By Arnold Ageta
As the world marked World Environment Day, Nyamira County observed the day by cleaning markets in a move to protect the environment and take urgent action to combat plastic pollution.
The event, led by the national government in collaboration with the Nyamira County Government, emphasized proper disposal of plastic waste and implementation of the ban against the use of any single-use or disposable plastic bags in the country.
Addressing the public at Jamuhuri Gardens in Nyamira, where the event was held, Fredrick Nambisia, the director of the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) in Nyamira, urged the public to stop using plastics because they have several side effects on the environment and human health.
“Use of single-use plastic bags was banned in Kenya back in 2017, and the ban helped the country get rid of plastic pollution,” he announced.
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He however regretted that despite the ban, some people still use plastic bags to pack food, which is against the law and poses a danger to consumers of food packed in those bags.
“Most of you get your hot chips packed in plastic bags, which are produced using polyethylene that can easily diffuse into the chips and affect your health later in your life,” he warned.
Mr. Nambisia also urged the public to take individual responsibility for caring for the environment to make it clean, healthy, and conducive.
In his speech, read by Dr. John Matiang’i, the Chief Executive Member for Environment, Climate Change, and Natural Resources, Nyamira Governor Amos Nyaribo said they are committed to safeguarding the environment for current and future generations.
“This year’s theme, ‘Putting an End to Plastic Pollution,’ demands urgent action, and Nyamira County is responding with purpose,” read the speech. “We are undertaking two initiatives across the county.”
The governor announced that they are prioritizing tree planting in every Sub-County and thorough market cleaning in eight key markets in the county.
“Clean markets foster healthy trade, enhance public health, and reflect our cohesive pride,” the governor’s speech read.
On his part, Dr. Matiang’i announced that they will commence the removal of blue gum trees along water sources and rivers because they affect water levels and soil nutrients.
“I therefore ask the County Commissioner to help the county government implement these courses of action because our rivers and farming are endangered.”
Nyamira County Commissioner, Erastus Mbui, supported the idea, saying every citizen must be responsible for a cleaner, greener environment.
He asked the people to practice proper plastic waste disposal to ensure a clean environment free from the side effects brought about by plastic pollution.
“Wherever you are, be responsible in keeping the environment clean. Do not pollute the environment and blame the government for not making the environment clean,” he said.
Mr. Mbui further said that the national government has initiated the planting of 15 billion trees by the year 2032 in a move to make the environment green and healthy.
“This comes after the carbon crediting that will benefit the public to earn an income for planting trees in the country,” he announced.
The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) indicates that plastic, from production to waste, contributes to the climate crisis and environmental degradation. It contaminates soil, blocks water sources, and harms ecosystems. These impacts are pushing people to move in search of safer, more sustainable living conditions.
The national event in Kenya was held at Tharaka Nithi University.
