Laikipia residents have been challenged to devise innovative ways of waste management to combat climate change.
Environmental stakeholders speaking in Majengo informal settlement, Nanyuki on Friday where more than 200 residents participated in a clean-up exercise to commemorate World Clean Up day, said that with the increase in population, there was need for proper waste management.
“Our town’s population is growing rapidly and without environmental conservation on waste management, our health deteriorates. I encourage everyone to take responsibility in ensuring where they live is clean,” urged John Maigwa, Ngarisha Mtaa director and one of the organisers of the clean-up exercise.
Ngarisha Mtaa is a community based organisation in Nanyuki keen on environmental conservation.
World clean-up day, is marked on September 20 annually and this year’s theme make Room for Life, Towards Zero Waste is meant to raise awareness on preserving and maintaining a clean and healthy environment
Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) warden in charge of Laikipia East David Mwasi said that without proper ways of tackling wastes would result in flora and fauna pollution.
“We prioritise a clean environment because it’s in line with our work as KWS and embrace community-led initiatives aimed at protecting our ecosystem,” said Mwasi.
Additionally, he said that towards the Zero waste initiative, it was collective responsibility and at same time encouraged for adoption of sustainable waste management at the individual level. During the exercise two tonnes of solid waste was collected.
Meanwhile, World Clean Up day was unanimously adopted as resolution 78/122 by the United Nations General Assembly in its seventy-eighth session on December 8, 2023 in a bid to seek partnership in combating the effects of poor solid waste management and promote sustainable development.
By Muturi Mwangi
