Rongo University Environs Choking In Waste As Authorities Remain Silent
By Daisy Moraa & Cynthia Adella
An environmental disaster is unfolding in the areas surrounding Rongo University, where unchecked waste disposal has turned open spaces into hazardous dumpsites. Plastic waste, metal scraps, and rotting organic material are piling up in Kitere and its surroundings, posing a severe threat to public health and the environment.
Residents and students living in the area are increasingly alarmed by the growing waste crisis. With no proper waste collection system in place, the garbage continues to accumulate, contaminating soil and water sources. Several locals have reported an increase in respiratory illnesses and waterborne diseases, which they attribute to the toxic conditions created by the unchecked waste.
“This waste has been here for months. When it rains, the water mixes with the garbage and flows into our farms and homes. We don’t know what kind of diseases we are exposing ourselves to,” said Jane Achieng’, a concerned resident.
Beyond the stench and unsightly landscape, the health risks posed by the open dumpsites are dire. The frequent burning of plastic waste releases toxic fumes, increasing cases of breathing complications such as asthma and bronchitis. Pools of stagnant water trapped in discarded containers have become breeding grounds for mosquitoes, raising fears of malaria outbreaks.
Environmental health specialists warn that contaminated water sources could lead to outbreaks of cholera and typhoid, putting hundreds of residents at risk. Dr. Samuel Omondi, an expert in environmental health, said the situation is worsening by the day.
“Open dumpsites are a major health hazard. People who live near them are at risk of inhaling toxic gases, drinking contaminated water, and coming into contact with disease-carrying pests. The county government must act before this turns into a full-blown health crisis,” he warned.
The waste menace is not just affecting households; it is also taking a toll on local businesses. Food vendors and traders operating near the dumpsites are struggling to attract customers who are put off by the overwhelming stench and fear of consuming contaminated food.
With the crisis worsening, residents and students are demanding immediate action from the Migori County Government, the National Environmental Management Authority (NEMA), and local leaders. Calls for regular waste collection, designated dumping sites, and the installation of waste bins have been growing louder, yet little has been done.
“There needs to be proper waste collection and disposal measures in place. The county should designate an official dumpsite and ensure waste is collected regularly,” said Kevin Owino, a student at Rongo University.
Environmental advocates stress that addressing the crisis will require more than just temporary clean-up efforts. They are calling for strict enforcement of waste management laws, public education campaigns on responsible waste disposal, and investment in sustainable solutions such as recycling initiatives.
The situation in Kitere mirrors a larger problem affecting many urban and rural communities in Kenya, where poor enforcement of environmental laws has allowed waste to pile up unchecked. If the authorities continue to ignore the problem, residents fear that what is currently an environmental and public health issue could escalate into a full-blown disaster.
With every passing day, the waste piles grow bigger, the air gets more toxic, and the risks to human health multiply. The silence from those responsible for waste management is deafening, but the residents of Rongo University’s environs refuse to stay silent.
Similar Posts by The Mt Kenya Times:
- Mt Kenya Times ePAPER August 1-2, 2026
- Justice under siege
- Jumwa’s exit and what it means for the Coast
- The battle for Ruto’s running mate
- Miano vows better pay and housing for wildlife rangers
About the Author
