As Kenyans continue to grapple with the growing challenges of waste management and environmental degradation, National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) Director General Mamo Boru has called on citizens to take greater responsibility for keeping their surroundings clean. Speaking during the 7th Editors Guild Annual Convention in Nakuru, Boru highlighted the need for collective action in tackling waste disposal and pollution, emphasizing that littering and poor waste management practices are not only harmful to the environment but also detrimental to public health.
Boru, acknowledging Kenya’s litigious nature, revealed that the agency is currently handling 362 cases against NEMA, many of which he described as frivolous and a waste of valuable court time. He stressed that although several regulations have been put in place to manage the environment, the real challenge lies in the lack of action from ordinary citizens.
“We have enacted several regulations in managing the environment. Most of the time, Kenyans will say ni haki yetu (it’s our right), but they forget they have a duty to take care of the environment,” said Boru. He recounted a personal experience on his journey to Nakuru, where he witnessed a driver carelessly discarding trash by rolling down the window and throwing it onto the roadside. This, he noted, is a clear indication of the lack of responsibility when it comes to waste disposal.
Boru’s remarks come at a time when Kenya is facing a significant waste management crisis. According to NEMA, the country produces around 500,000 tonnes of waste daily, with 60 percent of this being organic waste. Shockingly, Kenya lacks a dedicated plant to handle organic waste, which further exacerbates the challenges in waste disposal and recycling.
The NEMA boss also pointed out that 30 percent of the waste generated is recyclable, while 10 percent is electronic waste (e-waste). However, a large portion of this waste ends up in dumpsites, creating environmental hazards. Boru called on all Kenyans to understand that waste management is not just the responsibility of the government or waste management companies but should be a collective effort by all citizens. “This is our environment, our life, and our responsibility,” he urged.
Boru further emphasized the important role the media can play in raising awareness about environmental issues. He criticized the media for not giving environmental reporting the prominence it deserves. “If we look at the global community, we are facing climate change, which is an existential threat to farmers and pastoralists. Pollution is also a major problem that we must tackle,” he said, urging the media to amplify environmental issues and make them a priority in their reporting.
The need for heightened awareness and action on environmental matters is becoming increasingly urgent, as Kenya grapples with the effects of climate change, including prolonged droughts and erratic rainfall patterns, which are already affecting the agricultural sector. The issue of plastic waste has also become a significant concern, with Kenya among the countries at the forefront of banning plastic bags and introducing measures to reduce plastic pollution.
Just two days before Boru’s speech, civil society groups in Kenya called on African leaders to unite in demanding decisive action to reduce the production of plastics and eliminate hazardous chemicals in plastics throughout their lifecycle. The groups also highlighted the vulnerability of women waste pickers, who make up nearly half of all waste pickers in Kenya, urging for the establishment of a legally binding instrument to protect them.
In conclusion, Mamo Boru’s message is clear: waste management is not just a matter for government or environmental agencies, but a shared responsibility that requires active participation from all Kenyans. From being more mindful of how we dispose of our trash to advocating for better waste management systems, every action counts in the fight to protect and preserve our environment for future generations.
