In a show of commitment to environmental sustainability, Kiambu County Government, in partnership with the Thika District Business Association (TDBA), held a cleanup exercise on Sunday geared at cleaning all the streets within the Thika central business district.
The weekly clean-up exercise was introduced earlier this month by the association and aims to restore Thika town to its former glory, where it was previously known as the cleanest town in the country.
Speaking during the exercise where residents showed up in their numbers, Thika Township MCA Ken Mwangi highlighted the harmful effects of pollution on the environment and public health.
“Having recognised the need to work and live in a clean and conducive environment, we have started a weekly campaign that will sensitise the residents on the need to take care of the waste that they produce on a daily basis. Thika town was once known for its cleanliness nationwide, and we are working towards reclaiming our lost glory. We decided to clean the town every Sunday as most people were at home and there will be less disruption of traffic that would otherwise affect the movement of residents if the exercise was done on a working day,” he said.
The collaborative efforts of the residents and stakeholders ensured that garbage was collected, drainage systems were unblocked, and road sides were swept.
TDBA Chairman Alfred Wanyoike stated that the success of the exercise had not only made a significant impact on the cleanliness of the town, but had also ignited hope and enthusiasm within the local community, especially among businesses.
“One of the most inspiring aspects of this project has been the active involvement and support we have received from the youth. It is crucial for the younger generation to be empowered and encouraged to participate in communal activities that benefit the environment. As a result of the enthusiasm and passion that they have displayed, we expect to make a big impact in the reclamation of our town towards making it a cleaner and more sustainable place for all its residents,” he said.
Faith Muiruri, a pharmacist who runs a chemist in the central business district, said she was inspired to participate in the exercise after Kiambu County Governor Kimani Wamatangi introduced a monthly clean-up exercise as a way of ensuring that all Kiambu Sub-Counties were kept clean through collaboration among county staff, the private sector, and local communities.
“As a businesswoman operating in town, I love to see streets that are clean, and I understand that I also have a role to play in keeping the environment clean. I also urge the county government to invest in a civic education exercise that will communicate the importance of proper waste separation measures, so that collectively we can effectively combat pollution.” Stated Muiruri.
By Hellen Lunalo
