The Turkana County Executive Committee Member (CECM) for Natural Resources, Mining, Energy, and Climate Change, Leah Audan Lokaala, has said the county government plans to invest KSh13 million in completing and operationalising a plastic reuse centre.
Speaking when she led the commemorations for World Environment Day at Muli Christian Primary School in Lokaparaparae village, Turkana Central, Lokaala said the centre will assist in job creation and reduce environmental degradation.
The County joined the rest of the world in marking World Environment Day 2025, themed ‘Tackling plastic pollution’, with calls for urgent action to end plastic pollution and protect natural ecosystems.
CECM Lokaala emphasised the importance of collective responsibility in reducing plastic waste, which she said now affects even human health through microplastics.
“Plastic pollution is a problem we can fix. Change happens through all of us,” said the county executive.
The day’s event included tree planting and plastic collection activities organised in partnership with national agencies and civil society groups.
Chief Officer for Climate Change, Imoni Ekalale, highlighted the benefits of plastic in energy-saving and other applications but warned that the growing pollution crisis threatens both human and planetary health.
“The choices we make can shape industries, shift markets, and redefine our collective future,” said CO Ekaale.
Director for Environment Phoebe Ekal highlighted that the circular economy for plastics offers a sustainable path forward. “This means we need to rethink how we design, make, use, and reuse plastic,” she noted.
Among those in attendance were representatives from the Kenya Red Cross Society, Wetlands International, Kenya Forest Service, National Environment Management Authority, Kenya Wildlife Service, Kenya Maritime Authority, BOMA Project, LOKADO, Kenya Fisheries Service, and various community organisations.
The national government was represented by Assistant County Commissioner Daniel Mutemi.
By Peter Gitonga
