Lessons from Ongata Rongai on environmental conservation

If counties implemented practices like recycling, composting, bioremediation, waste to energy, and general waste minimisation, they could effectively manage their waste disposal. [iStockphoto]

As the world gears up to celebrate World Environment Day, it is high time that Kenyans ditch their nonchalant attitude towards the environment and realise the dangers of environmental neglect.

The occasion will no doubt be marked by pomp and colour and dressed up in speeches that promise to take charge of the looming environmental woes.

But talk is cheap. The real work lies in policy implementation around conservation and waste management.

Citizens and county governments continue to display apathy for waste management, which has far-reaching consequences on health, well-being and quality of life.

Pull your attention to the town of Ongata Rongai. As you follow Magadi Road right into the heart of Rongai, you will notice garbage by the roadside and the rancid smell of sewage at certain points.

Those living in the area often jump across a sewage puddle or two, courtesy of unscrupulous landlords releasing raw sewage into the streets.

The situation in Kandisi is worse, as residents report constant air pollution as exhauster trucks dump waste at night.

The rancid smell degrades air quality, causes respiratory irritation, and could exacerbate existing respiratory conditions like asthma.

The pollution problem worsens as you approach Kware market, one of the biggest economic drivers in the town. Here, your nose is accosted by the smell of rotting vegetables, garbage and stagnant sewage water.

Some of the garbage has been there long enough for grass to take root and feed the goats that roam the roadside. Worse, raw sewage sits stubbornly beside the mama mboga whose tomatoes end up in your favourite stew. It's enough to make you retch with disgust.

The health risks within Rongai’s environs are many, with cases of cholera being reported as recently as 2023. Yet garbage collection and cleanup by the county government remains substandard. 

It is incomprehensible that, despite the revenue collected, the town cannot provide proper waste management. But perhaps we fail to understand the dynamics between revenue collection and service delivery.

However, the blame does not lie with the county government alone. Trenches along Magadi road were last unclogged in March, before the rains started.While this action should be applauded, two months of inactivity call for stern criticism. The Kenya National Highways Authority (Kenha), responsible for highway maintenance, can do more to avert an environmental crisis.

On the other hand, the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) should also act on landlords and businessmen who pollute our environments and rivers.

Kenya's future as an environmentally sustainable nation is challenged by the apathetic nature of its policy implementers.

Talk of carbon credits, tree planting holidays and the push for an eco-levy is not enough to ensure sustainable waste management, especially if the funds collected are sucked into the black hole of corruption.

However, if counties like Kajiado implemented practices like recycling, composting, bioremediation, waste to energy, and general waste minimisation, they could effectively manage their waste disposal.

A waste-to-energy plant would reduce landfills and generate energy at the same time. While the initial cost of building such a plant would be high, it would significantly reduce the impact of waste from markets like Kware and shrink landfills like the Dandora dumpsite.

Additionally, replacing old technology like septic tanks with bio-digesters is a win for landlords and the environment. Bio-digesters biologically digest organic material and do not require monthly exhauster services. The initial cost for an apartment with 30- 2-bedroom units would be between Sh300,000 and 400,000.

The blatant indifference displayed by county governments as environmental pollution lowers the quality of life and compromises health standards should be condemned.

The government has a responsibility to safeguard the environment and health of its citizens.

Bodies such as NEMA should push for the widespread adoption of green practices and mandate counties to develop sustainable waste management infrastructure.

Beatrice Mwikali is a Nguvu Change Leader