The Nairobi City County has reaffirmed its commitment to building a climate-resilient and sustainable city, with residents urged to embrace responsible waste management and environmental conservation to combat the effects of climate change.
Speaking during the World Environment Day 2026 celebrations held at City Hall, Nairobi County Executive Committee Member for Green Nairobi, Energy, Water, Food and Natural Resources Maureen Njeri said environmental conservation requires collective action from individuals, communities, institutions and governments.
“Today is not only a celebration, but also a reminder that the future of the environment depends on the actions we take collectively, as individuals, institutions, communities and governments,” she said.
The event, themed “Global Call for Climate Action through Sustainable Waste Management,” brought together government agencies, development partners, environmental organizations, community groups and youth representatives for a green walk aimed at promoting environmental awareness.
Njeri said the County remains committed to implementing the Nairobi Climate Action Plan, which seeks to transform the capital into a climate-resilient, low-carbon and inclusive city.
“Climate action is not only about policies and meetings; it is about everyday choices which we make in our homes, schools, businesses and institutions,” she said.
She noted that the county has rolled out an integrated waste management system to promote circular economy approaches and enhance waste handling across the city, besides undertaking tree planting, restoration of green spaces, protection of rivers and flood mitigation initiatives.
Warning against environmental degradation, she said illegal dumping, pollution of rivers and destruction of green spaces contribute significantly to flooding and other public health risks.
“I therefore urge all Nairobian’s to embrace responsible waste management practices and to keep our estates, neighborhoods, markets, roads, rivers and public spaces clean,” she said.
“A clean city is a healthy city, a resilient city and an attractive city for investment and tourism.”
Noting that the effects of climate change are already being experienced, the County executive called on residents to translate awareness into action.
“Climate change is real. Floods are real. Pollution is real. But together, the solutions are also real. Let us move from awareness to action, from discussions to implementation, and let us walk the talk,” she said.
Njeri also commended stakeholders across the waste management and climate action value chains, particularly the Kenya Extended Producer Responsibility Organization (KEPRO), for supporting environmental sustainability initiatives.
Earlier, Nairobi County Chief Officer for Environment Ibrahim Otieno said the celebrations provided an opportunity to renew commitment towards protecting the environment through sustainable practices and responsible waste management.
“Together we can build a cleaner, greener and more resilient future for generations to come,” he said.
Otieno said the county government, in collaboration with its partners, remains committed to promoting climate action and environmental conservation.
He lauded stakeholders including KEPRO, the Girl Guides Association, ChildFund, Miss Environment Kenya, community-based organizations and the Kenya Police Service for their contribution towards environmental protection.
Meanwhile, National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) County Director Samuel Lukuguit said the authority is strengthening environmental governance and supporting climate change adaptation and mitigation efforts.
“We are here to strengthen our role as a lead agency to ensure that every sector establishes practices that help achieve the country’s carbon reduction goals,” he said.
Lukuguit noted that NEMA has enhanced access to climate-related information through the National Carbon Registry and continues to enforce environmental regulations under the Sustainable Waste Management Act in collaboration with county governments and stakeholders.
He said the agency values feedback from implementing partners and counties in shaping policies aimed at improving waste management and environmental conservation.
The World Environment Day celebrations culminated in a green walk from City Hall through the central business district before participants proceeded to Kasarani for further activities.
by Lilian Gichohi and Paskal Osonga
