World Environment Day: Stakeholders push for collective action against plastic pollution in Nairobi

Posted by OAY Kenya on 10-Jun-2025

On June 5, 2025, Uhuru Park transformed into a vibrant hub of green energy and civic action as Nairobi marked this year’s World Environment Day. Organized by the Nairobi City County Government in partnership with several stakeholders, the event brought together communities, students, policymakers, and environmental advocates under the rallying theme: ‘Ending Plastic Pollution’. Among the partners that stood out during the celebration was the Organization of African Youth (OAY), present at the event courtesy of the European Union-funded project, ‘Sikiliza Sauti Yetu: Dunia Inaita’. Under the project, OAY, alongside partner organisations WeWorld Onlus, CRAWN Trust, and Barnfonden, has been working to amplify youth voices and support youth-led civil society organisations (CSOs) in Nairobi, Kwale, and Isiolo counties. The three-year project, launched in December 2024, aims to drive meaningful community engagement in climate action and ensure that young people are not just seen but heard, resourced, and included in environmental decision-making. From City Hall to Uhuru Park The day began with a lively procession from City Hall, with school children, environmentalists, innovators, and the general public marching through the city streets in unity. Donning white and green T-shirts, they waved banners declaring Nairobi’s readiness to end the plastic crisis. At Uhuru Park, the energy spiked into festival mode. A hype man kept the crowd entertained, while various school groups from across Nairobi showcased eco-themed dramas and songs that highlighted the dangers of plastic waste. At the exhibition stands, organisations showed off their latest innovations in waste management, recycling, and circular economy solutions. Youth in the Lead, but Facing Big Barriers Among the organisations championing this cause on the ground was the Organization of African Youth (OAY). Brenda Oluoch, Chair of the Kenya Climate Youth Advisory Council and a representative of OAY, spotlighted the young people working tirelessly on environmental solutions but struggling to scale due to lack of funding. “We’ve trained over 30 youth-led CSOs working in waste management and the circular economy. They have brilliant ideas but face a major roadblock—financing,” she said. “It’s time we treat this sector as the multi-million opportunity it is.” She also floated a bold idea on how to protect The Nairobi River: granting it a legal personality. “Plastic is a major problem that our environment faces today and its choking our rivers. One interesting concept that has come out lately is granting a natural resource legal personality. For once why not grant Nairobi River, which is heavily polluted, a legal personality? With this, the river will have the right to sue and hold polluters accountable through the Nairobi River Commission,” she said. Green Leadership and the Power of Policy On the government side, Maureen Njeri, Nairobi’s County Executive for Green Nairobi, reaffirmed the county’s dedication to environmental sustainability. Geoffrey Mosiria, the County Chief Officer for Environment, added his voice, calling for a deeper culture of shared responsibility among citizens to curb all forms of pollution, plastic, air, and noise. Throughout the day, several speakers echoed a common message of personal responsibility as key in preserving the environment. Symbolically, the event ended with a mass tree-planting session. It was about planting hope for cleaner rivers, greener cities, and empowered youth who aren’t waiting for permission to lead. National Environment Day celebrations Meanwhile, national celebrations were led by Environment Cabinet Secretary Dr. Deborah Barasa, who addressed a gathering at Tharaka University. She warned that plastic pollution remains one of the biggest threats to ecosystems and public health. Globally, over 430 million tonnes of plastics are produced every year—most of which ends up as waste. Dr. Barasa reminded Kenyans of the progress already made, including the 2017 plastic bag ban that saw over 80% compliance. She also highlighted newer policies like the marine litter action plan and the Sustainable Waste Management Act, which are helping to tighten control over pollution. “Innovation is changing how we think about waste. It’s no longer just a problem—it’s an opportunity,” she said, citing new ventures that are turning plastics into things like paving blocks, furniture, and roofing tiles.