By Yoga David
Governor Anyang Nyong’o, flanked by CECM for Environment Judith Oluoch and City Manager Abala Wanga, alongside other county officials, during the flag-off of a new state-of-the-art waste collection truck last year at Kisumu City Hall./Photo by Calvin Ogonji
Kisumu City has achieved a major global milestone after being named among the inaugural “20 Cities Towards Zero Waste” by the United Nations Secretary General’s Advisory Board on Zero Waste.
The recognition, announced ahead of the International Day of Zero Waste held on March 30, placed Kisumu among the leading cities worldwide that are demonstrating practical and innovative approaches to sustainable waste management.
The initiative is supported by UN-Habitat and the United Nations Environment Programme.
This recognition affirms Kisumu County’s continued commitment to environmental sustainability, circular economy solutions and inclusive urban development.
Through deliberate policy and strategic partnership, the County has implemented community-driven waste management systems, strengthened recycling initiatives and promoted responsible consumption practices.
Jose Manuel Moller, Deputy Chair of Advisory Board, noted: “These 20 cities matter, not because they have the best roadmaps on paper, but because they are turning ambition into action, zero waste is not a distant vision, it is a practical, local and achievable when cities lead by example”
Kisumu City has made significant progress in advancing decentralized waste management, supporting resource recovery and fostering collaboration between the public sector, private sector and local communities.
These efforts continue to create economic opportunities while safeguarding public health and environment.
By joining this global network, Kisumu will benefit from knowledge exchange and increased international visibility, further strengthening its position as a regional leader in sustainable urban development.
Kisumu County remains committed to building a cleaner, greener and more sustainable future through collective action and innovation.
This recognition reinforces the county vision pf a resilient city that leads by example in environmental stewardship and sustainable development.
