As the year draws to a close, a youth group in Thika has chosen to mark the year-end cleaning up several residential estates in a bid to promote environmental responsibility.
Members of the Ziduka Foundation spent the final day of the year unclogging drainage systems and cleaning roadsides and public spaces in estates, including Makongeni and Kiganjo.
The group said they were determined not to welcome the New Year in a filthy environment.
The youth moved from one estate to another, combining the cleanup exercise with public sensitization on the importance of proper waste disposal and environmental conservation.
The exercise was carried out under the Foundation’s Mazingira Safi Campaign, which seeks to encourage residents to embrace a culture of cleanliness and take collective responsibility for their surroundings.
Speaking during the launch of the campaign, Ziduka Foundation Chief Executive Officer Mbugua Wanyoike said the initiative was born out of frustration with years of neglect in garbage collection in the estates.
He said the ever-growing population in the estates has led to the accumulation of garbage, much of which ends up in drainage channels, exposing residents to serious waterborne diseases during rainy seasons.
“These are preventable problems. As young people, we felt we could not wait any longer for help. Ending the year by cleaning our neighborhoods is our way of setting the right tone for the New Year,” he said.
Local leader, Mary Kirika, while supporting the initiative, called on the government to support youth-led environmental initiatives, saying such backing would motivate young people and inspire others to get involved in community service.
“Cleanup drives should be the responsibility of all. The county governments, though, have a bigger role in waste management and environmental conservation,” Kirika said.
Another youth leader, Wanjiru Kalfa, said the cleanup activities have helped keep many youth away from drugs and other negative influences by engaging them in meaningful, nation-building work.
She urged young people to move beyond online activism and take practical action within their communities.
The youth appealed to residents to dispose of waste responsibly and asked the Kiambu County Government to establish proper garbage collection points within residential areas.
They vowed to continue the clean-up exercise into the New Year across Kiambu County, with the aim of instilling lasting environmental responsibility.
By Muoki Charles
