This archive report was first published on 13 June 2020.
June 5th, 2020, marked the commemoration of the 45th annual UN World Environment Day. This day holds significant importance in Kenya, given its position as one of the most bio-diverse nations on the planet.
The day aims to raise awareness of conservation and environmental issues, while encouraging initiatives to make the planet cleaner and greener. Kenya this year marked the day by unveiling several important projects to preserve the country's beauty for future generations.
President Uhuru Kenyatta opened the day with calls to be inspired by the late Nobel Laureate Professor Wangari Maathai, a renowned environmental champion. He emphasized the need to emulate her example and show stewardship in protecting the environment.
As part of the celebrations, Uhuru and the tourism ministry announced the banning of single-use plastics in national parks, beaches, and forests across the country. This move aims to combat plastic pollution, which poses a significant threat to the continent and the planet.
According to statistics, over 500 shipping containers worth of plastic waste are dumped in Africa every month, with only 10% being recycled. The negative impact of plastic waste can be seen across Africa, with countries contributing to the 500 million tons of plastic waste produced annually.
Uhuru's instruction has led to Kenya becoming a continental leader in environmental preservation. The country has implemented one of the toughest bans on plastic bags in the world, with manufacturers, importers, and sellers facing fines of up to Sh4 million or a prison sentence of up to four years.
The success of this policy has been evident, with plastic bag use reduced by over 80%. The government has also incorporated private sector actors, such as Safaricom, and international partners, like the European Union, USAID, and the European Investment Bank, to support conservation efforts.
The environmental challenge requires international cooperation to be adequately addressed. The placing of environmental protection on Kenya's national agenda has been driven by the financial toll it takes on important industries, such as agriculture and tourism, as well as a commitment to future generations.
As Uhuru emphasized, 'We must emulate Wangari's example, and show by our stewardship that we too are worthy heirs.' The results of these efforts will only be fully understood in a few generations time.
Ms. Linah Benyawa is a freelance journalist.
