Vihiga: The Department of Environment, Energy and Natural Resources in Vihiga County has intensified efforts to eliminate illegal dumping of wastes by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with M-Taka, a waste management service provider.
According to Kenya News Agency, the County Secretary for Environment, Richard Boiyo, stated that the partnership aims to promote proper waste collection, recycling, and disposal, ultimately ensuring a cleaner and healthier environment across the County.
Speaking at the Vihiga County Municipal Grounds, the Director of Environment, Energy and Natural Resources, Acqula Lwanga, said the Department has been conducting free public sensitisation campaigns on the dangers of illegal dumping and the importance of engaging licensed waste service providers.
Lwanga noted that the Department had also partnered with various community groups, including landlords, Nyumba Kumi representatives, and business operators in Mbale, to widen outreach and encourage proper waste management practices at affordable rates.
‘We have engaged several groups to help spread the message and ensure residents embrace clean environment initiatives with the support of M-Taka services tailored to different areas,’ she said.
She added that the initiatives have already begun to bear fruits, with a significant reduction in illegal dumping reported across parts of the County.
The Director further revealed that the County has so far registered five waste service providers and issued them with licenses free-of-charge, with more operators from Luanda expected to join the programme.
She explained that the service providers are responsible for recycling waste and safe disposal of non-recyclable materials at designated dumping sites.
A village elder from Prisons area, Paul Efedha, commended the initiative, noting it has brought visible environmental improvements despite initial challenges during the sensitisation phase.
He said illegal dumping had reduced, more youths secured employment in waste management, and the general cleanliness of the area had significantly improved.
