By Matilda Atieno
On World Environment Day, Kisumu County and its partners join the global call to “End Plastic Pollution” with urgency and a sense of inclusion.
In a powerful show of commitment, the Kisumu Governor Prof Anyang’ Nyong’o represented by CEC member for Finance Mr. George Okongo, called on the local communities to join hands to restore our environment and keep Kisumu’s beauty intact.
The Governor, in his speech, emphasized his call to ensure a healthy Kisumu, urging residents to reflect on the county’s future.
The celebrations organized by the National Environment Management Authority ( NEMA) were spearheaded by County Commissioner Benson Leparmorijo as the chief guest in an event marked at Joel Omino Comprehensive School. The County Commissioner was deeply committed to preserving the delicate ecosystems in which the County operates and he highlighted the commitment to addressing environmental issues, including plastic pollution.
The Regional Coordinator of NEMA Madam Stella Kamwasir who also represented the Deputy Governor noted that Plastic pollution is a major concern in the region noting that it is also one of the most fixable of today’s environmental challenges. Madam Kamwasir stated that with solutions at hand, this year’s campaign mobilizes communities to implement and advocate for ending plastic pollution.
With mounting environmental evidence and climate change this year’s World Environment Day proved to be a significant turning point in the County’s effort to end plastic pollution.
The day’s event included a Procession and cleaning exercise around Milimani, a tree planting exercise, exhibitions, public speeches, and plastic collection activities organized in partnership with national agencies and civil society groups.
Students from the various schools including Joel Omino Comprehensive School, Makini School, and Simon Newberry also joined the celebrations
Also present were the County CEC members for Water Environment and Climate Change Judith Oluoch, her counterpart Dr. Gregory Ganda of Health, Visitors from neighboring Uganda, various partners from Civil Society, CBOs, and County officials
