Stakeholders along Kenya’s coast have intensified efforts to curb plastic pollution threatening marine ecosystems, livelihoods, and the tourism sector during the third Diani Beach Zero Plastic Festival held to mark World Oceans Day.
The event brought together scientists, government officials, private sector players, students and more than 3,000 volunteers who participated in beach clean-up activities and environmental awareness campaigns aimed at reducing marine waste.
Organisers noted a steady decline in the amount of plastic waste collected over the past three years, a trend they attributed to growing public awareness and improved environmental practices among coastal communities.
Speaking during the event, Executive Director of Heri Kenya (Health Environment Research Institute) Juma Nasoro warned that plastic pollution continues to pose a severe threat to marine ecosystems and human health.
“Plastic pollution is increasing every day. If urgent action is not taken, there could eventually be more plastic in the ocean than fish,” he said.
Nasoro noted that plastic waste can persist in marine environments for over 500 years before breaking down into microplastics, which enter the food chain and affect both marine life and humans.
He added that Diani generates more than 10 tonnes of waste daily, with nearly 70 percent being organic, and highlighted ongoing interventions such as Black Soldier Fly farming to convert organic waste into animal feed and fertiliser.
According to Nasoro, the initiative supports both environmental sustainability and income generation for local communities.
Mohamed Ali Mwachausa, Executive Director of Samba Sports Youth Trust, said plastic pollution remains one of the most serious threats to ocean health, warning that marine litter is projected to increase if current trends continue.
He noted that plastic accounts for approximately 85 percent of marine litter globally, urging communities to take collective responsibility in protecting oceans.
Data presented during the festival showed that waste collection has declined despite increased participation, with 7 tonnes collected in 2024, 4.5 tonnes in 2025, and about 3 tonnes in 2026, indicating improved waste management awareness.
Dr Eric Okuku, Senior Scientist and Director at the Kenya Marine and Fisheries Research Institute (KMFRI) Coast Region, said oceans remain critical to climate regulation, food security, and livelihoods.
He warned that marine ecosystems face growing pressure from pollution, climate change, and biodiversity loss, describing plastic pollution as the most visible of the three crises.
“Prevention is the most effective solution. Once plastic reaches the ocean, removal becomes extremely difficult and costly,” he said.
Dr. Okuku emphasized the need for multi-sector collaboration, involving government, communities, researchers, schools and the private sector, to address marine pollution.
Diani Municipal Board Director for Infrastructure and Urban Planning, Jeremah Mushili, said the county government has expanded its waste management capacity and plans further improvements, including upgrading access roads to dumpsites and increasing garbage collection vehicles.
He also announced plans to transition selected street lighting systems in the area to solar power as part of broader environmental sustainability measures.
Private sector players also reaffirmed their support for conservation efforts.
Skyward Express Airlines Station Manager for Diani, Roselyn Wangeshi, said the airline has supported the initiative for three consecutive years, noting that environmental protection is closely tied to the sustainability of tourism in the region.
She called for continued collaboration among stakeholders to preserve Diani Beach as one of Kenya’s key tourism assets.
The festival concluded with a renewed call for collective responsibility, with stakeholders emphasizing that long-term solutions to plastic pollution require coordinated action among communities, government agencies, the private sector, and development partners.
by Chari Suche
