The government has called upon Kenyans to rethink on how to produce, consume and dispose of textile clothing responsibly, with a view to adopting environmental sustainability.
Environment, Climate Change and Forestry CS Dr. Deborah Barasa, made the remark in a speech read on her behalf by the Administrative Secretary, State Department for Performance and Delivery management, Chimwaga Mongo, during the world cleanup day celebrations held at the Machakos University grounds, under the theme: Tackling Textile and Fashion Waste Through Circular fashion.’
Barasa disclosed that the fashion industry is the second largest polluter after energy contamination, as it contributes to water contamination, carbon emissions and resource depletion through production, manufacturing and transportation.
“We must rethink how we produce, consume and dispose of clothing, as fashion must evolve into a sector defined by creativity, sustainability and responsibility,” she said.
The CS emphasized on individual responsibility in safeguarding the environment by planting trees, frequent clean up exercises and combating climate change to restore degraded ecosystems and promote sustainable urban spaces to nurture communities.
“Today is not just about planting trees, it is about planting hope and ensuring a greener tomorrow for future generations, ” said Barasa.
The CS added that they chose to host the annual International day in Machakos because it’s home to the giant Athi River Export processing zone (EPZ) located in Mavoko sub county, besides having numerous training institutions that play a vital role in textile production, education and employment, as well as manufacturing industries and steel plants.
The National Environmental Management Authority (NEMA) Director General Mamo B. Mamo echoed that waste management is a personal responsibility and everyone must be involved in managing the environment and not relying solely on government agencies.
On the cleanup exercise that occurred at the Machakos market, which involved several stakeholders from the national and county governments, environmental agencies, Mamo said the collaboration was meant to sensitize and educate the public on the importance of a clean and healthy environment.
He said they were celebrating the world cleanup day, celebrated every September 20th under auspices of the UN focusing on its current theme, by receiving clothing materials in exchange for tree seedlings to Machakos residents to encourage environmental responsibility.
“Waste is a resource you can repurpose, for instance you can recycle textiles and ensure they are no longer a waste, but a valuable materials for reuse,” said Mamo.
The NEMA Board Chair, Emilio Mugo, acknowledged the 2025 theme as being timely and urgent, adding that the annual international event was on its second year.
Hosting it reaffirms Kenya’s efforts in tackling waste and sensitizing the masses and future generations on environmental sustainability, he added.
Mugo said the main challenge is that Kenya imports 185000 metric tons of second hand clothes that sustains millions of livelihoods, yet less than one percent is recycled, thus most of them end up in water bodies.
This in effect degrades the environment, hence the need for urgent action.
The county executive for Environment, Nathaniel Nganga on his part highlighted the county’s efforts in environmental management by sensitizing the public, especially on waste segregation.
Nganga also cited the governors ‘Ngarisha mtaa project that engages and empowers the youth with a monthly stipend to clean up the towns.
The county executive added that they have improved access roads to mines and dumpsites, directed County enforcement officers to be in charge of solid waste around towns and markets, amid strict instructions to arrest anyone found to be disposing of waste carelessly within Machakos county.
He called upon the national government and relevant stakeholders to join forces with counties near Nairobi in investing in a joint waste management plant because they have been receiving waste from the capital city and its environs, thus such a joint venture would encourage a clean and healthy environment.
The event brought together key players including KWS, KFS, KEnHA, KALRO, Kenya Meteorological department and National Environmental Tribunal among others.
by Anne Kangero & Wangui Ruchiu
