Environmental degradation is neither a natural condition of the world nor an unavoidable catastrophe; it is the result of choices made by humankind, governments and economic systems that have chosen to fail nature but also undermine productivity albeit at a huge cost.
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Articles 42, 69 and 70 of the Constitution of Kenya makes it a claimable right for every Kenyan to leave in a clean and healthy environment. Under the 4th schedule of the Constitution, the Sustainable Waste Management Act 2022 and the County Government Act 2012; county governments have been placed at the core of providing solid waste management services to their citizenry.
Despite this firm regulatory and policy frameworks, Kenya still chokes on heaps of solid waste that have been cited as having a direct contribution to the environmental degradation.
Granted and far more seriously, the Kenyan situation aptly captures the intentions of the statement ‘left to their own devices, human often make stupid choices’ as advanced by economist Nicki Hutley. Our treatment of the environment reflected by how we handle our waste represents possibly the dumbest choice we have collectively and consistently been making for years.
Deeply entrenched in the principles of linear economy, it is estimated that Kenya and the world at large is consuming the earth’s finite resources at 1.75 times their ability to regenerate.
This reaffirms the need for collective action and deliberate environmental stewardship programmes to reverse the situation.
According to the Global Footprint Network (an international research organization that is changing the way the world measures and manages its natural resources), Kenya would need an equivalent of 2 countries of similar dimensions and geographical features to meet the demands on nature if the status quo remains.
The Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Climate Change estimates that over 22,000 tonnes of waste is generated daily in Kenya which represents an estimated equivalent of 9,900 tonnes if left unmanaged.
While the statics look bleak, the same also offers an opportunity for shared responsibility with citizens and county governments taking the front row. If properly tapped, the waste potential presents an opportunity to create livelihoods and contribute to economic diversification which Kenya is direly in need of.
First County governments should put in place initiatives to support existing waste a management initiative through such undertakings as a tax-holidays and enforcement of bylaws providing for sustainable waste management practices by their citizenry.
Withal, members of the public who are the primary generators of waste must also take it upon themselves to be ambassadors of change as far as proper waste disposal habits are concerned.
Be part of the change today, put your waste in a bin and if possible, put it in the right bin!