The French government, in collaboration with the Kericho County government, has granted Sh 68 million towards the solid waste management project in Kericho County.
The France Ambassador to Kenya, Mr. Arnaud Suquet, while speaking during the commissioning of the solid waste project in Kericho town today, said that France had provided the grants and the digital technology to the County government of Kericho to Collect and Manage Solid waste that is becoming a challenge globally.
“The issue of Solid waste management is not only affecting Kericho, but it is a major challenge in every urban setting around the world, and we are all struggling to find adequate solutions to this very problem of waste management. Digital technology will come in handy to aid in waste management.” Mr. Suquet said.
‘’We are having major climate change, and we are facing a triple climate crisis. Pollution being one of the components that contribute to this, we need to find solutions to deal with this issue in order to foster sustainable ecological and environmental measures that are suitable for all to live in. The Solid waste management project in Kericho is meant to inform a policy for data and science, which is a critical element as we move to address issues of climate change in the country.’’ The French ambassador, Mr. Arnaud Suquet, remarked.
He said that the technology will be employed in Solid waste management in Kericho, a pilot project in the country. The project being in the lead to go digital in the County has provided a platform for a common mwananchi to address some of the issues concerning waste management to report, to ask for help or assistance on disposal and collection of Solid waste via an app, and a telephone line (0746 400 821) has been provided.
Further, a WhatsApp group has been established where Kericho town residents can post reports for any uncollected waste within the town and its environs.
The French ambassador and Kericho governor also commissioned a weigh bridge and waste recycling machines.
Kericho Governor Dr. Eric Mutai hosted the visiting France ambassador to Kenya, Mr. Arnaud Saquet. The two held a closed-door meeting before heading to the garbage waste site in Kericho town. Governor Mutai said Kericho town collects at least 100 tons of waste, and with the latest developments, the county government will be able to recycle the waste for profitable products.
Fertilizers and biogas products are some of the products that are going to create employment for the local youth. The ambassador said the pilot project is not the end of the partnership between his Country and the County government of Kericho, saying more partnership is going to come if the current project is sustained through sound management.
Governor Mutai thanked the French government for grants and assistance in Solid waste management in the County. He said that the project will go a long way in enabling the County to manage a more coordinated solid management of waste and recycling of the same for the benefit of county residents, who will also be able to source their own fertilizer from within.
Also present were Kipkelion East MP Joseph Cherorot, the CECM for Water and Environment, Ms. Rosemary Rop, and the County Secretary, Dr. Wesley Bor.
By Dominic Cheres
