World Environment Day: Stakeholders push for collective action against plastic pollution in Nairobi

Posted by OAY Kenya on 10-Jun-2025

On June 5, 2025, Uhuru Park came alive with energy, colour, and purpose as Nairobi marked World Environment Day. The theme, “Ending Plastic Pollution,” hit close to home, especially in a city like Nairobi where clogged drainage, polluted rivers, and plastic waste have become part of everyday life. The event brought together Green Nairobi Officers, various partners, environmental advocates and learners from different schools as well as members of the public, to reflect on Kenya’s environmental progress and to push for stronger collective action against the plastic crisis choking rivers, land, and livelihoods. Organised by the Nairobi City County, the event kicked off with a vibrant procession from City Hall. Participants, young and old, marched through the heart of the capital, armed with banners, white and green T-shirts, sending a clear message: Kenya is ready to tackle pollution head-on. A Festival of Green Ideas and Community Power Once at Uhuru Park, the atmosphere was electric. A mix of music, spoken word, dance, and student performances turned the venue into a lively festival—but with a mission. A hype man kept the crowd entertained, while various school groups from across Nairobi showcased eco-themed dramas and songs that highlighted the dangers of plastic waste. At the exhibition stands, organisations showed off their latest innovations in waste management, recycling, and circular economy solutions. Youth in the Lead, but Facing Big Barriers One of the most powerful voices of the day came from Brenda Oluoch, Chair of the Kenya Climate Youth Advisory Council and a representative of the Organization of African Youth (OAY). She spotlighted the young people working tirelessly on environmental solutions but struggling to scale due to lack of funding. “We’ve trained over 30 youth-led CSOs working in waste management and the circular economy. They have brilliant ideas but face a major roadblock—financing,” she said. “It’s time we treat this sector as the multi-million opportunity it is.” Oluoch also floated a bold idea on how to protect The Nairobi River: granting it a legal personality. “Plastic is a major problem that our environment faces today and its choking our rivers. One interesting concept that has come out lately is granting a natural resource legal personality. For once why not grant Nairobi River, which is heavily polluted, a legal personality? With this, the river will have the right to sue and hold polluters accountable through the Nairobi River Commission,” she said. Geoffrey Mosiria’s commitment to fight city pollution The Nairobi County government was well represented at the event. Ms. Maureen Njeri, the County Executive Committee Member for Green Nairobi, emphasised Nairobi County’s commitment to environmental sustainability, citing ongoing efforts to reduce pollution across various sectors. Geoffrey Mosiria, the County Chief Officer in charge of Environment, committed to pushing forward the county’s green agenda. Known for his hands-on leadership style, Mosiria stressed the need for shared responsibility in making Nairobi cleaner—not just in terms of waste, but also air and noise pollution. Throughout the day, several speakers echoed a common message of personal responsibility as key in preserving the environment. Let's plant trees No environmental celebration in Kenya is complete without a tree planting session. At Uhuru Park, attendees picked up shovels and seedlings, symbolically planting not just trees, but hope. Hope for a greener future. Hope for rivers that can breathe again. Hope for youth-led solutions to thrive. Nancy Barasa on waste management progress in Kenya Meanwhile, national celebrations were led by Environment Cabinet Secretary Dr. Deborah Barasa, who addressed a gathering at Tharaka University. She warned that plastic pollution remains one of the biggest threats to ecosystems and public health. Globally, over 430 million tonnes of plastics are produced every year—most of which ends up as waste. Barasa reminded Kenyans of the progress already made, including the 2017 plastic bag ban that saw over 80% compliance. She also highlighted newer policies like the marine litter action plan and the Sustainable Waste Management Act, which are helping to tighten control over pollution. “Innovation is changing how we think about waste. It’s no longer just a problem—it’s an opportunity,” she said, citing new ventures that are turning plastics into things like paving blocks, furniture, and roofing tiles.