Uasin Gishu County committed to Combat plastic waste menace

Eldoret, Tuesday, June, 6, 2023

KNA by Judy Too

Uasin Gishu Governor, Jonathan Bii Chelilim led residents of the region at the Moiben Sub-County grounds to address the pressing issue of plastic pollution as they joined the world in marking World Environment Day.

“Plastic waste has become an ever-growing threat to our environment, causing harm to our wildlife, polluting our lands and waters contributing to the degradation of our ecosystem, “said Bii.

He noted that the consequences for people’s actions are undeniable, causing Climate Change, the loss of biodiversity, escalation of carbon emission and proliferation of non-biodegradable waste.

he Governor added that in Kenya it is estimated that an alarming 22,000 tons of waste is generated each day with approximately 20 percent of it being plastic. 

“While the government took a significant step in 2007 by banning the use of polythene bags, the unscrupulous traders continue to exploit loopholes and sneak in these harmful materials through our porous borders,” he lamented.

Bii noted that it is crucial for the relevant ministries to tighten the loops and ensure the counties and Kenya as a whole become free from the menace of polythene bags.

“Amidst this challenge there is a beacon of hope, a solution that holds the potential to combat plastic pollution and create a sustainable future for Uasin Gishu County residents,” he noted.

He revealed that his Administration in collaboration with strategic partners have recognised the power of innovation and transformation as one of the initiatives to undertake, in the conversion of existing landfills into centres of sustainable innovation.

“We have allocated funds for feasibility studies, research and consultancies as the first step towards developing an engineered landfill in Lorwa in Soy Sub-county encompassing 19.7 hectares securely fenced by the County as a prime candidate for transformation,” he said.

The Governor said that instead of viewing it only as a site for waste disposal we envision its conversion into a hub, where plastic bags waste is no longer seen as a problem but as a valuable resource awaiting repurposing “he added.

The Governor noted that by leveraging advanced recycling technologies and partnering with local business, entrepreneurs and organisations Lorwa landfill can be transformed into a centre that efficiently processes plastic waste and produces friendly products.

“We can have a future where plastic waste is sorted, recycled and transformed into construction materials, furniture, household items and innovative products reducing our reliance on harmful alternatives and promoting a secular economy within our community,” said the Governor.

He further noted that the endeavour not only addresses the plastic pollution but also regenerates economic opportunities for the youth to earn from the plastics.

“In addition to repurposing landfills we recognise the importance of tree planting initiatives in combating plastic pollution and mitigating the effects of climate change. We are embarking on an important mission restoring our invaluable waste lands with determination, “said Bii.

“With determination we are planting over 250,000 predominantly indigenous trees in Moiben Sub-county this initiative demonstrates our commitment to healing this ecosystem affected by human activities,” added the Governor.

Bii added that by strategically planting compatible trees we will safe guard wetlands preventing erosion and absorbing harmful nutrients.

“We are committed to supporting the national goal of planting 15B trees as trees act as natural filters reducing pollution and providing habitat for diverse flora and fauna “he said.

“To achieve our goals education and awareness plays a crucial role we call upon schools, community organisations and civil societies to collaborate in implementing educational programs that emphasises the importance of sustainable practices by instilling this knowledge in our younger generation as we empower them to become the driving force behind a greener and cleaner environment, “he noted.

“We are committed to leading by example. We will work tirelessly to implement policies and regulations that promote the use of eco-friendly alternatives and discourage the resilience of single use plastic, “said Bii.

He urged the residents that the challenges caused by plastic pollution require our immediate attention as this is an opportunity for change, as together we can turn the tide and build a future where plastic waste is no longer a threat but a valuable resource.

That by embracing sustainable practices like planting trees and fostering culture for environmental responsibility we can ensure a cleaner and greener more prosperous environment for generations to come.

Courtesy ; K. N. A