KWS warns over waste as cleanup day is marked

Nairobi, Kenya - On September 20, the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) issued a warning about the dangers of improper waste disposal, as the world commemorates World Cleanup Day. The agency emphasized that individual actions, such as how people manage rubbish at home, work, and in public areas, significantly contribute to maintaining clean communities and ecosystems.

KWS stressed that "when we waste, we destroy the future of tomorrow," urging Kenyans to take greater responsibility for the waste they generate. The agency highlighted that litter and plastic waste can pollute habitats, obstruct waterways, and ultimately find their way into oceans. KWS reiterated that cleaner spaces start with everyday choices, whether at home, work, or in public areas, and that proper waste disposal and avoiding litter are essential for community, health, and safety.

The agency clarified that the responsibility for a cleaner environment cannot be solely borne by authorities; instead, it must be a collective effort from all communities, parks, and wild spaces. World Cleanup Day, observed annually on September 20 since its official designation by the United Nations General Assembly in December 2023, encourages governments, communities, schools, businesses, civil society groups, and individuals to take action against waste and raise awareness about cleaner, more sustainable communities.

This year's global observance emphasizes food waste, under the theme “From Clean Plates to Clean Cities,” linking the amount of food wasted to the broader challenge of urban cleanliness and resource management. According to the UN, about 1.05 billion metric tonnes of food were wasted globally in 2022, accounting for roughly 19 percent of all food available to consumers.

Food waste also strains waste management systems, consumes valuable land and water resources, and exacerbates climate change. In Kenya, waste management remains a pressing issue in many urban and rural areas, with plastic waste, littering, and inadequate disposal practices posing environmental risks. KWS warned that the consequences of improper waste disposal extend beyond unsightly streets and public spaces, as poorly discarded waste can enter drainage systems and waterways, and plastics can persist in the environment for extended periods, endangering wildlife and natural habitats.