By Alex Njeru
Kenya marked this year’s World Environment Day with a resounding call to action against plastic pollution, as leaders, policymakers, and environmentalists gathered at Tharaka University for the national celebrations themed “Ending Plastic Pollution.”
Cabinet Secretary for Environment, Climate Change and Forestry, Ms. Deborah Barasa, emphasized the urgency of the crisis, noting that only nine percent of plastic produced nationally is recycled, making it one of the gravest threats to climate and environmental health.
“Plastic pollution is a global menace. It is high time we implemented sound policies to confront it head-on,” said Ms. Barasa. She added that in March 2022, more than 100 countries agreed to develop a legally binding treaty to address plastic pollution—highlighting growing international resolve.
Africa, she noted, has emerged as a leader in this fight. “Kenya, in particular, has demonstrated commitment through policies like the 2017 plastic bag ban,” said the CS.
“Today, we continue to strengthen our regulations and promote innovative recycling solutions, including transforming plastic waste into roofing materials and other usable products.”
Ms. Barasa lauded Tharaka Nithi County, under the leadership of Governor Muthomi Njuki, for its proactive stance against plastic waste. “The people of Tharaka Nithi are setting an example, and I urge all Kenyans to embrace these efforts,” she said.
Governor Njuki expressed pride in hosting the event, calling it a defining moment for the county and the wider Meru region. “This is more than a celebration—it’s a call to action,” he said. “Tharaka Nithi remains committed to reforestation, sustainable waste management, and grassroots education to tackle climate change.”
Kenya’s recent policy milestones, including the Solid Waste Management Act of 2022 and the Waste Management Regulations of 2024, were widely praised during the event. These laws promote sustainable design, color-coded waste separation, and Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR)—a model that requires producers to manage the lifecycle of their plastic products.
Principal Secretary for Environment Dr. Eng. Festus Ngeno reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment. “Plastic pollution is not just an eyesore; it threatens food systems, water sources, and public health,” he said.
Tharaka Nithi Senator Mwenda Gataya called for stronger environmental education in schools. “We must raise a generation that understands the value of conservation from an early age,” he said. He also praised Tharaka University for its leadership in greening initiatives and urged the government to support such institutions.
Women Representative Susan Ngugi added that more civic education is needed to inform Kenyans about the dangers of plastic waste. “We need to empower citizens with knowledge. That is how lasting change begins,” she said.
As the curtains closed on the day’s event, one message stood out: ending plastic pollution requires a united effort. From rural counties to urban centers, from schools to factories, Kenya must come together to protect its environment.
“We are at a crossroads,” said one keynote speaker. “Let us not be the generation that failed the planet, but the one that saved it.”
Tharaka University Vice Chancellor Prof Kinyua Muriungi lauded the Ministry of Environment for picking the varsity as the venue for the event.
He said the university had greatly invested on environmental conservation and had planted many trees.
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