The National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) is calling for the integration of waste management education into the Competency-Based Education (CBE) curriculum to instill responsible practices among learners from an early age.
Taita Taveta County Director of NEMA, George Oyoo, said the approach would help nurture a culture of environmental responsibility in future generations while supporting ongoing efforts to manage waste sustainably.
Speaking during a site visit at the Material Recovery Facility (MRF) in Chakareli, which was established with support from the European Union through UN-Habitat and the county government, Oyoo emphasised that waste separation should begin at the source.
He noted that awareness campaigns should also target women, youth and other groups to help them view waste as a source of economic opportunity.
“For waste management to succeed across the country and for counties to replicate the MRF projects, children must be taught from an early stage that waste separation starts at home. We also want to sensitise communities so they can see waste as a means of wealth creation,” he said.
Oyoo praised the Chakareli MRF saying it has contributed to reducing illegal dumping sites, which pose environmental and health risks.
He explained that both the national and county governments have shifted from prosecuting offenders to providing sustainable solutions.
“Previously, we took people to court, but we realised sustainability comes through awareness and providing facilities for proper waste disposal. The MRF has been effective in reducing the number of illegal dumpsites,” he stated.
He further urged residents to embrace sustainable practices by sorting waste into plastics, biodegradable materials and glass. He added that treating waste as a resource could help households generate income in the same way as farming.
By Sitati Reagan
