Most members of the local Community Forest Association are advocating for controlled and monitored movements in and out of the forest to reduce illegal business of charcoal burning and cutting trees.
Why recycling is not a solution to plastic pollution
By Godfrey Ombogo
Recycling is not really a solution to plastic pollution, experts have warned. This is because plastics contain additives that contain chemicals and make recycling toxic and complicated.
The recycling companies also use technology that produce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and further harm the environment, says David Azoulay, the Director of Environmental Health Program at the Center for International Environmental Law (CIEL). CIEL uses the power of law to protect the environment,
promote human rights, and ensure a just and sustainable society.
Azoulay says plastics produce over 13,000 chemicals, 3,000 of which are toxic and not much is known about 80 percent of the remaining 1,000.
“These chemicals in the plastic lifecycle have serious health impacts, especially on our immune systems and sensory organs. The plastic that goes into our respiratory system is 10 times more than what is found in the oceans,” he says.
Azoulay spoke during a media sensitization meeting in Nairobi on ending plastic pollution. The meeting was organized by the Centre for Environment Justice and Development (CEJAD), a non-governmental organization that promotes sound management of chemicals and waste in order to protect the natural environment and wellbeing of the Kenyan people, especially vulnerable populations.
CEJAD was part of a team that sent a proposed resolution to the World Health Organization (WHO) to be adopted during the 67th World Health Assembly on May 24, 2023.
The draft resolution titled, ‘The impact of chemicals, waste and pollution on human health’, seeks to compel plastic producers to make known the chemicals contained in the products to make disposing of them easier and less toxic.
“Concerned that the production, consumption and disposal of plastic products, including microplastics and related chemicals, which can be released to the environment, may potentially impact human, plant and animal health as well as the environment, directly or indirectly,” reads the draft resolution.
The resolution was proposed by Canada, Colombia, Ecuador, European Union and its Member States, Mexico, Monaco, Peru, Switzerland and Uruguay.
CEJAD Executive Director Griffins Ochieng says even though Africa is not a major producer of chemicals, its population suffers most from the impacts of highly hazardous chemicals, especially in plastics, and pesticides.
“When we look at the harm caused by plastic pollution, we need to end the production of toxic chemicals,” he said on the sideline of the World Health Assembly.
During the sensitization workshop, Mr Ochieng told journalists that toxins in plastics are now finding themselves into the food chain in Kenya.
In April, CEJAD released a preliminary report of a study that aimed to determine whether persistent organic pollutants (POPs) find their way into consumer products and human food in Kenya due to waste management practices such as recycling, dumping or burning.
The study found that egg samples from free-range chicken in certain parts of Nairobi contained levels of dioxins and furans that were two to eight times higher than the EU regulatory limit of 2.5 pg TEQ/g in fat.
The eggs were sampled from areas around Dandora dumpsite, where waste burns or is burnt; Ngara Market, where there is an e-waste dismantling site; Mirema, where there is a community cooker that uses plastics as fuel; and Nanyuki near a dumpsite with open burning and e-waste disposal.
The results show that the highest level of dioxins and furans was in eggs from the Dandora dumpsite, followed by eggs from the Ngara market and Mirema. The sum of dioxins and furans was 100 and 111 times, respectively, above the EU regulatory limit of 5 pg TEQ/g fat in two pooled egg samples from the Ngara market.
“Based on these findings, the average per capita consumption of eggs in Kenya (36 eggs per year), would exceed the TDI [tolerable daily intake] for dioxins and furans by 5 to 6 times,” reads the report.
“In addition, we can also say that a person eating just one egg from the Ngara market would be exposed to a cumulative dose of dioxins and dioxin-like compounds that would span nearly 200 days to more than 250 days, based on the TDI set by EFSA [European Food Safety Authority].”
The sensitization workshop came ahead of the Africa Waste is Wealth Series (AWWS) Conference in Nairobi organized by Taka Taka ni Mali Foundation, in collaboration with Alliance for Science and East African Business Council (EABC).
On the second day of the three-day conference, Taka Taka ni Mali Patron Mary Ngechu said it is possible for Africa to achieve zero waste to the landfill in the two to three years if the continent’s governments adopt circular waste management.
“It will not take us 100 years to get to zero waste because we have learnt from those who did it before us. Let us turn our waste into wealth,” said Ms Ngechu.
Meanwhile, Azoulay says the permanent solution for plastic pollution is detoxification of plastics that are produced going forward, and not recycling.
“We currently do not have a good solution for plastics that are already out there, only less bad ones, but we can find a solution for what we are yet to produce,” he said.
Leading African Science Journalists Network to support fellows for COP28
By Odhiambo David | odhisdavid59@gmail.com
THIRTEEN journalists will receive grants from the Media for Environment Science Health and Agriculture (MESHA to attend the 28th UN Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP28).
Of these, eight will travel to Dubai, the host city of COP28, while the remaining five will provide virtual coverage of the event from their home countries. The conference is scheduled to take place from November 30 to December 10, 2023.
“The collaboration with the International Development Research Centre (IDRC) builds on the success of last year’s grant, which supported journalists at COP27 in Egypt where over 100 stories were published by seventeen journalists from 14 African countries,” said Aghan Daniel, MESHA Secretary.
According to the Chairman of the association, Mr Bozo Jenje, MESHA is committed to providing comprehensive support for the fellows throughout their journey with logistics as well as training on various components of climate change.
“Fellows will also engage in a series of specially designed activities, including an orientation session with climate experts, participation in three science cafes, daily briefings, interviews with high-level officials, and a debriefing session upon return from Dubai,” he told this writer.
Each fellow is expected to publish a minimum of 10 stories, with the reporting commencing from the science cafes. Beneficiaries will be drawn from all types of media houses in eastern and southern African countries.
Applicants should possess at least two years experience in reporting climate change and present a clear plan for the types of stories they intend to pursue during the science cafes and the conference.
Proficiency in English, French, and/or Portuguese is essential, with knowledge of African languages considered advantageous.
The evaluation process will consider applicants’ experience in covering climate change and environmental topics, their understanding of gender equality and social inclusion issues, their ability to produce mobile journalism and multimedia stories, the clarity of their reporting plan for COP28, the audience reach of their media outlet(s), and diversity factors such as career level and geographical coverage.
Interested journalists can submit their applications to the MESHA Secretariat via email at info@meshascience.org. The submission deadline is July 15, 2023.
This opportunity not only empowers journalists to report on the critical discussions at COP28 but also enables them to amplify African voices and perspectives in addressing the urgent challenges of climate change on a global scale.
The announcement of this grant follows MESHA’s recent selection by the International Federation of Agricultural Journalists (IFAJ) to host the ifaj2025 Congress. This Congress will bring together agricultural journalists from around the world in Kenya in August 2025.
MESHA is committed to delivering on its grant and demonstrating its excellence on the global stage, as emphasized by Aghan Daniel, MESHA secretary: “We will do our best to deliver on this grant to show the whole world that we are indeed a center of excellence,” said Aghan.
Nakuru wards to start reaping from climate change fund
By Francis Mureithi I mureithifrancis1964@gmail.com
Nessuit and Mauche wards in Nakuru County will soon start benefiting from the County Climate Change Fund following a training from a consortium of civil society organisations.
Nakuru County is following in the footsteps of Kajiado, Baringo and Makueni counties, which have vibrant, operational Ward Climate Change Planning Committees.
The two wards have undergone training by a consortium of partners led by the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF-Kenya). The other members include Slum Dwellers International and the Arid Lands Information Network.
Already, Ward Climate Change Planning Committees (WCCPCs) have been trained on a process called Participatory Climate Risk Vulnerability and Capacity Assessment.
“Our 2023 plan is to build the capacity of Nessuit and Mauche Ward Climate Change Planning Committees on the development of climate change proposals in order to benefit from County Climate Change Fund and Financing Locally Led Climate Actions (FLLoCA),” says Bob Aston, ALIN’s Project Officer.
The committees will oversee the implementation of the funded climate change response projects as provided for in the Nakuru County Climate Change Fund Regulations, 2022.
The county government has allocated two per cent of its annual development budget to address climate action. About 70 per cent of this amount is earmarked for projects proposed by WCCPCs.
Of the 12 WCCPC members, nine are community representatives, including youth, women, persons with disability, and special interest groups.
The Ward Climate Change Planning Committees are an important avenue for implementing locally-led climate actions as they coordinate and mobilise communities and other stakeholders in the ward to design and implement climate change response activities.
Development of Nessuit and Mauche Ward level climate action and investment forms part of the consortium’s priority plan to support communities to achieve food security and a safe environment through the provision of practical and usable information using ICT.
ALIN has stepped up its efforts to improve the livelihoods of communities in East Africa through the delivery of knowledge and skills on sustainable agriculture, and adaptation to climate change using modern technologies.
How people with disability fight climate change through local forest associations
By Francis Mureithi I mureithifrancis1964@gmail.com
People with disability in Nakuru County situated in Kenya’s Rift Valley, are working through community forest associations to fight the negative effects of climate change.
Daniel Gathiru, a member of Menengai Community Forest Association, which is affiliated with the National Alliance of Community Forest Associations (NACOFA), says his community is integrated with people with disability in a bid to strengthen the fight against climate change.
“Persons with disability living within a radius of five kilometres from the forest boundary are highly affected by climate change because of their disability. People who are blind or with physical disability cannot go to collect firewood yet they need water, food and energy,” says Gathiru.
“For this reason, we incorporate them in our strategies to combat climate change to address the unique challenges they struggle to overcome daily.”
Menengai Community Forest Association, which is domiciled in Kiamaina Ward, has a membership of more than 700 out of which 50 are persons with disability.
Gathiru, who is also a climate change representative from Kiamaina Ward, is optimistic that in the next five or 10 years the Ward Climate Change Planning Committees will be a game changer in the 55 wards in Nakuru County.
“These committees will turn around the lifestyles of the most vulnerable people at the grassroots as they will have an opportunity to leverage issues related to climate change and upgrade their livelihoods. Their level of reliance on forests for firewood as a source of energy will dip as they will get money to develop alternative sources of energy,” he says.
The planning committees are expected to transform into a big business empire as they will get money that could be used to make energy-saving jikos, undertake value addition in fish farming, climate-smart agriculture, beekeeping and tree nurseries, and this is touted to have the possibility to translate to more money in their pockets and more food on their tables.
Stephen Obama, who represents people with disability in the Barut Ward Climate Change Committee, says he has many roles in the committee, including resource mobilisation, steering the committee as the chairperson, organising training sessions for community members and stakeholders within the ward, besides identifying projects that could fight climate change and improve livelihoods.
Mr Obama says his expertise and experience on matters of climate change is an added value to the committee.
“I try to make it easy for the committee to implement adaptation measures that affect members with disability,” he says.
The impact of climate change on persons with disability in Barut is evident as many have been displaced and their livestock swept by floods.
“Many members border Lake Nakuru National Park and when the water levels rose, at least five persons with disability were displaced and they have never returned home,” says Obama.
People with disability are also unable to do fishing in the overflowing waters due to insecurity and harassment.
“Some families of persons with disability have broken down as the breadwinners have no other source of income as they cannot do fishing,” said Mr Obama.
World Seed Congress: Youthful farmer calls for partnerships to enhance seed production and keep climate change at bay
By Aghan Daniel
A leading young South African farmer has called on seed companies to embrace partnerships with farmers and invest in creating awareness on certified seed to strengthen seed systems in the continent in the face of climate change.
Kenya to host key global meeting on plastics pollution
By Odhiambo David | odhisdavid59@gmail.com
Kenya is set to hold the third Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC-3) on plastic pollution from 13-17, November 2023 in a move seen by experts as an attempt to provide an invaluable opportunity to build upon the progress made during the previous meetings.
The gathering which aims to develop an international legally binding instrument on plastic pollution, including in the marine environment (Plastic Pollution INC-3) will take place at the UN Environment Programme (UNEP) Headquarters in Nairobi, Kenya.
The instrument will provide a framework for countries to take coordinated action in reducing and managing plastic pollution, as well as promote sustainable practices and cooperation.
The event comes as a response to a resolution adopted by the resumed fifth session of the UN Environment Assembly (UNEA-5.2) which requests the UNEP Executive Director to convene an INC with the aim of developing an international legally binding instrument on plastic pollution.
The INC meeting brings together representatives from governments and relevant stakeholders to negotiate and develop the terms of an international agreement that will address the issue of plastic pollution, particularly in marine environments.
Although a zero draft was not finalized during the negotiations in the just concluded INC-2 in Paris, all member states unanimously agreed that the INC secretariat should work on developing a zero draft for further discussions during INC-3.
Dr. Tadesse Amera, leading the International Pollutants Elimination Network’s delegation at the talks, acknowledged the pressing need for global controls over plastic production. He highlighted the projections that indicate plastic production will double by the time a child born today turns 18, emphasizing the disastrous consequences for our health, the planet, and the climate. Despite the high stakes, there is growing awareness among delegates about the imperative need for global measures to address this issue.
As Kenya prepares to host INC-3, the world anticipates a decisive step forward in the global fight against plastic pollution. With Kenya’s renowned commitment to environmental conservation, the international community is hopeful that the upcoming negotiations will pave the way for effective and comprehensive strategies to tackle plastic pollution, safeguard ecosystems, and secure a sustainable future for all.
In 2017, Kenya implemented one of the world’s strictest plastic bag bans. The ban prohibits the production, sale, and use of plastic bags, promoting the adoption of eco-friendly alternatives. This decisive action has played a crucial role in reducing plastic pollution and raising awareness about the harmful effects of single-use plastics.
“The plastic bag ban has raised awareness among Kenyan consumers about the negative impacts of plastic pollution. It has encouraged individuals to adopt more environmentally friendly behaviors, such as carrying their own reusable bags when shopping. This change in consumer behaviour contributes to a culture of sustainability and responsible consumption,” said Aron Kecha, Centre for Environment Justice and Development (CEJAD) representative during a media engagement held by MESHA in Nairobi late last month.
Public advised to invest in water infrastructure
By Odhiambo David | odhisdavid59@gmail.com
The public has been advised to invest in water resource management and infrastructure in order to help find solutions to its persistent crisis in Kenya.
Speaking during a Twitter Space engagement yesterday Enock ole Kiminta, Kenya National Water Resource Users Association (KenaWRUA) CEO noted that the people’s involvement in addressing water challenges will help the country to realise its development goals as stated in Vision 2030 and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The event,Can investments in water infrastructure answer Kenya’s perennial water crisis? was largely attended by water journalists in Kenya and was hosted by WWF Kenya.
According to Vision 2030, a long-term development blueprint for Kenya that aims to transform the country into a globally competitive and prosperous nation, water resource management is a crucial aspect of sustainable development and the overall well-being of the population.
Kiminta, an expert in water resources management,said the country needed enhanced water infrastructure to achieve goals related to improved water storage, distribution, and management systems, which would enable efficient and sustainable utilization of water resources.
“To accomplish these goals, it is essential to invest in the development and improvement of water infrastructure, including dams, reservoirs, pipelines, and water treatment facilities,” he added.
By ensuring adequate infrastructure, Kenya can enhance water storage capacities, improve the distribution of water resources, and implement efficient management systems.
According to Dr William Ojwang, WWF-Kenya’s Freshwater Thematic Lead, the country will not realise its Vision 2030 ‘ if we don’t take into consideration the need to secure our key water sources and catchment areas.’
Dr Ojwang’ further noted that the role of water to humanity and development is too critical to be overlooked. This is why we need urgent collective action in water resource management.
WWF-Kenya has announced that in an effort to create awareness on water security and catchment protection across the country, they will run a three-day national campaign from 6th-8th this month (June).
The campaign dubbed the Journey of Water Campaign,now in its second year,will be held in Ewaso Nyiro North Basin which straddles Meru, Laikipia, Isiolo and Samburu Counties to shed light on detrimental practices impacting water resources and catchment areas.
Don’t remove excise duty on local plastics
Kenya has made commendable strides in the fight against plastic pollution, becoming a regional leader in implementing effective measures to address this environmental crisis. But it stands at a critical juncture with a proposed bill threatening to undermine the progress.
A proposal in the Finance Bill, 2023 to remove excise duty from locally manufactured plastics is a cause for concern. While the intention may be to boost local production and create employment, the potential consequences cannot be overlooked.
Plastic pollution is an ever-growing menace that poses severe threats to human health and the environment. It contaminates water bodies, kills marine life and leaches harmful chemicals into the ecosystem. In urban places like Nairobi, it is to blame for the perennial blockage of drainage systems and the foul smell one catches from roadside trenches on major highways and in the estates.
What’s more, the burden of plastic waste falls disproportionately on marginalise communities, exacerbating social and economic inequalities. The proposal will intensify the negative consequences.
Besides, it sends a dangerous message, effectively incentivising and normalising the production of more plastic. With soaring plastic consumption, the ill-conceived bill will exacerbate a dire situation. Increased plastic production means more plastic waste, leading to higher pollution levels and intensified strain on overburdened waste infrastructure.
Progressive policies
Kenya’s success in tackling plastic pollution is rooted in the implementation of progressive policies such as the ban on single-use plastic bags and the introduction of recycling initiatives.
Rather than encourage the production of more plastic, we must focus on fostering innovation and supporting the development of sustainable alternatives. This includes investing in the research and development of biodegradable materials, promoting the use of reusable products and supporting businesses that prioritise environmentally friendly practices.
By incentivising innovation and sustainable alternatives, we can create a thriving market that embraces eco-conscious solutions while reducing our reliance on harmful plastics.
We cannot afford to turn a blind eye to the perils of plastic pollution, nor can we allow short-term economic gains to jeopardize our long-term sustainability. We must hold steadfast to our commitment to a greener future and reject the bill.
Instead, let us champion legislation that encourages responsible production, consumption and waste management. By doing so, we will safeguard our environment, protect marginalised communities and pave the way for a cleaner healthier Kenya.
Ms Wako is a health and science reporter with the ‘Daily Nation’. ambuthia@ke.nationmedia.com.
Media tipped on means to end plastic pollution
By Christine Ochogo I christawine@gmail.com
The government has been asked to work with the media to help craft messages on how to end the menace of plastic pollution in Kenya, through a comprehensive approach.
According to the experts who addressed a media workshop last Thursday in Nairobi, slaying the plastic problem can only be achieved if the full life cycle of plastics is addressed.
Speaking at the workshop organised by the Media for Environment Science Health and Agriculture (MESHA), Mr Griffins Ochieng’, Chief Executive Officer at the Centre for Environment Justice and Development (CEJAD) said that there was need for greater public participation and engagement by members of the public in the plastics treaty negotiations, noting that the media is key in helping the masses to understand the full impact of plastics pollution.
He added that discussions need to focus more on the health aspects they cause.
Ochieng’ added that media in Kenya needs to follow the actions of a working group formed last week to end the problem which aligns with the intergovernmental negotiating committee to develop a legally binding instrument on plastic pollution.
The one day meeting aimed at informing the media on the goal to end plastic pollution in Kenya, with a focus on the comprehensive approach that address the full life cycle of plastic.
The training which was attended by 20 journalists, who are members of MESHA, came ahead of the second meeting of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee on Plastic Pollution (INC-2) being held in Paris, France as from May 29 to June 2, 2023 as the world gears up to welcome the World Environment Day on June 5.
In his remarks during the opening plenary of the INC-2, Inger Andersen, UNEP Executive Director, said plastic pollution is a global problem and it can alter habitats and natural processes directly affecting millions of people’s livelihoods, food production capabilities and social well-being.
“Huge amounts of plastic have accumulated in the environment. Some plastics will continue to fail the circularity test over the next 20 years. A coordinated effort to stop pollution at source, while investing in waste management, clean-up and consumption patterns, can help address this toxic trail,” said Andersen.
In March 2022, the 5th Session of the United Nations Environment Assembly adopted a resolution to develop a legally binding instrument on plastic pollution. The resolution called for the instrument to be based on a comprehensive approach that addresses the full life cycle of plastic.
The resolution established an Intergovernmental negotiating committee to develop the legally binding instrument with the aim to complete negotiations by end of 2024.
“You have a 2024 deadline to deliver a meaningful deal. Each year of delay means an open tap and more plastic pollution. We will not recycle our way out of the plastic pollution crisis: we need a systemic transformation to achieve the transition to a circular economy,” added Andersen.