By Sarah Ouma

As the world united to celebrate this year's World Environment Day under the theme of 'Solutions to Plastic Pollution,' the vibrant city of Nairobi became a focal point for local groups dedicated to environmental sustainability. 

On the 4th of June 2023, a momentous event took place in the picturesque Uhuru Park, where diverse local groups from all corners of Nairobi came together. Spearheaded by the County Government of Nairobi and in collaboration with esteemed partners, the event served as a captivating platform for these groups to proudly showcase their innovative and groundbreaking approaches in combating plastic pollution and managing waste.

Every year, on the 5th of June, the world comes together to celebrate World Environment Day, a globally recognized event established by the United Nations. This significant day serves as a powerful catalyst, urging individuals and communities worldwide to embrace proactive measures in environmental conservation. It provides a pivotal opportunity to collectively direct our attention towards pressing environmental challenges that demand immediate action. With a shared purpose, World Environment Day inspires positive change, fostering a deep sense of responsibility towards our precious natural surroundings. It serves as a reminder of our duty to preserve and protect the planet we call home

This year's celebration of World Environment Day stood out as a truly unique event, as it placed a special emphasis on the participation of local groups, particularly youth-led organizations. These groups were invited to showcase their locally-led and innovative solutions to combat the issue of plastic pollution. 

Notably, even youth-led groups, some of which are part of the Muungano Wa Wanavijiji movement from informal settlements, were provided a platform to showcase their inspiring initiatives. These young individuals play a crucial role in addressing the challenge of plastic pollution, as they are actively involved in waste collection and management within the city. Jane Wairutu, the Program Manager at SDI Kenya, emphasizes the significance of engaging the youth living in informal settlements, stating, “If we aspire to achieve a green economy, it is essential to involve these youth who are key stakeholders in garbage and solid waste collection within the city.” Their active participation is instrumental in driving effective solutions and fostering a sustainable future.

The exhibition was a vibrant showcase of locally led innovative solutions to combat plastic pollution, brought forth by the determined youth-led groups. Their initiatives encompassed a diverse array of approaches, demonstrating effective waste management practices, ingenious plastic recycling methods, and revolutionary alternatives to conventional packaging, among other groundbreaking solutions. 

The exhibited innovations not only revealed the power of youthful ingenuity but also highlighted the strength of locally driven initiatives in addressing the issue of plastic pollution. From community-driven recycling programs to creative upcycling projects, the youth exemplified their dedication to finding tangible answers to this pressing environmental challenge. Their collective efforts left an indelible mark, inspiring all who attended the event and underscoring the vital role of young changemakers and locally led initiatives in shaping a cleaner and greener world.

SDI Kenya and Muungano wa Wanavijiji are actively collaborating with County Governments across Kenya, relevant ministries, the private sector, and civil society organizations to design settlement upgrading initiatives that promote climate justice within informal settlements. In alignment with our commitment to environmental sustainability, we proudly partnered with the County Government of Nairobi and other key stakeholders to ensure the success of World Environment Day 2023. Together, we worked tirelessly to organize and execute a remarkable celebration that highlighted the importance of environmental conservation and showcased innovative solutions to address pressing issues.

The event served as a valuable platform for groups to connect and network with like-minded individuals, fostering a sense of collaboration and collective action. It provided a unique opportunity for participants to share their experiences, insights, and innovative ideas in tackling plastic pollution. "We wanted to create a platform for these groups to connect and develop their capacity to even extend further in terms of what they are doing to beat plastic pollution." Morris Kavai, the director of Climate Change and Air pollution at the County Government of Nairobi

The atmosphere was vibrant with enthusiastic conversations, as groups from diverse backgrounds and areas of expertise came together to exchange knowledge, build partnerships, and inspire one another. By facilitating these connections, the event not only strengthened the bonds within the community but also created a supportive network of individuals dedicated to finding sustainable solutions. Attendees were able to amplify their impact and broaden their reach through networking, paving the way for continued collaboration long after the event concluded.

Marvin Ochieng, environmentalist and founder of LEWMO, expressed the significance of the day by stating, "Today was a very important day because we had an opportunity to join hands with other environmental stakeholders. We want the entire country to know the importance of conserving our environment."

World Environment Day 2023 in Nairobi will be remembered as a defining moment, where the power of community-driven action and the resilience of young changemakers were celebrated. SDI Kenya and Muungano wa Wanavijiji will continue to support these locally led initiatives, empower youth in informal settlements, and work tirelessly towards a future where plastic pollution is a thing of the past. Together, we can create lasting positive change and build a greener, cleaner world for generations to come.