Duale's 'garbage' comments miss the mark

Nairobi City County workers clean up Ngong River in Kibera during the 'Let the rivers flow' initiative on November 20, 2023.[File, Standard] 

As global leaders gather in Baku for COP29, climate finance and environmental responsibility dominate the agenda. Kenya has positioned itself as a leader in adaptation efforts. However, Environment, Climate Change, and Forestry Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale has cast a shadow over this progress with divisive remarks that demean and alienate rather than inspire and unify.

Duale’s controversial claim that “the middle class” is to blame for Nairobi River’s pollution because “they have garbage,” while informal settlers supposedly do not because “they eat everything,” has sparked outrage. This is not merely an ill-considered comment; it reflects a troubling worldview that shifts blame based on social class.

Duale’s remarks reek of classism, reducing a complex pollution crisis to a simplistic narrative. Nairobi’s pollution is not a matter of one group “having garbage” and another “eating everything.” It stems from systemic neglect, inadequate waste management infrastructure, and a lack of coherent policies to address waste across all sectors of society. Pointing fingers at the middle class distracts from the root causes of the issue, offering no solutions while perpetuating divisions.

The assertion that informal settlers “eat everything” trivializes their struggles. Life in informal settlements is marked by insufficient waste disposal services, limited clean water, and inadequate infrastructure. These communities bear the brunt of environmental neglect, facing pollution’s harshest effects without the resources to address it.

Informal settlers don’t need condescending assumptions; they need clean, safe, and sustainable surroundings supported by robust waste management systems. They deserve leadership that acknowledges their challenges and works to address them empathetically.

History offers a stark warning. The Gen Z protests that shook Kenya and dismantled the previous cabinet were fueled by similar tone-deaf governance. Young people demanded humility, respect, and accountability from leaders. If the current administration ignores these lessons, it risks reigniting unrest as citizens push back against leaders disconnected from their realities.

The CS’s comments come at a critical juncture, as Kenya embarks on the Nairobi Green Corridors Project, also known as the Nairobi Rivers Regeneration. This initiative promises to transform the polluted river corridor into a thriving ecosystem, addressing pollution, flooding, and underinvestment. It also aims to mitigate the impacts of climate change and create jobs, fostering a cleaner, more resilient Nairobi.

However, such progress requires unity and collective responsibility. Duale’s divisive rhetoric jeopardises this by framing environmental responsibility as the burden of one group over another. Alienating communities undermines the collaborative approach essential for the project’s success. A unified vision, where all Kenyans work together regardless of socioeconomic background, is the only way forward.

Kenya’s environmental challenges demand inclusive, community-driven solutions. Where are the waste management facilities for informal settlements? Where are the programmes educating citizens on sustainable practices? Where is the vision for a Kenya where all communities—rich or poor—can contribute to protecting the environment?

Kenya has an opportunity to lead by example. Leadership must embody unity, empathy, and responsibility. Duale’s remarks highlight the need for leaders who seek solutions, not scapegoats.

Our rivers are polluted, not because of poverty or privilege, but due to neglect, mismanagement, and division. Now is the time to unite and address these issues collectively. Leaders must foster collaboration, promote understanding, and empower every Kenyan to take part in preserving the environment.

We cannot afford to remain divided. It’s time to rise as one Kenya—for the future of our land, our people, and our children.

The writer is a hip-hop artiste, Eisenhower fellow and founder, Dandora HipHop City, Takabank