Kisii:Felicia Mageto, a resident of the Nyambera area, tends to flowers at Etaya Governor’s Park, a site that once housed the notorious Nyambera dumpsite. The park is the result of an initiative by the county government to convert the dumpsite into a recreational area.
According to Kenya News Agency, the transformation addressed the environmental and public health risks previously posed by the dumpsite, which was infamous for its piles of garbage and the smoke and stench that affected nearby schools, homes, and health facilities.
Kisii Governor Simba Arati stated that the dumpsite was decommissioned in collaboration with the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA). The newly established park provides a green space for residents to enjoy and has offered job opportunities for locals like Mageto, who are involved in its upkeep.
The county has further enhanced waste management by setting up a Material Recovery Facility at the Kisii Agricultural Training Centre, supported by the UK government’s Sustainable Urban Economic Development Programme. This facility can process up to 50 tonnes of waste daily, including 10 tonnes of organic waste for producing animal feed and fertilizer.
Kisii County generates about 200 tonnes of waste daily, with a significant portion being organic. The new facility aids in data collection to inform policy decisions and encourages investment in other waste management initiatives.
Governor Arati also highlighted the ‘Kazi Mashinani’ programme, which involves contracting youth and women for regular clean-ups and maintenance across the county. This initiative has improved cleanliness in Kisii Municipality and provided employment for thousands.
Modern waste management equipment has been acquired to support these efforts, including color-coded bins for waste segregation. These initiatives align with NEMA’s approved schemes for waste management and have earned Kisii County the opportunity to host the World Cleanup Day celebrations.
During the World Cleanup Day event, Ishaku Maitumbi of UN-Habitat commended the county’s sustainable efforts. Broadcasting and Telecommunications PS Stephen Isaboke encouraged youth involvement in maintaining clean and safe environments, emphasizing the potential for jobs and innovation in the sector.
NEMA Director-General Dr. Mamo B. Mamo praised the county’s progress in environmental conservation efforts, recognizing the contributions of the Kazi Mashinani Programme workers in maintaining cleanliness and unity in the community.
