KEY PLAYERS:  Office of the Governor of Nairobi, Nairobi County Assembly, Members of County Assembly (MCAs), Department of Waste Management, 17 constituencies of Nairobi, Members of Parliament (MPs), Activists, Concerned Citizens.

INTRODUCTION:

Our petition is founded on solving the urgent problem of waste management in our county which has not only become rampant but also interfered with the constitutional right to a clean and healthy environment as established by Article 42 of the Constitution of Kenya (2010).

We, as young, concerned citizens and residents of Nairobi, now present this petition to the county administration of Nairobi and demand prompt action.

In line with current global policies, we support the creation of recycling collection locations in Nairobi’s 17 constituencies and the efficient separation and collection of waste at the collection points in compliance with the Sustainable Waste Management Act 31 of 2022 to promote a greener and more sustainable environment.

BACKGROUND:

Nairobi has serious waste management issues, which have a negative impact on the environment and human health. The Sustainable Waste Management Act was passed in 2022, but not much has changed in terms of county-level recycling infrastructure implementation. By addressing these issues, this petition seeks to advance environmentally friendly waste management techniques.

Nairobi produces between 2,000 and 4,000 tonnes of rubbish every day, according to World Bank statistics, with an alarming 75% of that waste being disposed of inappropriately. Inappropriate disposal pollutes the ecosystem, degrades soil, contaminates water supplies, and puts locals' health at danger.

Additionally, research indicates that a significant worry is plastic pollution, especially in regions like Dandora where plastic trash builds up and endangers public health and wildlife. The buildup of waste in landfills and unofficial dumpsites is facilitated by inadequate waste management infrastructure and insufficient recycling activities, which further exacerbate environmental degradation.

With this in mind, we call attention to the provisions found in the Sustainable Waste Management Act 31 of 2022 and more specifically Article 9(4), which highlights the significance of establishing recycling infrastructure and sustainable waste management methods by expressly stating that, “County governments shall provide central collection centres for materials that can be recycled.”

GOALS OF THE PETITION:

1) In each of the 17 Constituencies, designate specific locations for the collecting of recyclables, such as glass, paper, metal, and plastic.

2) Following the guidelines of the Sustainable Waste Management Act 31 of 2022, to guarantee efficient waste segregation at the source following effective implementation of 1 above.

3) To encourage environmental responsibility and sustainable waste management techniques, as well as public knowledge and involvement in recycling programs.

RATIONALE:

The establishment of recycling collection locations is in accordance with Kenya 2010 Constitution, Article 42, which protects the right to a clean and healthy environment. The Sustainable Waste Management Act also places a strong emphasis on reducing pollution, promoting sustainable waste management, and establishing a green economy through recycling and recovery programs such as TakaNiPoa, Mr. Green Africa, Gjenge Makers, EcoPost contributing to pollution reduction by transforming waste into valuable products and offering incentives for waste separation and recycling in Nairobi.

SUPPORTING EVIDENCE:

Globally, recycling programs that are successful show considerable drops in waste and pollution to the environment. For instance, South Korea has reduced landfill waste and achieved high recycling rates through the implementation of effective waste management systems. In a similar vein, nations like Singapore have established extensive recycling initiatives that have improved environmental quality and conserved resources.

Nairobi faces waste management issues that go beyond Dandora; urban and natural environments are negatively impacted by pervasive plastic contamination. Not only does plastic garbage endanger wildlife, but it also pollutes air and water, affecting ecosystems and public health. 

Nairobi can lessen plastic pollution, ease the burden on the city's waste management infrastructure, and encourage sustainable waste management practices by putting recycling programs into place and setting up collection stations in line with international best practices. 

CONCLUSION:

Finally, we strongly recommend that Nairobi’s county administration give top priority to the installation of recycling collection locations in the 17 constituencies and the efficient execution of trash segregation programs. Together, we can create a Nairobi that is cleaner, greener, and more sustainable for future generations by acting in compliance with  the Sustainable Waste Management Act.

Regarding this crucial issue, I appreciate your attention.

Yours Sincerely,
Ms. Ruth Tanui, Ms. Natalie Bullut, Mr. Jonathan Lomole