable development.

A sustainable development agenda requires strategic and inclusive partnership between Government
and national and international stakeholders – the private sector, civil society at all levels,
intergovernmental organisations and development partners. Inclusive partnerships built upon shared
principles, values, vision, and goals that place people at the centre of policy and decision making are
a strong foundation of national, regional and global sustainable development programmes.

Partnership between the public and private sectors, including knowledge transfer with NGOs and civil
society, are some of the ongoing activities geared towards enhancing the partnerships for achieving
the development goals. Given the connectivity challenges, the rapidly increasing penetration of
mobile and data services along with the public and partner investment in connectivity infrastructure
will provide new and improved ways to coordinate and create dialogue with the public through
e-Government. This will require substantial investments within the public service, including the rollout
of the IFMIS and digitisation of administrative functions to better respond to the growing demands
for accessible public services.

Government acknowledges the important role of strategic and inclusive partnership in the
development and implementation of KV20. Government will develop and strengthen collaborative
mechanisms for engaging various stakeholders to enhance a participatory approach during the
implementation, monitoring and evaluation of the KV20. The Government recognises the need to
forge stronger partnerships with intergovernmental organisations and development partners to
implement the KV20 in the context of the broader UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
International partnerships will be strengthened for effective resource mobilisation and sustained good
governance, guided by the relevant international treaties and obligations.

The Government also recognises the strong relationship it already shares with national, international,
and sectoral partners, and would like to express its humble thanks for their continued partnership in
progressing the development of the Kiribati people.

76
Other considerations
Domestic revenue mobilisation has improved dramatically in Kiribati. Tax revenues have increased
from $27.3 million in 2011 to $38.4 million in 2016, but the major increase has overwhelmingly come
from fishing licence revenue, which has increased from just $29.1 million in 2011 to $147.1 million in
2016. This has enabled a large increase in government spending on public service delivery, wages,
transfers programs and infrastructure mentioned in this VNR, as well as repairing the Government’s
cash balances and restoring the sovereign wealth fund to a sustainable level.

However, the infrastructure needs for Kiribati would far exceed the financial ability of the government
to finance on its own. Indeed, the KRRP cost around one-third of the national GDP to seal around 50km
of roads in the capital, but the outer islands have over 500km of road that is presently unsealed.
Another example is the crucial maritime infrastructure in the outer islands, which must be replicated
on each island, regardless of how small, dramatically increasing the cost of providing basic and safe
access to the islands. For example, the World Bank and ADB assistance on the Outer Island
Infrastructure project of around $40 million is equivalent to almost 20% of GDP, but will likely cover
only 4 of the 22 populated islands with the needed maritime infrastructure.

This infrastructure financing gap will become even more stark as the impact of climate change puts
existing infrastructure under pressure, with some critical assets still unprotected from inundation and
coastal erosion. In some cases, this infrastructure cannot be relocated due to the lack of available land
and must instead be reinforced to continue to deliver services. Related to this will be the increasing
burden of asset maintenance that will likely fall on the government budget and reduce the room for
further investment.

Social infrastructure also requires significant investments, with health and education systems
particularly under strain from population growth, the high cost of service delivery, and limited internal
capacity. In this regard, we welcome the continued support of our development partners in this area.

Related to this, capacity building will feature as a key determinant in the success of implementing the
SDGs in Kiribati, along with strengthening need for staff and institutions for a better data management
capacity to meet international reporting standards, and importantly to facilitate informed decision
making and mid-term and end-term evaluations. Public service standards will also need to improve to
deliver the required level of education, health, justice, and public administration that is required to
lift economic productivity and livelihoods. This includes both technical and non-technical capacity
assistance and support from development partners to supplement local development efforts.

The KV20 plays an important role in the implementation of SDGs. It is designed to accelerate the
progress in the selected sectors of fisheries and tourism, with a view to capturing the anticipated
benefits for the people and Kiribati. This sets a strong direction for future reforms and possible
legislation, but technical assistance will again form a crucial element in achieving the desired
outcomes, as technical capacity within Kiribati is relatively limited.

A key gap is also in the area of systems performance, with the IFMIS; data collection, warehousing,
and analysis; and administrative IT systems of government requiring significant upgrading to keep
pace with the rapid changes in service delivery.

It is only through the continued building of partnerships, the support of development partners, and a
continued improvement in resource mobilisation that Kiribati will be able to achieve its vision of a
health, wealthy, and peaceful society.

77
6 Conclusion and next steps
Kiribati faces stark development challenges across a wide range of areas. Being able to identify the
key challenges and direct the appropriate intervention are key to fostering effective outcomes. While
the national planning frameworks of the 2016-19 KDP and the KV20 are comprehensive in their
coverage, and consistent with the SDGs, adequate institutional capacity and financing to implement
these plans continue to be challenging.

The VNR and KDP Mid-Term Review process revealed a number of key areas for the improvement of
monitoring and evaluation. While the overlap between the KV20, KDP and SDGs has produced a
coherent set of focus areas across planning documents at the higher level, there is significant
fragmentation between the indicators. This fragmentation creates challenges for institutional capacity
that is already stretched to its capacity, and limits the ability of the government to incorporate data
analysis without external technical assistance and support. While development partners have risen to
the challenge, and provided widespread support in this area, capacity development of mainstream
policy officers with the government remains a key challenge.

With the publication of the KV20 and the setting of a new long-term vision, the KDP will need to be
reviewed during the second half of its implementation, particularly around the selection of the
indicator set. Indeed, the process of the VNR has already started this process by creating a unified
national indicator set that can be refined and simplified. By creating this national scorecard, the
Statistics Office is better placed to implement its National Statistics Development Strategy (NSDS)
which would work to reinforce the national indicator set where data is weak or does not currently
exist.

The story of development for Kiribati is one of hope for the future. While health and urban indicators
have proven stubbornly difficult to improve, progress in education suggests that the future leaders
will have a greater capacity to address the many challenges that Kiribati faces, including the impact of
climate change. Economic growth is improving, with the private sector continuing to show robust
employment growth, and the government and development partners are continuing to invest heavily
in new and improved infrastructure. The emergence of key partnerships in particular sectors has
reduced fragmentation of effort, but institutional issues still affect service delivery in some areas, and
despite improved economic and fiscal outcomes, the financing gap remains substantial. Even with all
of its challenges, Kiribati continues to show that development in the smallest and most remote places
in the world is not only possible but already happening.

However, there is still a long way to go before development ambitions are achieved, with institutional
capacity and financing continuing to be key challenges. With the increased impacts of climate change
on health, infrastructure, and social programs, this challenge is likely to only get more pronounced
over coming years.

78
Appendix 1: KDP, KV20 and SDG indicator matrix
Indicator Description Location
KPA Goal / Indicator KDP KV20 SDG Sector
Outcome
KPA1 Goal 1: 1 70% of MoE ESSP targets are met MoE
Strengthen the
Ministry’s
leadership and
management
capability
KPA1 Goal 2: Develop 2 Improvement in competency of teachers P1: HC
a committed, 3 Proportion of teachers in: (a) pre-primary; (b) primary; (c) lower 4.c.1
competent and secondary; and (d) upper secondary education who have received
effective at least the minimum organized teacher training (e.g. pedagogical
education work training) pre-service or in-service required for teaching at the
force relevant level in a given country
4 95% of teachers meet the Teacher Service Standards MoE
5 XX% of School Leaders meet the School Leadership Service MoE
Standards
6 XX% of teachers meet required standard of English proficiency MoE
7 The proportion of teachers having the required minimum Yes MoE
qualification to teach
8 KTC accredited to meet international standards for teacher MoE
training
9 Reduction of student teacher ratios in primary education. Yes
10 Reduction in Pupil/Teacher ratio P1: HC
KPA1 Goal 3: 11 Net enrolment rate for males and females in primary education Yes P1: HC
Establish the 12 Net Intake Rate for males and females Yes
skills and 13 Survival Rate for Class 5 for males and females Yes
capability to 14 80% Survival Rate to Year 6 MoE
progress to a 15 Transition Rate from Class 6 to Form 1 for males and females Yes
productive 16 Proportion of students performing at or above the STAKI expected Yes
future for all level is raised.
students 17 Improvement in the number of students that meet and exceed P1: HC
leaving the the benchmark
school system 18 80% of students perform at or above expected level in STAKI (Year MoE
4 & 6)
19 Indicator for JSS Results in English & Te-Kiribati MoE
20 30% of JSS (&SSS?) school leavers find further education and MoE
training opportunities
21 Number and proportion of KIT students completing their training Yes
and gaining international quality assured qualifications.
22 Improvement in % of school aged children that receive formal P1: HC
education
23 Percentage of school drop outs P1: HC
24 Survival/retention rate in primary education P1: HC
25 Number of trained outputs from outer islands vocational training P1: HC
centre
26 Proportion of children and young people (a) in grades 2/3; (b) at 4.1.1
the end of primary; and (c) at the end of lower secondary
achieving at least a minimum proficiency level in (i) reading and
(ii) mathematics, by sex
27 Proportion of children under 5 years of age who are 4.2.1
developmentally on track in health, learning and psychosocial
well-being, by sex
28 Participation rate of youth and adults in formal and non-formal 4.3.1
education and training in the previous 12 months, by sex
29 Proportion of youth and adults with information and 4.4.1
communications technology (ICT) skills, by type of skill
30 Proportion of population in a given age group achieving at least a P1: HC 4.6.1
fixed level of proficiency in functional (a) literacy and (b)
numeracy skills, by sex
KPA1 Goal 4: Provide 31 100% of schools meet critical rehabilitation needs MoE
a conducive 32 100% of schools meet the National Infrastructure Standards MoE
learning 33 XX% of schools implementing School Improvement Plans MoE
environment in 34 Increase number of islands with vocational training centre P1: HC
Kiribati schools 35 Number of truancy P1: HC

79
 Indicator Description Location
KPA Goal / Indicator KDP KV20 SDG Sector
Outcome
36 Proportion of schools with access to (a) electricity; (b) the Internet 4.a.1
for pedagogical purposes; (c) computers for pedagogical
purposes; (d) adapted infrastructure and materials for students
with disabilities; (e) basic drinking water; (f) single-sex basic
sanitation facilities; and (g) basic handwashing facilities (as per
the WASH indicator definitions)
37 Number of new classrooms P3
KPA1 Goal 5: Ensure 38 Indicator: XX% of school queries addressed within 1 month MoE
Ministry
support
services
efficiently
match the
needs of
schools
KPA1 Goal 6: 39 Proportion of students with disability enrolled in mainstream Yes MoE
Effective schools
implementation 40 Parity indices (female/male, rural/urban, bottom/top wealth 4.5.1
of the Inclusive quintile and others such as disability status, indigenous peoples
Education and conflict-affected, as data become available) for all education
Policy indicators on this list that can be disaggregated
KPA1 Goal 7: 41 Extent to which (i) global citizenship education and (ii) education 4.7.1
Establish an for sustainable development, including gender equality and
enabling legal human rights, are mainstreamed at all levels in (a) national
environment education policies; (b) curricula; (c) teacher education; and (d)
for the student assessment
development of 42 Education Regulations are 100% completed MoE
the Kiribati
Education
Sector
KPA1 Goal 8: Foster 43 Proportion of students enrolled in Early Childhood Education Yes MoE
the 44 Participation rate in organized learning (one year before the 4.2.2
development of official primary entry age), by sex
early childhood 45 100% of ECCE centres are registered MoE
education
KPA1 Goal 9: 46 XX% of ESSP activities in which donor partners and stakeholders MoE
Strengthen the are fully engaged
commitment
and
collaboration of
stakeholders
vital to the
delivery of ESSP
goals and
strategies
KPA1 Relevant 47 Establish, endorse, and implement the National Sport Policy Yes
indicators 48 Officer of the Watch training introduced Yes
outside the 49 Training in port operations undertaken Yes
goals of the 50 % increase in the number of qualified Government’s employees Yes
Education through training programs
Sector Strategic 51 Improvements in parents support towards school activities P1: HC
Plan, 2016-19
KPA2 Outcome 1: 1 Real GDP growth Yes
Increased 2 Improved GDP growth rate P1: NC
sustainable 3 Annual growth rate of real GDP per capita 8.1.1
economic 4 Annual growth rate of real GDP per employed person 8.2.1
development 5 Total government revenue as a proportion of GDP, by source 17.1.1
and improved 6 Proportion of domestic budget funded by domestic taxes 17.1.2
standards of 7 Private sector employment growth Yes
living for all I- 8 Proportion of informal employment in non-agriculture 8.3.1
Kiribati
9 % Private Sector Contribution to GDP P1: NC
10 Manufacturing value added as a proportion of GDP and per capita 9.2.1
11 Manufacturing employment as a proportion of total employment 9.2.2
12 Proportion of small-scale industries in total industry value added 9.3.1
13 Proportion of small-scale industries with a loan or line of credit 9.3.2
14 % increase in Export volumes Yes

80
 Indicator Description Location
KPA Goal / Indicator KDP KV20 SDG Sector
Outcome
15 % increase in Value of Exports P1: NC
16 Material footprint, material footprint per capita, and material 8.4.1,
footprint per GDP 12.2.1
17 Domestic material consumption, domestic material consumption 8.4.2,
per capita, and domestic material consumption per GDP 12.2.2
18 Effectively implemented Coconut Sector Development Strategy Yes
19 Growth in FDI Yes
20 Number of Foreign Investments P1: NC
21 National Trade Policy Framework developed and implemented Yes
22 Reduce the proportion of people of all ages living below the Yes 1.2.1
national poverty line of 2006
23 The number of people living in extreme poverty, currently Yes 1.1.1
estimated at less than $1.25 a day
24 Proportion of men, women and children of all ages living in 1.2.2
poverty in all its dimensions according to national definitions
25 Proportion of population covered by social protection 1.3.1
floors/systems, by sex, distinguishing children, unemployed
persons, older persons, persons with disabilities, pregnant
women, newborns, work-injury victims and the poor and the
vulnerable
26 Prevalence of moderate or severe food insecurity in the 2.1.2
population, based on the Food Insecurity Experience Scale (FIES)
27 Growth rates of household expenditure or income per capita 10.1.1
among the bottom 40 per cent of the population and the total
population
28 Proportion of people living below 50 per cent of median income, 10.2.1
by sex, age and persons with disabilities
29 Proportion of urban population living in slums, informal 11.1.1
settlements or inadequate housing
30 Increased revenue from fishing licenses Yes
31 Increase in Revenue from fisheries and marine resources P1:NC
32 Increased employment opportunities through crewing Yes
arrangements with shipping companies and establishment of
onshore development of fisheries resources
33 Sustainable fisheries as a proportion of GDP in small island 14.7.1
developing States, least developed countries and all countries
34 Progress by countries in the degree of application of a 14.b.1
legal/regulatory/ policy/institutional framework which recognizes
and protects access rights for small-scale fisheries
35 Kiribati National Labour Migration Policy implemented Yes
36 Number of hits on Kiribati workers website Yes
37 Participation of I-Kiribati workers in new markets Yes
38 % Contribution to GDP of tourism P1: NC
39 Number of Island with Island-specific Tourism Strategy P1: NC
40 Number of Tourism Capacity building trainings P1: NC
41 Establishment of Kiribati Tourism Authority P1: NC
42 Developing and Strengthening legal mechanisms for sustainable P1: NC
tourism
43 Tourism direct GDP as a proportion of total GDP and in growth 8.9.1
rate
44 Proportion of jobs in sustainable tourism industries out of total 8.9.2
45 Volume of Domestic Trade P1: NC
46 Land allocated for commercial investment P1: NC
47 General land use plan for government owned land P1: NC
48 Size of new reclaimed and raised land area P1: NC
49 % of land issues resolved through consultation/ purchase P3
50 % of domestic workplaces practised OHS and tripartism P1: HC
51 Frequency rates of fatal and non-fatal occupational injuries, by 8.8.1
sex and migrant status
52 Level of national compliance with labour rights (freedom of 8.8.2
association and collective bargaining) based on International
Labour Organization (ILO) textual sources and national legislation,
by sex and migrant status
53 % reduction in complaints from workers in relation to labour P1: HC
welfare issues

81
 Indicator Description Location
KPA Goal / Indicator KDP KV20 SDG Sector
Outcome
54 Volume of remittances (in United States dollars) as a proportion 17.3.2
of total GDP
55 % increase in seasonal overseas workers P1: HC
56 % increase in new overseas labour markets P1: HC
57 Average hourly earnings of female and male employees, by 8.5.1
occupation, age and persons with disabilities
58 National Unemployment Rate P1: HC 8.5.2
59 Proportion of youth (aged 15–24 years) not in education, 8.6.1
employment or training
60 Proportion and number of children aged 5–17 years engaged in 8.7.1
child labour, by sex and age
61 Existence of a developed and operationalized national strategy for 8.b.1
youth employment, as a distinct strategy or as part of a national
employment strategy
62 Labour share of GDP, comprising wages and social protection 10.4.1
transfers
63 % decrease in rural-urban drift P1: HC
64 % decrease in complaints in public service P1: HC
65 % decrease in skills and qualification gaps in public service P1: HC
66 National Public Servants Competency Framework P1:HC
67 Proportion of population living in households with access to basic 1.4.1
services
68 Proportion of total adult population with secure tenure rights to 1.4.2
land, with legally recognized documentation and who perceive
their rights to land as secure, by sex and by type of tenure
69 Proportion of domestically generated resources allocated by the 1.a.1
government directly to poverty reduction programmes
70 Proportion of total government spending on essential services 1.a.2
(education, health and social protection)
71 Sum of total grants and non-debt-creating inflows directly 1.a.3
allocated to poverty reduction programmes as a proportion of
GDP
72 Proportion of government recurrent and capital spending to 1.b.1
sectors that disproportionately benefit women, the poor and
vulnerable groups
73 (a) Number of commercial bank branches per 100,000 adults and 8.10.1
(b) number of automated teller machines (ATMs) per 100,000
adults
74 Proportion of adults (15 years and older) with an account at a 8.10.2
bank or other financial institution or with a mobile-money-service
provider
KPA2 Outcome 2: 75 Increased taxation revenue through improvements to the taxation Yes
Efficiency and and customs systems particularly through better compliance
sustainability in measures.
Government 76 Reviews established to contribute to better public financial Yes
finances management.
77 Effective debt management controls Yes
78 Efficient utilisation of the Sovereign Wealth Fund (the RERF) and Yes
enhancements in its management.
79 Improved value of the RERF P1: NC
KPA2 Outcome 3: 80 Place State Owned Enterprises on a more commercial footing Yes
Raised
efficiency of
State Owned
Enterprises
KPA2 Outcome 4: 81 Production of a National Strategy for the Development of Yes
Improved Statistics.
information 82 Number of countries with a national statistical plan that is fully 17.18.3
available to the funded and under implementation, by source of funding
Government 83 Proportion of sustainable development indicators produced at the 17.18.1
including national level with full disaggregation when relevant to the target,
through the in accordance with the Fundamental Principles of Official Statistics
production of 84 Number of countries that have national statistical legislation that 17.18.2
accurate and complies with the Fundamental Principles of Official Statistics
timely statistics 85 Proportion of countries that (a) have conducted at least one 17.19.2
population and housing census in the last 10 years; and (b) have

82
 Indicator Description Location
KPA Goal / Indicator KDP KV20 SDG Sector
Outcome
achieved 100 per cent birth registration and 80 per cent death
registration
86 Development of a centralised national statistical website. Yes
87 Establishment of an integrated fisheries information management Yes
system
KPA2 Outcome 5: 88 Improvements in aid effectiveness through aid coordination and Yes
Enhanced donor harmonisation
delivery of 89 % of staffs training budget in the public service of the national P1: HC
public service budget
through 90 Foreign direct investment (FDI), official development assistance 17.3.1
effective use of and South-South cooperation as a proportion of total domestic
development budget
budget funds
KPA3 Outcome 1: 1 Adult mortality rate from NCDs (30-69 years) Yes P1: HC
Strengthened 2 Number of diabetes related amputations Yes MHMS
initiatives to 3 Number of clinics implementing Packages of Essential NCDs MHMS
reduce the 4 Obesity rate by gender (age 25-64) MHMS
prevalence of 5 Prevalence of undernourishment 2.1.1
risk factors for 6 Prevalence of diabetes by gender MHMS
NCDs, and to 7 Number of treated diabetic retinopathy cases (complication) MHMS
reduce 8 Number of active partnerships between NCD team and groups MHMS
morbidity, focused on addressing four NCD risk factors; Maneaba,
disability and Workplaces, Schools, Homes
mortality from
9 Number of cervical smear tests, HPV tests and percentage of MHMS
NCDs. cases
10 Number of hypertension cases detected and treated MHMS
11 Age-standardized prevalence of current tobacco use among 3.a.1
persons aged 15 years and older
12 Tobacco smoking prevalence, by gender and age population (25- MHMS
64 and 15-24)
13 Mortality rate attributed to cardiovascular disease, cancer, 3.4.1
diabetes or chronic respiratory disease
14 Suicide mortality rate 3.4.2
15 Coverage of treatment interventions (pharmacological, 3.5.1
psychosocial and rehabilitation and aftercare services) for
substance use disorders
16 Harmful use of alcohol, defined according to the national context 3.5.2
as alcohol per capita consumption (aged 15 years and older)
within a calendar year in litres of pure alcohol
KPA3 Outcome 2: 17 Adolescent birth rate for 10-14 years, 15-19 years per 1,000 girls Yes 3.7.2
Increased in that age group
access to and 18 Contraceptive Use: Contraceptive contacts (all forms) as seen at Yes
use of high health facilities per 1,000 population
quality, 19 Proportion of women of reproductive age (aged 15-49 years) who 3.7.1
comprehensive have their need for family planning satisfied with modern
family planning methods
services, 20 Proportion of women aged 15–49 years who make their own 5.6.1
particularly for informed decisions regarding sexual relations, contraceptive use
vulnerable and reproductive health care
populations 21 Fertility rate P1: HC MHMS
including 22 SDPs offer at least three contraceptive methods MHMS
women whose 23 Contraceptive prevalence rate (15-49 yo) MHMS
health and 24 SDPs reporting stock-outs of family planning drugs and MHMS
wellbeing will commodities in last 12 months
be at risk if they 25 Number of teenage pregnancy MHMS
become
26 Number of communities visited for Family Planning awareness MHMS
pregnant
KPA3 Outcome 3: 27 Maternal deaths Yes
Improved 28 Under 5 mortality rate Yes P1: HC 3.2.1 MHMS
maternal, 29 Infant Mortality rate Yes MHMS
newborn and 30 Neo-natal Mortality rate Yes 3.2.2
child health 31 Proportion of births attended by skilled health personnel Yes 3.1.2 MHMS
32 Maternal mortality ratio 3.1.1 MHMS
33 Antenatal care coverage MHMS
34 Newborns weighing less 2500g at birth MHMS
35 One-year-old children immunized against measles MHMS

83
 Indicator Description Location
KPA Goal / Indicator KDP KV20 SDG Sector
Outcome
36 Newborn receiving Hep B birth dose (<24 hrs) MHMS
37 Number of active, trained community IMCI groups in Kiribati MHMS
38 Percentage of anaemia in pregnant women MHMS
39 Number of cases of pneumonia (children < 5) MHMS
40 Number of cases of severe diarrhea (children < 5) MHMS
41 Number of cases of overweight (children < 5) MHMS
42 Prevalence of stunting (height for age <-2 standard deviation from 2.2.1
the median of the World Health Organization (WHO) Child Growth
Standards) among children under 5 years of age
43 Prevalence of malnutrition (weight for height >+2 or <-2 standard 2.2.2
deviation from the median of the WHO Child Growth Standards)
among children under 5 years of age, by type (wasting and
overweight)
44 Rates of exclusive breastfeeding at birth MHMS
45 Rates of exclusive breastfeeding MHMS
KPA3 Outcome 4: 46 TB treatment success rates Yes
Prevention of 47 Refers to cases cured under DOTS MHMS
the 48 Tuberculosis detection rate P1: HC
introduction 49 Refers to incidence per 100,000 population 3.3.2
and spread of 50 Refers to notification rate MHMS
communicable 51 Hepatitis B incidence per 100,000 population 3.3.4
diseases, 52 Asks for tests conducted and percentage of positive cases MHMS
strengthened 53 Leprosy detection rate P1: HC
existing control
54 Refers TB prevalence rate MHMS
programmes
55 Number of schools having hand washing facilities MHMS
and ensuring
56 Lymphatic filariasis prevalence MHMS
Kiribati is
57 Number of tests conducted for STIs and percentage of positive MHMS
prepared for
cases
any future
outbreaks 58 Comprehensive correct knowledge of HIV/AIDS by gender (15-24 MHMS
years old)
59 Number of new HIV infections per 1,000 uninfected population, 3.3.1
by sex, age and key populations
60 Malaria incidence per 1,000 population 3.3.3
61 Number of people requiring interventions against neglected 3.3.5
tropical diseases
KPA3 Outcome 5: 62 Achievement of 7 International Health Regulations core capacities Yes
Gaps in health for surveillance and response
service delivery 63 Number of quarterly health and finance reports produced that Yes
are addressed track progress against core indicators for KHSP implementation
and the pillars 64 Number of health workers per 1,000 population Yes
of the health 65 Nurse patient Ratio P1: HC
system are 66 Doctors Patient Ratio P1: HC
strengthened 67 Health worker density and distribution 3.c.1
68 Availability of essential medicines and commodities at primary Yes
health care facilities.
69 Proportion of health facilities that have a core set of relevant 3.b.3
essential medicines available and affordable on a sustainable
basis
70 Number of outpatient consultations per capita Yes
71 % of hospitals with 5 specialized services P1: HC MHMS
72 Coverage of essential health services (defined as the average 3.8.1
coverage of essential services based on tracer interventions that
include reproductive, maternal, newborn and child health,
infectious diseases, non-communicable diseases and service
capacity and access, among the general and the most
disadvantaged population)
73 Proportion of population with large household expenditures on 3.8.2
health as a share of total household expenditure or income
74 Proportion of the target population covered by all vaccines 3.b.1
included in their national programme
75 International Health Regulations (IHR) capacity and health 3.d.1
emergency preparedness
76 % increase in number of health facilities/clinics P3
KPA3 Outcome 6: 77 Increased proportion of cases dealt with by the Family Health Yes
Improved Centre and other health facilities
access to high

84
 Indicator Description Location
KPA Goal / Indicator KDP KV20 SDG Sector
Outcome
quality and
appropriate
health care
services for
victims of
gender based
violence, and
services that
specifically
address the
needs of youth.
KPA3 Outcome 7: 78 Mortality rate from road traffic injuries - number and rate of Yes 3.6.1
Strengthened deaths per 100,000 population
road safety 79 Indicators asks for number of cases and not the rate MHMS
awareness 80 Number of road traffic injuries MHMS
KPA3 Relevant 81 Prevalence of Dental caries (5-6 yo) MHMS
indicators 82 Number of decayed missing filled teeth level (5-6 yo) MHMS
outside the 83 Number of maternal and child health services focusing on oral MHMS
outcomes of health
KPA3 84 Mortality rate attributed to household and ambient air pollution 3.9.1
85 Mortality rate attributed to unsafe water, unsafe sanitation and 3.9.2
lack of hygiene (exposure to unsafe Water, Sanitation and
Hygiene for All (WASH) services)
86 Mortality rate attributed to unintentional poisoning 3.9.3
KPA4 Outcome1: To 1 Number of programs to mitigate against climate change and Yes
strengthen number of programs to assist with adaptation to climate change
national 2 Number of mangroves planted Yes
capacity to 3 Number of countries that have communicated the establishment 13.2.1
effectively or operationalization of an integrated policy/strategy/plan which
respond to the increases their ability to adapt to the adverse impacts of climate
impacts of change, and foster climate resilience and low greenhouse gas
global climate emissions development in a manner that does not threaten food
changes production (including a national adaptation plan, nationally
determined contribution, national communication, biennial
update report or other)
4 Number of countries that have integrated mitigation, adaptation, 13.3.1
impact reduction and early warning into primary, secondary and
tertiary curricula
5 Number of countries that have communicated the strengthening 13.3.2
of institutional, systemic and individual capacity-building to
implement adaptation, mitigation and technology transfer, and
development actions
6 Number of least developed countries and small island developing 13.b.1
States that are receiving specialized support, and amount of
support, including finance, technology and capacity-building, for
mechanisms for raising capacities for effective climate change-
related planning and management, including focusing on women,
youth and local and marginalized communities
KPA4 Outcome2: 7 Crop production and diversity and livestock numbers increased Yes
Promotion of 8 A new Food and Nutrition Security Policy finalised in 2016 Yes
food and 9 The number of crop production technologies including Yes
nutrition hydroponics developed
diversity 10 Volume of production per labour unit by classes of 2.3.1
farming/pastoral/forestry enterprise size
11 Average income of small-scale food producers, by sex and 2.3.2
indigenous status
12 Proportion of agricultural area under productive and sustainable 2.4.1
agriculture
13 Number of plant and animal genetic resources for food and 2.5.1
agriculture secured in either medium- or long-term conservation
facilities
14 Proportion of local breeds classified as being at risk, not at risk or 2.5.2
at unknown level of risk of extinction
15 The agriculture orientation index for government expenditures 2.a.1
16 Agricultural export subsidies 2.b.1
17 Indicator of food price anomalies 2.c.1

85
 Indicator Description Location
KPA Goal / Indicator KDP KV20 SDG Sector
Outcome
KPA4 Outcome 3: 18 Biosecurity bill developed and implemented Yes
Improvements 19 Number of community agreements developed and signed for the Yes
in biodiversity establishment of conservation areas
including pest 20 Stock of fisheries maintained Yes
and disease 21 Increase number of policies, by-laws for protection of Marine and P1: NC
problems Natural Resources
identified, 22 Proportion of fish stocks within biologically sustainable levels 14.4.1
control 23 Progress by countries in the degree of implementation of 14.6.1
methods international instruments aiming to combat illegal, unreported
developed and and unregulated fishing
promoted, and 24 Coverage of protected areas in relation to marine areas 14.5.1
capacity to 25 Proportion of traded wildlife that was poached or illicitly 15.7.1,
respond to pest trafficked 15.c.1
problems 26 Proportion of countries adopting relevant national legislation and 15.8.1
strengthened.
adequately resourcing the prevention or control of invasive alien
species
27 Progress towards national targets established in accordance with 15.9.1
Aichi Biodiversity Target 2 of the Strategic Plan for Biodiversity
2011–2020
KPA4 Outcome 4: 28 Strengthened survey and planning capacity and improvements in Yes
Enhanced GIS and Data management systems
measures to 29 Ratio of land consumption rate to population growth rate 11.3.1
address land 30 Proportion of cities with a direct participation structure of civil 11.3.2
development society in urban planning and management that operate regularly
issues and democratically
31 Forest area as a proportion of total land area 15.1.1
32 Proportion of important sites for terrestrial and freshwater 15.1.2
biodiversity that are covered by protected areas, by ecosystem
type
33 Progress towards sustainable forest management 15.2.1
34 Proportion of land that is degraded over total land area 15.3.1
35 Coverage by protected areas of important sites for mountain 15.4.1
biodiversity
36 Mountain Green Cover Index 15.4.2
37 Red List Index 15.5.1
KPA4 Outcome 5: 38 Number of landfill sites improved Yes
Behavioural 39 Waste recovery facility is managed Yes
change through 40 Proportion of urban solid waste regularly collected and with 11.6.1
education, adequate final discharge out of total urban solid waste generated,
awareness by cities
raising and 41 Annual mean levels of fine particulate matter (e.g. PM2.5 and 11.6.2
research that PM10) in cities (population weighted)
promotes best 42 Number of parties to international multilateral environmental 12.4.1
waste agreements on hazardous waste, and other chemicals that meet
management their commitments and obligations in transmitting information as
and pollution required by each relevant agreement
prevention 43 Hazardous waste generated per capita and proportion of 12.4.2
practices hazardous waste treated, by type of treatment
44 National recycling rate, tons of material recycled 12.5.1
KPA4 Outcome 6: 45 Urban Development Policy approved Yes
Improved 46 CO2 emission per unit of value added 9.4.1
quality of the
environment in
urban areas.
KPA4 Relevant 47 Index of coastal eutrophication and floating plastic debris density 14.1.1
indicators 48 Proportion of national exclusive economic zones managed using 14.2.1
outside the ecosystem-based approaches
outcomes of 49 Average marine acidity (pH) measured at agreed suite of 14.3.1
KPA4 representative sampling stations
50 Number of countries making progress in ratifying, accepting and 14.c.1
implementing through legal, policy and institutional frameworks,
ocean-related instruments that implement international law, as
reflected in the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea,
for the conservation and sustainable use of the oceans and their
resources

86
 Indicator Description Location
KPA Goal / Indicator KDP KV20 SDG Sector
Outcome
KPA5 Outcome 1: 1 Number of training sessions carried out to raise the capacity of Yes
National staff and increase policy documentation and tools for urban
governance management
systems 2 Review undertaken of Village Banks to provide micro finance to Yes
improved to the outer islands
promote the 3 Review undertaken of the National Youth Policy Yes
principles of 4 Finalisation and Launching of the Kiribati National Disability Policy Yes
good 5 Domestic violence reduced Yes P1: HC
governance 6 Proportion of ever-partnered women and girls aged 15 years and 5.2.1
including older subjected to physical, sexual or psychological violence by a
accountability, current or former intimate partner in the previous 12 months, by
transparency, form of violence and by age
and 7 Proportion of women and girls aged 15 years and older subjected 5.2.2
inclusiveness. to sexual violence by persons other than an intimate partner in
the previous 12 months, by age and place of occurrence
8 Proportion of population reporting having personally felt 10.3.1,
discriminated against or harassed in the previous 12 months on 16.b.1
the basis of a ground of discrimination prohibited under
international human rights law
9 Proportion of persons victim of physical or sexual harassment, by 11.7.2
sex, age, disability status and place of occurrence, in the previous
12 months
10 Number of victims of intentional homicide per 100,000 16.1.1
population, by sex and age
11 Conflict-related deaths per 100,000 population, by sex, age and 16.1.2
cause
12 Proportion of population subjected to physical, psychological or 16.1.3
sexual violence in the previous 12 months
13 Proportion of population that feel safe walking alone around the 16.1.4
area they live
14 Proportion of children aged 1–17 years who experienced any 16.2.1
physical punishment and/or psychological aggression by
caregivers in the past month
15 Number of victims of human trafficking per 100,000 population, 16.2.2
by sex, age and form of exploitation
16 Proportion of young women and men aged 18–29 years who 16.2.3
experienced sexual violence by age 18
17 Proportion of victims of violence in the previous 12 months who 16.3.1
reported their victimization to competent authorities or other
officially recognized conflict resolution mechanisms
18 Unsentenced detainees as a proportion of overall prison 16.3.2
population
19 Implementation Plan endorsed of the community outreach Yes
programs on Parenting skills and social welfare
20 % coverage of positive parenting P1: HC
21 % coverage of young couples initiative P1: HC
22 Finalisation and endorsement of the National Gender Equality and Yes
Women Development Policy
23 Whether or not legal frameworks are in place to promote, enforce 5.1.1
and monitor equality and non- discrimination on the basis of sex
24 Development of a National cooperative Policy to strengthen Yes
cooperatives and credit unions
25 Number of performance audits carried out of Ministries and SOEs Yes
undertaken by KNAO
26 Improvements to the police service including response levels, Yes
correction skills, the proper maintenance of records, data
collection analysis and reporting, intelligence gathering and
analysis through the establishment of a command centre,
discipline and ethical standards, investigation and prosecution
skills and case management, community dispute resolution and
crime prevention, addressing domestic violence.
27 Meet and monitor the implementation of Kiribati's obligations Yes
under ratified international conventions including the Human
Rights Convention, the Convention on the Elimination of all forms
of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW), the Convention on

87
 Indicator Description Location
KPA Goal / Indicator KDP KV20 SDG Sector
Outcome
the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, the Convention on the
Rights of the Child, and the Convention Against Corruption.
28 Review the incorporated Societies Act and Religious bodies Yes
Registration legislation and regulations to build a strong NGO
sector and support to faith-based organisations
29 Number of public service audits carried out to improve the public Yes
service governance through adopting transparency and
accountability in services delivery by Government employees
30 National Security Strategic Policy framework established P2
31 % of modernized security management systems (border control P2
system and Kiribati Metrological services weather and climate
variability data and information)
32 % of legislations reviewed and updated P2
33 % of policies/national plans reviewed and updated P2
34 % increase in the number of well-equipped stations/institutions P2
established and operational
35 Increase in the number of partnerships with communities/NGOs, P2
faith-based organisations and Island Councils
36 % increase in number of partnership programme with faith based P4
and community-based organisations
37 % increase in the number of International Partnerships P2
38 % of Revised updated and introduced legislations, by laws and P4
policy frameworks underpinning good governance
39 % increase in compliance to UNCAC integrity and independence P4
requirement
40 % increase in compliance to international transparency, integrity P4
and independence requirement
41 Develop and implement education and public awareness P4
42 Proportion of local administrative units with established and 6.b.1
operational policies and procedures for participation of local
communities in water and sanitation management
43 Investments in energy efficiency as a proportion of GDP and the 7.b.1
amount of foreign direct investment in financial transfer for
infrastructure and technology to sustainable development
services
44 Financial Soundness Indicators 10.5.1
45 Number of countries that have adopted legislative, administrative 15.6.1
and policy frameworks to ensure fair and equitable sharing of
benefits (of genetic resources)
46 Total value of inward and outward illicit financial flows (in current 16.4.1
United States dollars)
47 Proportion of seized, found or surrendered arms whose illicit 16.4.2
origin or context has been traced or established by a competent
authority in line with international instruments
48 Proportion of persons who had at least one contact with a public 16.5.1
official and who paid a bribe to a public official, or were asked for
a bribe by those public officials, during the previous 12 months
49 Proportion of businesses that had at least one contact with a 16.5.2
public official and that paid a bribe to a public official, or were
asked for a bribe by those public officials during the previous
12 months
50 Primary government expenditures as a proportion of original 16.6.1
approved budget, by sector (or by budget codes or similar)
51 Proportion of population satisfied with their last experience of 16.6.2
public services
52 Proportions of positions (by sex, age, persons with disabilities and 16.7.1
population groups) in public institutions (national and local
legislatures, public service, and judiciary) compared to national
distributions
53 Proportion of population who believe decision-making is inclusive 16.7.2
and responsive, by sex, age, disability and population group
54 Proportion of children under 5 years of age whose births have 16.9.1
been registered with a civil authority, by age
55 Number of verified cases of killing, kidnapping, enforced 16.10.1
disappearance, arbitrary detention and torture of journalists,

88
 Indicator Description Location
KPA Goal / Indicator KDP KV20 SDG Sector
Outcome
associated media personnel, trade unionists and human rights
advocates in the previous 12 months
56 Number of countries that adopt and implement constitutional, 16.10.2
statutory and/or policy guarantees for public access to
information
57 Existence of independent national human rights institutions in 16.a.1
compliance with the Paris Principles
58 Macroeconomic Dashboard 17.13.1
59 Number of countries with mechanisms in place to enhance policy 17.14.1
coherence of sustainable development
60 Number of countries reporting progress in multi-stakeholder 17.16.1
development effectiveness monitoring frameworks that support
the achievement of the sustainable development goals
61 Amount of United States dollars committed to public-private and 17.17.1
civil society partnerships
KP6A Outcome 1: 1 Completed causeway between Betio and Bairiki Yes
Improve access 2 Number of Outer Island roads and airfields upgraded Yes
to quality 3 Number of islands with Dash 8 rated airfields (out of 19) P3
climate change 4 Runway Lights for Cassidy Airport P3
resilient 5 Proportion of the rural population who live within 2 km of an all- 9.1.1
infrastructure in season road
urban and rural 6 Proportion of population that has convenient access to public 11.2.1
areas. transport, by sex, age and persons with disabilities
7 Kanton Airfield and port facilities improved Yes
8 Number of Transhipment Hubs Developed P1: NC
9 Number of new coastal protection initiatives completed Yes
10 Maintenance plan for major infrastructures adopted Yes
11 South Tarawa Sanitation Improvement Sector Project completed Yes
12 A number of solar, bio-fuel, mini-grid and wind energy systems Yes
installed
13 Proportion of population with primary reliance on clean fuels and 7.1.2
technology
14 % of energy service coverage P3
15 Renewable energy share in the total final energy consumption 7.2.1
16 Energy intensity measured in terms of primary energy and GDP 7.3.1
17 Three solar photovoltaic systems connected to the PUB GRID Yes
systems completed
18 Proportion of population with access to electricity 7.1.1
19 Energy efficient standards adopted Yes
20 Fuel supply contract based on internationally acceptable Yes
standards concluded and adopted
21 Number of solar energy connections Yes
22 Number of new tanks for rain water installed Yes
23 Number of households accessing portable water P3
24 Proportion of population using safely managed drinking water 6.1.1
services
25 Proportion of wastewater safely treated 6.3.1
26 Proportion of bodies of water with good ambient water quality 6.3.2
27 Change in water-use efficiency over time 6.4.1
28 Level of water stress: freshwater withdrawal as a proportion of 6.4.2
available
29 Degree of integrated water resources management 6.5.1
30 Proportion of transboundary basin area with an operational 6.5.2
arrangement for water cooperation
31 Change in the extent of water-related ecosystems over time 6.6.1
32 Number of hand pumps installed Yes
33 Kiribati Aviation Investment Project.(KAIP) completed Yes
34 PUB reforms carried out to improved quality, sustainability and Yes
efficiency in the delivery of services for power, water and
sewerage for the people of south Tarawa at affordable tariff.
35 PVU operations reviewed and reformed Yes
36 Rates of water distribution improved in Kiritimati Yes
37 Increase rate of usage of mobile phones and the internet Yes
38 Number of mobile connectivity P3
39 Proportion of individuals who own a mobile telephone, by sex 5.b.1

89
 Indicator Description Location
KPA Goal / Indicator KDP KV20 SDG Sector
Outcome
40 Proportion of population covered by a mobile network, by 9.c.1
technology
41 Proportion of individuals using the Internet 17.8.1
42 Number of islands connection to improve telecommunication Yes
connectivity for the outer islands
43 Fixed Internet broadband subscriptions per 100 inhabitants, by 17.6.2
speed
44 Number of islands with tar-sealed roads (out of 19) P3
45 Number of flight schedules per month P3
46 Average number of shipping voyages per month P3
47 Number of main island sea-ports rehabilitated P3
48 Passenger and freight volumes, by mode of transport 9.1.2
49 % of internet penetration P3
50 Number of broadband users P3
51 Number of households with suitable toilet facilities P3
52 Proportion of population using safely managed sanitation 6.2.1
services, including a hand-washing facility with soap and water
53 Research and development expenditure as a proportion of GDP 9.5.1
54 Researchers (in full-time equivalent) per million inhabitants 9.5.2
55 Proportion of medium and high-tech industry value added in total 9.b.1
value added
56 Number of new island sport centres P3
Pillar 1: Cultural 1 National Plan/framework to safeguard and revive tangible and P1: CC
Capital intangible cultural and historical heritages
2 Number of cultural sites and monuments/shrines maintained P1: CC
3 Number of historical sites maintained P1: CC
4 Number of cultural institutions/attractions/centres built P1: CC
5 Number of cultural festivals P1: CC
6 Number of cultural groups/tours/exchange programs P1: CC

90
 Appendix 2: Kiribati Indicator Set
Location Actual Data Values
KPA Indicator 2015 Most Recent
KDP KV20 SDG Sector (Baseline) Year Value
Primary
91.5% certified
KDP: The proportion of teachers having the required minimum qualification to 94.2% qualified
teach
Junior Secondary
KPA1 SDG 4.c.1: Proportion of teachers in: (a) pre-primary; (b) primary; (c) lower Yes 4.c.1 MoE 2016 69.2% certified
secondary; and (d) upper secondary education who have received at least the 73.8% qualified
minimum organized teacher training (e.g. pedagogical training) pre-service or
in-service required for teaching at the relevant level in a given country Senior Secondary
46.3% certified
79.1% qualified
KPA1 Reduction of student teacher ratios in primary education. Yes 31.3 2016 25.7
KPA1 Net enrolment rate for males and females in primary education Yes P1: HC 96.4 males, 100 females 2016 96.7 males, 100 females
KPA1 Survival Rate for Class 5 for males and females Yes 87% 2016 93%
KPA1 Transition Rate from Class 6 to Form 1 for males and females Yes 92% 2016 98%
Year 4
91

Numeracy = 93%
Literacy = 73%
Proportion of students performing at or above the STAKI expected level is
KPA1 Yes 2015
raised.
Year 6
Numeracy = 72%
Literacy = 56%
KPA1 80% Survival Rate to Year 6 MoE 0.74 2016 0.96
GPI Lower Secondary Trained
Parity indices (female/male, rural/urban, bottom/top wealth quintile and
teachers = 0.98, GPI Primary
others such as disability status, indigenous peoples and conflict-affected, as
KPA1 4.5.1 2014 trained teachers = 1.03, GPI
data become available) for all education indicators on this list that can be
Upper secondary trained
disaggregated
teachers = 1.05
Participation rate in organized learning (one year before the official primary
KPA1 4.2.2 2014 70
entry age), by sex
KPA2 Real GDP growth Yes 10.3 2016 1.1
KPA2 Annual growth rate of real GDP per capita 8.1.1 8.8 2016 -0.2
KPA2 Annual growth rate of real GDP per employed person 8.2.1 10.2 2016 1.0
KPA2 Total government revenue as a proportion of GDP, by source 17.1.1 143 2016 117
KPA2 Proportion of domestic budget funded by domestic taxes 17.1.2 26% 2016 22%
KPA2 Increased revenue from fishing licenses Yes $197.8m 2016 $171.1m
KPA2 Increased revenue Yes $253.3m 2016 $209.3m
KPA2 Private sector employment growth Yes 6.4 2016 11.2
KPA2 % Private Sector Contribution to GDP P1: NC 44 2016 48
 Location Actual Data Values
KPA Indicator 2015 Most Recent
KDP KV20 SDG Sector (Baseline) Year Value
% of GDP =2.7 ; US dollars per
KPA2 Manufacturing value added as a proportion of GDP and per capita 9.2.1 2016
capita =60
KPA2 Manufacturing employment as a proportion of total employment 9.2.2 2016 14.3
Domestic material consumption, domestic material consumption per capita, 8.4.2, Million tons (0.5), Tons per capita
KPA2 2010
and domestic material consumption per GDP 12.2.2 (4.7), Kg per 1 US dollar (4.4)
Reduce the proportion of people of all ages living below the national poverty
KPA2 Yes 1.2.1 2006 21.8
line of 2006
The number of people living in extreme poverty, currently
KPA2 Yes 1.1.1 2006 14.1
estimated at less than $1.25 a day
2013
Employe 32.8 (2013, Employed covered
Proportion of men, women and children of all ages living in poverty in all its d, 2006 for work injury), 4.57 (2006,
KPA2 1.2.2
dimensions according to national definitions Total, Total), 4.84 (2006, Poorest
poorest Quintile)
quintile
2006-
social
Proportion of population covered by social protection floors/systems, by sex,
assistanc Social insurance (4.6), social
distinguishing children, unemployed persons, older persons, persons with
KPA2 1.3.1 e, 2013- insurance poorest quintile (4.8),
disabilities, pregnant women, newborns, work-injury victims and the poor and
92

work Work injury cover (32.8)

the vulnerable
injury
cover
Proportion of urban population living in slums, informal settlements or
KPA2 11.1.1 42.54
inadequate housing
KPA2 Increased revenue from fishing licenses Yes AUD 197.8m 2016 AUD 171.1m
Outbound Tourism=9.1%,
KPA2 Tourism direct GDP as a proportion of total GDP and in growth rate 8.9.1 2014
Inbound tourism=2.2%
1.6% = 462 Total jobs in
KPA2 Proportion of jobs in sustainable tourism industries out of total 8.9.2 2017 accommodation establishment
sector
KPA2 Value of Domestic Trade P1: NC 137m 2016 147m
548 total layouts for commercial
areas in Kiritimati. (area given
KPA2 Land allocated for commercial investment P1: NC 2018
for 1 layout is 0.25 acres) and
20.686 acres for south Tarawa
Updated
GLUP
has been
GLUP has been established All of South Tarawa and
KPA2 General land use plan for government owned land P1: NC endorsed
since 1990s Christmas Island
by
HMELAD
in 2017
 Location Actual Data Values
KPA Indicator 2015 Most Recent
KDP KV20 SDG Sector (Baseline) Year Value
667acres

Proposal site for commercial

House of Parliament in Ambo
KPA2 Size of new reclaimed and raised land area P1: NC 2023 purposes with 219.5acres
and Kiribati Port Authority
(reclaimed land at KPA Port
opposite High Court in Betio for
commercial areas
UNStats: % of GDP (9.98),
KPA2 Volume of remittances (in United States dollars) as a proportion of total GDP 17.3.2 ESCAP: % of GDP (9.9), Million
US (16)
(15-24): (total 54.0, female 61.8,
male 47.6), 15+: (total 30.6,
KPA2 National Unemployment Rate P1: HC 8.5.2 37.5 unemployment rate 2010 female 34.1, male 27.6),
25+:(total 20.9, female 22.8,
male 19.2)
Proportion of youth (aged 15–24 years) not in education, employment or
KPA2 8.6.1 73.9
training
2001-
Proportion of total government spending on essential services (education, Educatio
KPA2 1.a.2 Education (11.5), Health (5.8)
93

health and social protection) n, 2014-

Health
(a) Number of commercial bank branches per 100,000 adults and (b) number of
KPA2 8.10.1 2013 (a) 5.7, (b) 14.3
automated teller machines (ATMs) per 100,000 adults
Debt management policy (no
more borrowing for SOEs), refer
to debt policy:

A. Government will avoid use of

non-concessional debt for
Central Government operations
(including the use of ANZ
overdraft facilities);
KPA2 Effective debt management controls Yes 48.5M 2018 B. All borrowing and issuance of
guarantees should provide
economic or social benefits to
Kiribati and generate financial
returns adequate to cover the
cost of servicing debt;
C. Appropriate authority will be
gained for all borrowing and
issuance of guarantees;
D. Cabinet and decision-makers
 Location Actual Data Values
KPA Indicator 2015 Most Recent
KDP KV20 SDG Sector (Baseline) Year Value
will receive appropriate advice
before authorizing any borrowing
and guarantees.
Performance to Benchmark:

BlackRock = +0.16pp (12m to

Efficient utilisation of the Sovereign Wealth Fund (the RERF) and May 2018)
KPA2 Yes 2018
enhancements in its management. +0.3pp (since inception)
NorthernTrust = -0.01pp (12m to
May 2018)
-0.03pp (since inception)
KPA2 Improved value of the RERF Yes P1: NC $756.3m 2018 $968.1m
KPA2 Place State Owned Enterprises on a more commercial footing Yes $5.7m total profits 2013 $11.6m total profits
KPA2 Production of a National Strategy for the Development of Statistics. Yes 2017 No
Number of countries with a national statistical plan that is fully funded and
KPA2 17.18.3 2017 No
under implementation, by source of funding
No
Number of countries that have national statistical legislation that complies with
KPA2 17.18.2 No 2017 Potential production of NSDS in
the Fundamental Principles of Official Statistics
94

2018 which will possibly include

of review of statistics legislation
Proportion of countries that (a) have conducted at least one population and
KPA2 housing census in the last 10 years; and (b) have achieved 100 per cent birth 17.19.2 2017 a) yes, b) no
registration and 80 per cent death registration
KPA3 Adult mortality rate from NCDs (30-69 years) Yes P1: HC 45.9 2016 43.4
KPA3 Number of diabetes related amputations Yes MHMS 69 2017 65
KPA3 Prevalence of undernourishment 2.1.1 UNStats: <5.0, ESCAP: 2.0
KPA3 Prevalence of diabetes by gender MHMS f-412 m-325 2017 f-620 m-491
KPA3 Number of cervical smear tests, HPV tests and percentage of cases MHMS 125 2017 1564
KPA3 Number of hypertension cases detected and treated MHMS 2627 2017 2473
48.4 (females=37, males =
Age-standardized prevalence of current tobacco use among persons aged 15
KPA3 3.a.1 60.5). females= 27, males= 51 2013 54
years and older
(2015 Census)
Mortality rate attributed to cardiovascular disease, cancer, diabetes or chronic
KPA3 3.4.1 28.2 (male=33.5, female=23.4)
respiratory disease
Total=14.3, Female=6.3,
KPA3 Suicide mortality rate 3.4.2 Male=22.5 2017 males/7
males/4
Harmful use of alcohol, defined according to the national context as alcohol
KPA3 per capita consumption (aged 15 years and older) within a calendar year in 3.5.2 2016 2.7
litres of pure alcohol
 Location Actual Data Values
KPA Indicator 2015 Most Recent
KDP KV20 SDG Sector (Baseline) Year Value
Adolescent birth rate for 10-14 years, 15-19 years per 1,000 girls in that age 2010: 3.4 and 33.1 (10-14 and
KPA3 Yes 3.7.2 2017 1.7 and 45.2 (2017)
group 15-19 ASFRs from MHMS data)
Contraceptive Use: Contraceptive contacts (all forms) as seen at health
KPA3 Yes 531.2 2017 269.5
facilities per 1,000 population
Proportion of women of reproductive age (aged 15-49 years) who have their
KPA3 3.7.1 2009 35.8
need for family planning satisfied with modern methods
KPA3 Fertility rate P1: HC MHMS 3.7 2017 3.5
KPA3 Contraceptive prevalence rate (15-49 yo) MHMS 22.1 2017 27.1
KPA3 Number of teenage pregnancy MHMS 179 2017 272
KPA3 Maternal deaths Yes 4 2017 1
2010/201
KPA3 Under 5 mortality rate Yes P1: HC 3.2.1 MHMS 55.9 (UNSD) /59.1 (MHMS) 59/44
7
KPA3 Infant Mortality rate Yes MHMS 32.4 2017 26.4
KPA3 Neo-natal Mortality rate Yes 3.2.2 23.7 (UNSD)/10.2 (MHMS) 2017 25.6/11.1
KPA3 Proportion of births attended by skilled health personnel Yes 3.1.2 MHMS 88.2 2017 93
KPA3 Maternal mortality ratio 3.1.1 MHMS 90 2008-12 81.4
KPA3 Newborns weighing less 2500g at birth MHMS 129 2017 220
KPA3 One-year-old children immunized against measles MHMS 89.2 2015 92.2
Prevalence of stunting (height for age <-2 standard deviation from the median
95

KPA3 of the World Health Organization (WHO) Child Growth Standards) among 2.2.1 1985 34.4
children under 5 years of age
Prevalence of malnutrition (weight for height >+2 or <-2 standard deviation
KPA3 from the median of the WHO Child Growth Standards) among children under 2.2.2 1985 12.6 (wasting), 15.9 (overweight)
5 years of age, by type (wasting and overweight)
KPA3 Rates of exclusive breastfeeding at birth MHMS 2009 78.9% (babies in first month)
KPA3 Rates of exclusive breastfeeding MHMS 2009 78.9% (babies in first month)
KPA3 TB treatment success rates Yes 2012 89%
KPA3 Tuberculosis detection rate P1: HC 421.1 2017 353.2
KPA3 Refers to incidence per 100,000 population 3.3.2 551
KPA3 Leprosy detection rate P1: HC 162 2017 200
KPA3 Number of schools having hand washing facilities MHMS 4%
Number of new HIV infections per 1,000 uninfected population, by sex, age and
KPA3 3.3.1 2 2017 1
key populations
KPA3 Malaria incidence per 1,000 population 3.3.3 0 2017 0
KPA3 Number of people requiring interventions against neglected tropical diseases 3.3.5 33,294
Number of quarterly health and finance reports produced that track progress
KPA3 Yes 2017 4
against core indicators for KHSP implementation
KPA3 Number of health workers per 1,000 population Yes 3.9 2017 4.2 (combination of all 4)
0.25 (Dentist), 4.62
KPA3 Health worker density and distribution 3.c.1 2013 (nurses/midwives), 0.14
(Pharmacy), 0.2 (Physicians),
 Location Actual Data Values
KPA Indicator 2015 Most Recent
KDP KV20 SDG Sector (Baseline) Year Value
KPA3 Number of outpatient consultations per capita Yes 5.2 2017 4.9
International Health Regulations (IHR) capacity and health emergency
KPA3 3.d.1 2014 60.1
preparedness
KPA3 % increase in number of health facilities/clinics P3 102 2017 106
Mortality rate from road traffic injuries - number and rate of deaths per 2013/201
KPA3 Yes 3.6.1 0.2 2.9/10.9
100,000 population 7
Mortality rate - ambient air: 0.0,
Hhold air: 80.1 & Crude death
KPA3 Mortality rate attributed to household and ambient air pollution 3.9.1 2012
rate - ambient air: 0.0, Hhold air:
46
Mortality rate attributed to unsafe water, unsafe sanitation and lack of hygiene
KPA3 3.9.2 2012est 15.9
(exposure to unsafe Water, Sanitation and Hygiene for All (WASH) services)
Total (2.0), Female (1.4), Male
KPA3 Mortality rate attributed to unintentional poisoning 3.9.3
(2.7)
1) Developing the community
based mangrove management
plans in selected outer islands (6
CBMMP established with Nooto –
North Tarawa, Onomaru –
96

Number of programs to mitigate against climate change and number of Butaritari, Tabontebike,
KPA4 Yes
programs to assist with adaptation to climate change Tanimainiku, Reina, Baretoa -
Abemama). 2) The mangrove
planting (South Tarawa, North
Tarawa, Butaritari, Abemama,
Aranuka, Makin, Kuria) 3)
Eradication of mynah birds
2016-
KPA4 Number of mangroves planted Yes 30,832 mangroves planted
2018
UNStats: Locally adapted and
exotic animal breeds = 5, Animal
Number of plant and animal genetic resources for food and agriculture secured genetic resources = 0, ESCAP:
KPA4 2.5.1 2013
in either medium- or long-term conservation facilities Genetic resources stored = 0, for
reconstituion = 0, operational in
virto gene bank = No
Proportion of local breeds classified as being at risk, not at risk or at unknown At risk=0, not at risk=0,
KPA4 2.5.2 2017
level of risk of extinction unknown=100
KPA4 Coverage of protected areas in relation to marine areas 14.5.1 2016 11.81
KPA4 Forest area as a proportion of total land area 15.1.1 15
UNStats: 65.68, ESCAP:
Proportion of important sites for terrestrial and freshwater biodiversity that
KPA4 15.1.2 2016 Terrestrial-65.7% (2017),
are covered by protected areas, by ecosystem type
Freshwater-50.0% (2016)
KPA4 Progress towards sustainable forest management 15.2.1 2010 2.00%
 Location Actual Data Values
KPA Indicator 2015 Most Recent
KDP KV20 SDG Sector (Baseline) Year Value
UNStats = 0.77, ESCAP:
KPA4 Red List Index 15.5.1 2017est Index=0.8, Number of
speices=102
3 existing landfills (1 Betio, 2.
Nanikaai, 3. Bikenibeu) have now
KPA4 Number of landfill sites improved Yes
been improved under current NZ-
UDP project
Kaoki Maange (recycling of cans)
is still operational under its
current contract and
KPA4 Waste recovery facility is managed Yes
environment licence; monitored
by MELAD(PPU) and ECD
respectively
Annual mean levels of fine particulate matter (e.g. PM2.5 and PM10) in cities
KPA4 11.6.2 2012 5.1 Micrograms per m3
(population weighted)
Basel Convention=16.67,
Number of parties to international multilateral environmental agreements on
Montreal Protocol=100,
KPA4 hazardous waste, and other chemicals that meet their commitments and 12.4.1
Rotterdam Convention=0,
obligations in transmitting information as required by each relevant agreement
Stockholm Convention=33.3
97

Draft policy is in a finalization

KPA4 Urban Development Policy approved Yes stage which is yet to be endorsed
end of this month.
Number of training sessions carried out to raise the capacity of staff and
KPA5 Yes 2017 3
increase policy documentation and tools for urban management
Proportion of ever-partnered women and girls aged 15 years and older Emotional violence = 30.1,
KPA5 subjected to physical, sexual or psychological violence by a current or former 5.2.1 2008 Physical violence = 32.4, Sexual
intimate partner in the previous 12 months, by form of violence and by age violence = 33.7
Proportion of women and girls aged 15 years and older subjected to sexual
Kiribati = 9.8, South Tarawa =
KPA5 violence by persons other than an intimate partner in the previous 12 months, 5.2.2 2008
10.1, Outer Is = 9.6
by age and place of occurrence
Total=7.5/100,000 (2012)
Number of victims of intentional homicide per 100,000 population, by sex and
KPA5 16.1.1 2010/12 69.4% males, 30.6% females
age
(2010)
Proportion of children aged 1–17 years who experienced any physical
KPA5 16.2.1 2008 81.0% (2-14 yo)
punishment and/or psychological aggression by caregivers in the past month
KPA5 Unsentenced detainees as a proportion of overall prison population 16.3.2 9.80%
Kiribati Status Report to the UN
Meet and monitor the implementation of Kiribati's obligations under ratified
on Ratified Human Rights
international conventions including the Human Rights Convention, the
Convention (CEDAW, CRC, CRPD
KPA5 Convention on the Elimination of all forms of Discrimination against Women Yes
and UPR), Kiribati Self-
(CEDAW), the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, the
Assessment report, Resolution to
Convention on the Rights of the Child, and the Convention Against Corruption.
the UNCAC 7/5 and 7/6,
 Location Actual Data Values
KPA Indicator 2015 Most Recent
KDP KV20 SDG Sector (Baseline) Year Value
% of staff audited:
MLPD = 41%
MWYSA = 50%
Number of public service audits carried out to improve the public service MEHR = 25%
2016-
KPA5 governance through adopting transparency and accountability in services Yes 2016 MFMRD = 50%
2017
delivery by Government employees MFED = 50%
MIA = 20%
MCIC = 41%
MISE = 40%
Establishment of;
Parliamentary Select
1) Anti-corruption Committee,
2) Leadership
2016-
KPA5 % increase in compliance to UNCAC integrity and independence requirement P4 2016 Commission
2017
3) Public Service Integrity
and Corruption Control Unit
4) National
Anti-corruption Committee
% increase in compliance to international transparency, integrity and 2016-
KPA5 P4 2016
98

independence requirement 2017

Countries that have legislative,
administrative & policy
framework or measures reported
to the Access and Benefit-Sharing
Clearing-House = 0
Countries that are parties to the
Nagoya Protocol = 0
Countries that have legislative,
Number of countries that have adopted legislative, administrative and policy administrative & policy
KPA5 frameworks to ensure fair and equitable sharing of benefits (of genetic 15.6.1 2012-17 framework or measures reported
resources) through PGRFA = 0
Countries that are contracting
Parties to PGRFA = 1
Total reported number of
Standard Material Transfer
Agreements (SMTAs) transferring
plant genetic resources for food
and agriculture to the country =
3.
Proportions of positions (by sex, age, persons with disabilities and population Women's share of positions in:
KPA5 groups) in public institutions (national and local legislatures, public service, and 16.7.1 Parliament = 7%; Secretary or
judiciary) compared to national distributions Ministry positions= 54%; Police
 Location Actual Data Values
KPA Indicator 2015 Most Recent
KDP KV20 SDG Sector (Baseline) Year Value
officers = 5%; Judges = 44%;
Island Council clerks = 75%; NGO
managers = 42%; CEOs in State
Owned Enterprises = 15%.
Proportion of children under 5 years of age whose births have been registered
KPA5 16.9.1 2009 93.5
with a civil authority, by age
Number of verified cases of killing, kidnapping, enforced disappearance,
KPA5 arbitrary detention and torture of journalists, associated media personnel, 16.10.1 2015 0
trade unionists and human rights advocates in the previous 12 months
Number of countries reporting progress in multi-stakeholder development
KPA5 effectiveness monitoring frameworks that support the achievement of the 17.16.1 2017 No
sustainable development goals
KPA6 Completed causeway between Betio and Bairiki Yes Commenced in 2017 Due for completion in 2020.
KPA6 Number of Outer Island roads and airfields upgraded Yes Yes All O/I airfield being upgraded 2017 15 out of 17
7 airfields to be rated for Dash
KPA6 Number of islands with Dash 8 rated airfields (out of 19) Yes 2018 2out of 7
8 operations
KPA6 Kanton Airfield and port facilities improved Yes Runway improved 2017 Minor works done
2 (i.e, 1 in South Tarawa and 1
KPA6 Number of Transhipment Hubs Developed Yes 2017 No
in Xmas Island
99

2015- seawalls: outer islands 15;

KPA6 Number of new coastal protection initiatives completed Yes
2017 S.Tarawa 35
KPA6 Maintenance plan for major infrastructures adopted Yes No 2017 No
KPA6 South Tarawa Sanitation Improvement Sector Project completed Yes 0.2 2018 Ongoing - 80% complete
KPA6 Proportion of population with primary reliance on clean fuels and technology 7.1.2 2014 0.032
KPA6 Renewable energy share in the total final energy consumption 7.2.1 2014 2.95
KPA6 Energy intensity measured in terms of primary energy and GDP 7.3.1 2014 4.8 MJ per unit of GDP
Three solar photovoltaic systems connected to the PUB GRID systems
KPA6 Yes 2016 Complete
completed
KPA6 Proportion of population with access to electricity 7.1.1 2014est 48.1, rural=22.2, urban=80.8
Regulation on energy efficiency
KPA6 Energy efficient standards adopted Yes 2018 standard to be incorporated into
Consumer Protection Act in 2018.
4,997 households have one
KPA6 Number of new tanks for rain water installed Yes 2018 423 additional tanks since 2016
tank or more
KPA6 Proportion of population using safely managed drinking water services 6.1.1 98.9
Scheduled to be complete end
KPA6 Kiribati Aviation Investment Project.(KAIP) completed Yes Project commenced 2018
2018 / start 2019
KPA6 Rates of water distribution improved in Kiritimati Yes 29% 2018 To be completed by mid-2018
KPA6 Increase rate of usage of mobile phones and the internet Yes 25232 2017 46123
KPA6 Proportion of individuals who own a mobile telephone, by sex 5.b.1 2013 16.6 per 100
KPA6 Proportion of population covered by a mobile network, by technology 9.c.1 2G=70, 3G=63, 4G=54 2016 4G=64.1
 Location Actual Data Values
KPA Indicator 2015 Most Recent
KDP KV20 SDG Sector (Baseline) Year Value
Number of islands connection to improve telecommunication connectivity for
KPA6 Yes 8 2017 9
the outer islands
UNStats=0.11 (2015),
KPA6 Fixed Internet broadband subscriptions per 100 inhabitants, by speed 17.6.2 ESCAP=0.1 (256kb-2mb), 0.0 2017 0.001
(2mb-10mb)
KPA6 Number of islands with tar-sealed roads (out of 19) P3 1 = South Tarawa
36 per wk Domestic scheduled
Domestic & international
KPA6 Number of flight schedules per month Yes 2017 flights/4 international flights per
scheduled flights per week
week
KPA6 Average number of shipping voyages per month P3 2018 3 trips per month
Million passenger-km = 0,
KPA6 Passenger and freight volumes, by mode of transport 9.1.2
Million ton-km = 23
KPA6 % of internet penetration Yes P3 13.7 2017 60
KPA6 Number of broadband users P3 16598 2017 48901
KPA6 Number of households with suitable toilet facilities P3 62.1% (11,031 hhs)
UNStats = 65.2; ESCAP has
Proportion of population using safely managed sanitation services, including a open defecation figures = 34.6
KPA6 6.2.1
hand-washing facility with soap and water (total), 15.2 (urban), 50.1
(rural)
100
 Appendix 3: KDP 2016-19 Results Framework
National Strategies Key Performance Target Data Notes
Results/Outcomes Indicators
KDP 1: Human Resource Development
Key Objective: Improve the quality of education and training to provide students with the skills and capability to progress to a productive future by 2019
Outcome 1: An ➢ Lift enrolment and Net enrolment rate for 100% 2016: 96.7 males,
education and training participation of 6 year olds in males and females in 100 females
system where quality, Year 1substantially through primary education
inclusive, equitable, promotion of successful early
technical and engagement in learning as a Net Intake Rate for 100% No data provided
professional critical foundation for further males and females
development learning.
opportunities are ➢ As the critical Survival Rate for Class 5 100% 2016: 93% Gender segregated data not provided
enhanced. foundation for ongoing learning for males and females
and development, accelerate
the transition into English in Transition Rate from 100% 2016: 98%
101

Primary and Junior Secondary Class 6 to Form 1 for

School males and females
➢ Priority will be given to
the further implementation of Reduction of student 20 2015: 31.3
the National Curriculum and teacher ratios in 2016: 25.7
Assessment Framework, setting primary education.
of national benchmarks,
providing curriculum resources Proportion of students 60% in English, 70% 2015:
and writing of new syllabuses performing at or above in Te-Kiribati and
➢ Implement a strategy to the STAKI expected 60% in Numeracy Year 4
integrate emerging level is raised. for Class 4 Numeracy = 93%
developments in ICT into students; 60% in Literacy = 73%
curriculum and school English, Te-Kiribati
operations and Numeracy for Year 6
➢ Provide healthy and Class 6 students. Numeracy = 72%
safe school buildings and Literacy = 56%
facilities by reviewing and
refocussing the school
rehabilitation program in
 National Strategies Key Performance Target Data Notes
Results/Outcomes Indicators
consultation with the Facilities
Management Unit and
stakeholders.
➢ Secure ongoing funding
for the delivery of the Primary
School and Junior Secondary
School (JSS) facilities
maintenance schedule
➢ Complete and
implement the regulations
flowing from the Education Act
2013.
➢ Establish collaborative
mechanisms for MoE
engagement with government
agencies and other non-
102

government education sector

stakeholders.
➢ Establish a more
explicit and sustained focus on
the teacher skills needed to
transform literacy and numeracy
achievement levels in Primary
School.
➢ Support skills The proportion of 100% 2016:
development amongst teachers teachers having the Primary
and increasing the required minimum 91.5% certified
professionalism of each teacher qualification to teach 94.2% qualified
through lift teacher
competencies to meet Junior Secondary
internationally recognized 69.2% certified
Teacher Service Standards and 73.8% qualified
implement the Teacher
 National Strategies Key Performance Target Data Notes
Results/Outcomes Indicators
Registration Process as part of Senior Secondary
strengthening professionalism 46.3% certified
79.1% qualified
➢ Effectively implement Proportion of students 50% No data provided
the Inclusive Education Policy to with disability enrolled
target children with disabilities in mainstream schools
and communicate and gain
community acceptance of the
policy of mainstreaming children
wherever appropriate.
➢ Strengthen teacher
capabilities to teach to more
diverse learning needs and
design and develop a supportive
and enabling operational
environment.
103

➢ Foster the development Proportion of students 50% The ECCE legislation was passed in 2017
of early childhood education enrolled in Early and the regulations are in progress
through support for the Childhood Education
development of an appropriate
legislative and the development
of a supportive operational
environment
➢ Establish, endorse, and Policy endorsed Policy endorsed n/a No information provided
implement the National Sport and implemented
Policy by 2017
➢ Strengthening and Number and Increased number No data provided
enforcing TVET quality standards proportion of KIT and proportion
so that TVET providers meet students completing
regional and international their training and
standards including gaining international
accreditation of KIT with Pacific quality assured
Regional Qualification qualifications.
Framework
 National Strategies Key Performance Target Data Notes
Results/Outcomes Indicators
➢ Improve access and
entry opportunities for I-Kiribati
into TVET programmes and
qualifications through a range of
strategies including the
development and
implementation of an Outer
Island and Kiritimati Island
strategy and identify
opportunities for skills testing
and gap training existing
workers.
➢ Officer of the Watch Program introduced New program No information provided
training introduced instigated
➢ Training in port Program introduced New program No information provided
operations undertaken instigated
104

➢ Strengthening % increase in the 0% qualification No data provided

Government’s workforce number of qualified gap
capacity to meet the demands employees.
for the Government’s services
through training programs for
employees.
KDP 2: Economic Growth and Poverty Reduction
Key Objective: To enhance inclusive economic development through increasing sustainable employment, financial inclusion for vulnerable groups, structural and fiscal
reforms and accelerating private sector development by the year 2019
Outcome 1: Increased ➢ Support policies to Real GDP growth At least 3% 2015: 10.3%
Sustainable economic raise income levels through averaged annually 2016: 1.1%
development and various means including
improved standards of enhancing overseas
living for all I-Kiribati employment opportunities to
promote stronger growth in
remittances; increasing
domestic production especially
 National Strategies Key Performance Target Data Notes
Results/Outcomes Indicators
in the Outer Islands through
strengthening existing industries
and promoting new industries to
boost domestic and external
trade levels
➢ Promotion of private Private sector At least 20% over 2015: 6.4%
sector development including employment growth the period of the 2016: 11.2%
enhancing opportunities for Plan
external investors.
➢ To provide sustainable % increase in Export Increase 2015: 18.2% Export values shown here
development of sectors where volumes 2016: 6.2%
Kiribati has a comparative
advantage such as fisheries and
coconuts through the
implementation of products and
export diversification strategies
105

➢ Develop and effectively Strategy produced Strategy developed n/a Strategy is currently in development
implement a Coconut Sector and implemented with the assistance of UNDP
Development Strategy
➢ Implementation of an Growth in FDI Increase No data provided
Investment Policy Framework
➢ Development of a National Trade Policy Policy developed n/a National TPF developed and launched in
National Trade Policy Framework developed and implemented 2018
Framework and implemented
➢ Maintain and build on Reduce the proportion At least half 2006: 21.8 No updated HIES data
social security mechanisms to of people of all ages
ensure that the most vulnerable, living below the
particularly those that suffer national poverty line in
from disasters and climate 2006
related extreme events are The number of people Zero 2006: 14.1 No updated HIES data
cared for. living in extreme
poverty, currently
estimated at less than
$1.25 a day
 National Strategies Key Performance Target Data Notes
Results/Outcomes Indicators
➢ Improve revenue Increased revenue Increased revenue 2015: $197.8m
through fisheries license fees from fishing licenses 2016: $171.1m
through advocating the
development of measures in
PNA, FFA and WCPFC that will
improve economic benefits from
tuna for Kiribati while
conserving the tuna stock
➢ Creation of Increased employment Increased No information provided
employment opportunities opportunities employment
through crewing arrangements
with shipping companies and
establishment of onshore
development of fisheries
resources
➢ Implementation of the Policy implemented Increase of 100% in No information provided
106

Kiribati National Labour overseas

Migration Policy employment by
2019.
➢ Development of Kiribati Number of hits on Increase number of No information provided
workers’ website website hits over time
➢ Participation of I- Participation of I- 5 new markets over No information provided
Kiribati workers in 5 new Kiribati workers in new the duration of the
markets markets Plan
Outcome 2: Efficiency ➢ Increase taxation and Increased taxation Increased revenue 2015: $253.3m
and sustainability in customs revenue through a revenue through 2016: $209.3m
Government finances range of initiatives including improvements to the
increasing the quality of VAT taxation and customs
returns; reducing business and systems particularly
company tax arrears through through better
better compliance and record compliance measures.
keeping; self-assessment for
business and company tax; and
reviewing customs regulations.
 National Strategies Key Performance Target Data Notes
Results/Outcomes Indicators
➢ Establish effective Reviews established to Reviews conducted n/a Procurement Review conducted in 2016-
financial public administration contribute to better 17, with associated Kiribati Public
including improvements in the public financial Procurement Reform Plan adopted in
forecasting of taxation revenue management. 2017 (with ADB TA);
and expenditure for the annual
budget; and conducting reviews Public Expenditure and Financial
of internal process to raise Accountability Assessment Self-
efficiency. Assessment conducted in 2017 (with IMF
PFTAC);

Public Investment Management

Assessment conducted in 2018 (IMF)
➢ Establish effective debt Effective debt Controls n/a Debt management policy in place since
management controls including management controls. established 2015, no new debt since 2014
ensuring debt levels are
sustainable; and monitoring and
107

ensuring that the debt

management policy is adhered
to.
➢ Enhance management Efficient utilisation of Increased value of 2015: $756.3m Performance to Benchmark:
of the sovereign wealth fund, the Sovereign Wealth the RERF 2016: $868.1m
the Revenue Equalisation Fund (the RERF) and 2017: $942.7m BlackRock = +0.16pp (12m to May 2018)
Reserve Fund (RERF), through enhancements in its 2018(May): +0.3pp (since inception)
monitoring the performance of management. $968.1m NorthernTrust = -0.01pp (12m to May
RERF asset managers and the 2018)
efficient utilisation of RERF -0.03pp (since inception)
assets
Outcome 3: Raised ➢ Place State Owned Place State Owned Profitability of SOEs 2015: $5.7m total
efficiency of State Enterprises on a more Enterprises on a more profits of all SOEs
Owned Enterprises commercial footing including commercial footing
the completion of the 2016: $11.6m total
rationalisation of the coconut profits of all SOEs
industry; rationalise at least two
other SOEs including activities
 National Strategies Key Performance Target Data Notes
Results/Outcomes Indicators
such as privatization, Public
Private Partnerships (PPP),
mergers or contracting out
services; the production of
annual Statements of Intent
(SOIs) by all SOEs and the
production of timely half yearly
and annual reports by all SOEs.
Outcome 4: Improved ➢ Enhance the collection Production of a National Strategy n/a Strategy not yet adopted
information available to and availability of statistics National Strategy for for the
the Government through the development and the Development of Development of
including through the implementation of a National Statistics. Statistics adopted.
production of accurate Strategy for the Development of
and timely statistics Statistics. This will include the Development of a Whole of
development of a centralised centralised national Government
national statistical website; statistical website. statistical
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undertaking a Household collections on

Income and Expenditure Survey; MFED website
conducting the analysis of the
2015 Kiribati Population Census;
and undertaking a Demographic
and Health Survey; improve the
data collection and
management from Birth,
Marriage and Death
Registrations and improve the
collection of health and
education statistics
➢ Strengthen fishery and Establishment of an System produced No information provided
catch management data integrated fisheries
information
management system
Outcome 5: Enhanced ➢ Ensuring aid Improvements in aid Reports produced n/a Six-monthly KDP reports were not
delivery of public service effectiveness through improving effectiveness. produced, with the Mid Term Review of
 National Strategies Key Performance Target Data Notes
Results/Outcomes Indicators
through effective use of aid coordination and donor the KDP and the Voluntary National
development budget harmonisation; Compiling six Review being the first review of 2016-19
funds monthly KDP Progress Reports KDP and SDG progress
and annual Sustainable
Development Goals (SDG) The biennial Review has been
Reports; undertake biennial completed.
Development Partners’ Forum
and biennial UN Joint Strategy The project database is still maintained
Meetings; maintain a on MS Excel spreadsheets instead of a
comprehensive database of dedicated database – M&E information
projects; and providing support is not tracked centrally
for monitoring of development
projects.

KDP 3: Health
Key Objective: To improve population health and health equity through continuous improvement in the quality and responsiveness of health services, and by making the
109

most effective and efficient use of available resources by 2019

Outcome 1: ➢ Reduce the prevalence Adult mortality rate Declining rate 2015: 45.9 per 1000 Adult mortality rate is the probability of
Strengthened initiatives of risk factors for NCDs, and from NCDs (30-69 2016: 43.4 per 1000 an adult reaching their 60th birthday
to reduce the prevalence reduce morbidity, disability and years)
of risk factors for NCDs, mortality from NCDs through Number of diabetes Declining number 2015: 69
and to reduce morbidity, tobacco and alcohol control, related amputations
disability and mortality healthy eating and physical 2017:65
from NCDs. activities. In additional,
prevention, detection and early
treatment of cervical cancer,
hypertension, heart disease,
chronic lung disease, diabetes
will be pursued.
Outcome 2: Increased ➢ Increased access to and Adolescent birth rate Declining rate 2010:
access to and use of high use of high quality, for 10-14 years, 15-19 3.4 (10-14 years)
quality, comprehensive comprehensive family planning years per 1,000 girls in 33.1 (15-19 years)
family planning services, services, particularly for that age group
particularly for women. 2017:
 National Strategies Key Performance Target Data Notes
Results/Outcomes Indicators
vulnerable populations 1.7 (10-14 years)
including women whose 45.2 (15-19 years)
health and wellbeing will Contraceptive Use: Increased number 2015: 531.2
be at risk if they become Contraceptive contacts of contacts
pregnant (all forms) as seen at 2017: 269.5
health facilities per
1,000 population
Outcome 3: Improved ➢ Improve maternal, Maternal deaths [zero deaths 2014: 151
maternal, newborn and newborn and child health annually or as close 2016: 179.3
child health. through care procedures during as possible]
pregnancy, delivery and the Neonatal, Infant and Declining rates Neonatal
immediate postpartum and for Under 5 years’ 2015:10.2
the new-born; improve the skills mortality rates per 2016:14
and capacity of maternal care 1,000 live births 2017: 11
attendants; and improve
maternal and child health Infant
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facilities and equipment. 2015: 32.4

2017: 26.4

Under 5
2013: 54
2015: 59.1
2017: 44

Proportion of births Higher proportion 2015: 88.2

attended by skilled 2017: 93.0
health personnel
Outcome 4: Prevention ➢ Prevent the TB treatment success Increasing the rate 2012: 89% No new data
of the introduction and introduction and spread of rates or maintaining it at
spread of communicable communicable diseases through or above 90%
diseases, strengthened strengthening existing control Leprosy detection rate 2015: 162
existing control programs on TB, Leprosy, and 2016: 200
programmes and Lymphatic Filariasis. In addition,
ensuring Kiribati is new initiatives will be pursued
 National Strategies Key Performance Target Data Notes
Results/Outcomes Indicators
prepared for any future to increase access to, and use
outbreaks of, safe water and basic
sanitation services, and
promote improved hygiene.
Outcome 5: Gaps in ➢ Improve the Achievement of 7 Core regulations No information provided
health service delivery effectiveness and efficiency of International Health present
are addressed and the health service delivery, Regulations core
pillars of the health including through expanding capacities for
system are strengthened hospitals and clinics to meet surveillance and
demand; develop a formal asset response
maintenance and replacement Number of quarterly At least 3 reports 2017: 4
programme for infrastructure health and finance annually
and equipment; and improve reports produced that
procurement and supply of track progress against
essential medical products, core indicators for
vaccines and technologies. KHSP implementation
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Number of health Maintaining at 2015: 39

workers per 10,000 least 40 health 2017: 42
population workers per 10,000
population
Availability of essential Maintaining at n/a A small random survey every 6 mths to
medicines and least 80% look at the proportion of PHCs reporting
commodities at availability of no more than 2 months out of stock of
primary health care essential medicines no more than 2 of an essential list of 10
facilities. medicines
Number of outpatient 5 annually 2015: 5.2
consultations per 2017: 4.9
capita
Outcome 6: Improved ➢ Improve access to high Increased proportion of Increased No information provided
access to high quality quality and appropriate health cases dealt with by the proportion
and appropriate health care services for victims of Family Health Centre
care services for victims gender based violence and and other health
of gender based services that specifically address facilities
violence, and services the needs of youth, through
 National Strategies Key Performance Target Data Notes
Results/Outcomes Indicators
that specifically address implementation of Standard
the needs of youth. Operating Procedure of
Eliminating Sexual and Gender
Based Violence (ESGBV) policy
and build capacity of health care
givers to sensitively handle
needs of victims of GBV.
Outcome 7: ➢ Road safety action planMortality rate from Declining rate 2015: 0.2
Strengthened road safety targets achieved road traffic injuries - 2016 :10.9
awareness number and rate of
deaths per 100,000
population
KDP 4: Environment
Key Objective: To facilitate sustainable development through protection of biodiversity, support to the reduction of environmental degradation and the mitigation of the
effects of climate change by the year 2019
112

Outcome 1: To ➢ Reduce the Number of programs to Increased numbers OB, MELAD, MFED Drought plan updated and endorsed.
strengthen national vulnerabilities to the impacts of mitigate against records
capacity to effectively climate change and disaster risks climate change and Purchase of 4 desalination systems for
respond to the impacts through more programs number of programs to 1. Resilience Fund Tamana, Arorae, Onotoa and Ribono
of global climate change designed to mitigate against assist with adaptation R1 Abaiang and a portable desal system for
climate change and more to climate change 2. RWH system Banaba.
programs implemented to assist for North
with the adaption to climate Tarawa Construction and upgrading of MET
change. 3. RWH for Buota station in Kiritimati.
4. Seawalls at
sites 4,6,10 and Review of the National Disaster Fund
11 Guidelines.
5. Repair of PUB’s
water Revision of the Whole of Island
transmission Approach - Integrated Vulnerability
main island selection criteria

Whole of Island Approach - Integrated

 National Strategies Key Performance Target Data Notes
Results/Outcomes Indicators
Vulnerability Assessments conducted
(Abaiang and Tab-North)

Island Council Strategic Plans developed

(Abaiang)

National consultation on Climate

Change and Disaster Risk Management
conducted which will feed into National
Climate Change Policy development

Kiribati Energy Roadmap developed as

the implementation strategy for the
NDC (Nationally Determined
Contributions)
113

Strengthened Climate Change

Coordination mechanism (KNEG)

3 climate change projects initiated

(climate finance, adaptation and
sustainable energy)

1. Resilience Fund R1 and R2

2. RWH for North Tarawa
3. RWH for Buota
4. Seawalls at sites 4,6,10,11 and 2
5. Repair of PUB’s water transmission
main
6. Repair of Overhead tanks and
Reservoirs on South Tarawa
7. Water improvement in 3 Pilot
Zones South Tarawa.
 National Strategies Key Performance Target Data Notes
Results/Outcomes Indicators
8. OB Office extension to support CC
and DRM

5 High Level Meetings/advocacy on CC

and DRM supported (Regional and
International)

Improving Early warning system and

disaster preparedness developed at two
vulnerable islet communities (Nuotaea
& Ribono)

➢ Increased measures for Number of mangroves Increased number 33,611 mangroves Figures cover 2016-2018
the adaptation and mitigation of planted have been planted
the effects of climate change on 9 islands,
including “soft” methods such as covering an
114

the planting of more mangroves estimated 1.005km

of coastline.
Outcome 2: Promotion ➢ Food and nutrition Crop production and Increase in No information provided
of food and nutrition security through increasing crop diversity and livestock production
diversity and livestock diversity and numbers increased
increasing the contribution of A new Food and Policy adopted No information provided
agriculture to household income Nutrition Security
➢ Strengthening the Policy finalised in 2016
capacity of extension, outreach The number of crop Increased number No information provided
and information services production
technologies including
hydroponics developed
Outcome 3: ➢ Biodiversity is Biosecurity bill Bill enacted No information provided
Improvements in protected though the developed and
biodiversity including identification of pest and implemented
pest and disease disease problems, development
problems identified, and promotion of control Number of community Increased number No information provided
control methods methods, and strengthened agreements developed
 National Strategies Key Performance Target Data Notes
Results/Outcomes Indicators
developed and capacity to respond to pest and signed for the
promoted, and capacity problems including enhanced establishment of
to respond to pest border security. This includes conservation areas.
problems strengthened compliance to international
standards in biodiversity
management and enactment of
biosecurity legislation.
➢ Soil management
technologies appropriate for
atoll conditions developed and
adopted. A national campaign
undertaken on waste
management for a cleaner
environment and better crop
nutrition though methods such
as utilising piggery wastes for
115

composting
➢ Sustainability in the Stock of fisheries Sustainable levels FFA information MFMRD assigned to look after fish and
fishing industry through the maintained achieved marine resources: Some of the efforts
protection of marine resources made:
to ensure that the there is no 1. Fisheries Policy 2013-2025
loss of catch volume associated 2. Fisheries Act 2010
with overfishing. 3. Community based Fisheries
Management
4. Observer Program

Outcome 4: Enhanced ➢ Improve land planning Strengthened survey Improvements in No data provided
measures to address arrangements to be able to and planning capacity, GIS and data
land development issues cater for sustainable urban and improvements in management
growth GIS and Data systems
management systems
Outcome 5: Behavioral ➢ Measures to enhance Number of landfill sites Number of n/a 3 existing landfills (1 Betio, 2. Nanikaai, 3.
change through waste management policies and improved. improved sites Bikenibeu) have now been improved
education, awareness pollution control are adopted under current NZ-UDP project
 National Strategies Key Performance Target Data Notes
Results/Outcomes Indicators
raising and research that Waste recovery facility Amount of bulky MELAD records Kaoki Maange (recycling of cans) is still
promotes best waste is managed. scrap metal operational under its current contract
management and collected and environment licence; monitored by
pollution prevention MELAD(PPU) and ECD respectively
practices
Outcome 6: Improved ➢ Urban development Policy approved Policy approved by n/a Policy has been drafted, but yet to be
quality of the policy established. 2018 endorsed
environment in urban
areas
KDP 5: Governance
Key Objective: To strengthen national governance systems so as to promote the principles of good governance including accountability, transparency, and inclusiveness by
the year 2019
Outcome 1: National Increased training and resources Number of training Increased number 2017: 3
governance systems for Local Council officers sessions carried out to
improved to promote the raise the capacity of
principles of good staff and increase
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governance including policy documentation

accountability, and tools for urban
transparency, and management
inclusiveness
➢ Review of the Village Review undertaken Review completed n/a Review not yet conducted
Banks to provide micro finance by 2019
to the outer islands
➢ Review of the National Review undertaken Review completed n/a Currently in draft, yet to be enacted
Youth Policy by 2017

➢ Finalisation and Policy finalised Policy launched by n/a No information provided

Launching of the Kiribati 2017
National Disability Policy
➢ Reduction in the Domestic violence Large reductions in 2014: 598 Police records, records of women’s
amount of domestic violence reduced the rate by 2019 2015:549 shelters, surveys
2016: 595
2017 (July): 307
 National Strategies Key Performance Target Data Notes
Results/Outcomes Indicators
➢ Endorsement of the Implementation Plan Implementation n/a The outreach programs to communities
Implementation Plan of the endorsed Plan endorsed by will be carried out by registered youth
Community Outreach Programs 2017 under the MWYSSA through the
on Parenting Skills and Social RMNCAH program.
Welfare.
➢ Finalisation and Finalisation and By 2017 n/a Draft is in final stages of approval.
Endorsement of National endorsement of the
Gender Equality and Women Policy
Development Policy.
➢ Development of a Policy developed and By 2018 n/a No information provided
National Cooperative Policy to approved
strengthen Cooperatives and
Credit Unions.
➢ Performance audits of Number of Increased number n/a Audit Act 2017 just approved in the first
Ministries and SOEs undertaken performance audits parliament of 2018 – As part of KAO
by the KNAO carried out obligation to conduct a performance
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audits – yet to be implemented

➢ Improvements to the Service level Improvement n/a
police service including improvements measured annually
response levels; correction skills;
the proper maintenance of
records; data collection; analysis
and reporting; intelligence
gathering and analysis through
the establishment of a
Command centre; discipline and
ethical standards; investigation
and prosecution skills and case
management; community
dispute resolution and crime
prevention; addressing domestic
violence.
➢ Meet and monitor the Obligations carried out All reporting n/a CEDAW was adopted in 2004, while the
implementation of Kiribati’s obligations under reporting yet to be published.
 National Strategies Key Performance Target Data Notes
Results/Outcomes Indicators
obligations under ratified international
international conventions conventions Kiribati Status Report to the UN on
including the Human Rights carried out Ratified Human Rights Convention
Convention, the Convention on (CEDAW,CRC,CRPD and UPR), Kiribati
the Elimination of all forms of Self-Assessment report , Resolution to
Discrimination against Women the UNCAC 7/5 and 7/6.
(CEDAW), the Convention on the
Rights of Persons with
Disabilities, the Convention on
the Rights of the Child, and the
Convention Against Corruption
➢ Review the Review carried out Review completed n/a No information provided
Incorporated Societies Act and
Religious Bodies Registration
legislation and regulations to
build strong NGO sector and
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support to faith based

organisations
➢ Improve the public Number of public Completion of 2016-2017:
service governance through service audits carried UNCAC review % of staff audited:
adopting transparency and out MLPD = 41%
accountability in services MWYSA = 50%
delivery by Government MEHR = 25%
employees MFMRD = 50%
MFED = 50%
MIA = 20%
MCIC = 41%
MISE = 40%
 National Strategies Key Performance Target Data Notes
Results/Outcomes Indicators
KDP 6: Infrastructure
Key Objective: To improve access to quality infrastructure in urban and rural areas including the development of new infrastructure including water and sanitation, energy,
shipping, airports and roads by the year 2019
➢ Completion of the new Completed causeway Causeway n/a Betio-Bairiki causeway currently under
causeway between Betio and completed by 2019 construction. Due for completion in
Bairiki 2020.
Outcome 1: Improve ➢ Outer island roads and Number of OI roads Total of 10 islands No data provided
access to quality climate airfields upgraded and airfields upgraded completed
change resilient ➢ Improve the Kanton Airfield and port Kanton runway and n/a Minor works to runway
infrastructure in urban airfield and port facilities facilities improved port used
and rural areas ➢ Increased number of Number of new coastal Increased number Seawalls: Joint assessment Team comprising
strategic coastal protection protection initiatives and length of coast Outer islands 15; MPWU, OB, Minerals and KAPIII
initiatives completed line protected S.Tarawa 35 Engineers setup.

New seawall design (Mass Concrete)

119

erected at hospital, MoE KGV and

Bikenibeu West Pri Sch.

Retrofitting seawalls in Maiana, Beru and

Nonouti.

Construction of new coastal protection

for bwabwai pits in Abaiang and
Butaritari.
➢ Maintenance plan for Maintenance plan for Maintenance costs n/a
major infrastructures developed major infrastructures included in annual
and adopted adopted budgets
➢ Completion of the STSISP completed STSISP completed n/a Ongoing (around 80% complete)
South Tarawa Sanitation by 2017
Improvement Sector Project
➢ Renewable energy A number of solar, bio- Increase in level of No data provided
systems tested and installed fuel, mini-grid and wind output from
 National Strategies Key Performance Target Data Notes
Results/Outcomes Indicators
energy systems renewable energy
installed sources (Kw)
➢ Three solar GRID systems GRID systems n/a Completed in 2016
photovoltaic systems connected completed completed by the
to the PUB grid on South Tarawa end of 2016
by the end of 2016
➢ Energy efficient Energy efficient Minimum n/a 2018:
systems and standards standards adopted standards and Regulation on energy efficiency
developed and adopted. energy labelling standard to be incorporated into
regulations Consumer Protection Act in 2018.
adopted
➢ Develop and adopt a Fuel supply contract New fuel supply n/a No information provided
fuel supply contract based on concluded and adopted contract signed
internationally acceptable
standards
➢ Increased number of Number of solar energy Increased number n/a No data provided
120

solar energy connections connections of households

connected
➢ Increased number of Number of new tanks Increased number 2015: 4,997
households’ access to potable for rain water of rain water tanks
water harvesting installed 423 additional
tanks since 2016
Number of hand pumps Increase in number No data provided
installed
➢ Completion of the KAIP completed KAIP completed by n/a The KAIP project is running behind
Kiribati Aviation Investment 2017 schedule, but is likely to be completed by
Project the end of 2018 or start of 2019
➢ Improved quality, PUB reforms carried Adoption of a n/a The reform plan was adopted in 2016,
sustainability and efficiency in out medium-term with the energy elements largely
the delivery of services for reform plan completed by 2018. The next phase is in
power, water and sewerage for the provision water and sanitation
the people of South Tarawa at services to S. Tarawa.
affordable tariffs.
 National Strategies Key Performance Target Data Notes
Results/Outcomes Indicators
➢ Improve the PVU operations PVU new structure n/a Pending
operational and functionality of reviewed and reformed adopted
the PVU
➢ Improved water Rates of water Increased rate n/a 2018: To be completed by Mid-2018
distribution services in distribution
Kiritimati.
➢ Increased rate of usage Rates of usage Increased rates 2015:25,232 users
of mobile phones and the (12%)
internet 2017: 46,123 users
➢ Improved Number of islands Increased number 2015: 8
telecommunications connected 2017: 9
connectivity for the Outer
Islands
121
Appendix 4: List of Consulted Stakeholders
The Asian Development Bank
Boutokaan Inaomataia ao Mauria Binabinaine Association
Department of Foreign Aid and Trade (Australia)
Japan International Cooperation Agency
Judiciary
Kiribati Association for Non-Government Organisation
Kiribati Chamber of Commerce and Industry
Kiribati Clean and Health Association
Kiribati Family Health Association
Kiribati Islands Local Government Association
Kiribati National Audit Office
Kiribati National Olympic Committee
Kiribati Police Service
Kiribati Red Cross Society
Kiribati Uniting Church
Kiribati Women and Children Support Centre
Maneaba ni Maungatabu
Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Cooperatives
Ministry of Education
Ministry of Employment and Human Resources
Ministry of Environment, Lands and Agricultural Development
Ministry of Finance and Economic Development
Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources Development
Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Immigration
Ministry of Foreign Aid and Trade
Ministry of Health and Medical Services
Ministry of Information, Communication, Transport, and Tourism Development
Ministry of Infrastructure and Sustainable Energy
Ministry of Internal Affairs
Ministry of Justice
Ministry of Line and Phoenix Island Development
Ministry of Women, Youth, Sport and Social Affairs
Office of Te Beretitenti
Office of the Attorney General
Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat
Phoenix Islands Protected Area
Public Service Commission
Public Service Office
Republic of China (Taiwan)
Secretariat for the Pacific Community
Tetoamatoa - People with special needs
United Nations Development Programme
United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific
United Nations Fund for Population Activities
United Nations International Childrens' Education Fund
The World Bank
The World Health Organisation

122