Nairobi, 6th June 2026
Nairobi City County yesterday joined the global community in commemorating World Environment Day 2026 with a green walk and awareness campaign aimed at promoting climate action and sustainable waste management.
The event was flagged off at City Hall by the County Executive Committee Member (CECM) for Green Nairobi, Ms. Maureen Njeri, before participants embarked on a walk along Thika Road through PAC University to Kingdom Seekers Ground. The procession incorporated the use of electric vehicles Electric vehicles as part of efforts to promote environmentally friendly transport solutions.
Organized in collaboration with the Kenya Extended Producer Responsibility Organization (KEPRO), the event brought together environmental stakeholders, community groups, youth, religious leaders, waste management actors, and residents. This year’s theme was “Inspired by Nature: For Climate, For Our Future.”
Speaking during the celebrations, Ms. Njeri said World Environment Day serves as a reminder that protecting the environment requires collective action from individuals, communities, institutions, and governments.
“Today is not only a celebration but also a reminder that the future of our environment depends on the actions we take collectively as individuals, communities, institutions, and governments,” she said.
She reaffirmed the county’s commitment to implementing the Nairobi Climate Action Plan, which seeks to build a climate resilient, low carbon, inclusive, and sustainable city.
Ms. Njeri highlighted key initiatives being undertaken by the county, including the rollout of an integrated waste management system, restoration of green spaces through tree planting, protection of rivers and waterways, and implementation of flood mitigation measures.
She also underscored Nairobi County’s participation in the Nairobi Rivers Regeneration Programme, a collaborative initiative aimed at restoring the city’s river ecosystems and improving environmental health.
The CECM warned that illegal dumping, blockage of drainage systems, destruction of green spaces, and pollution of rivers continue to contribute to flooding and public health risks within the city.
She urged Nairobi residents to embrace responsible waste management practices and help maintain clean neighborhoods, markets, roads, rivers, and public spaces.
“A clean city is a healthy city, a resilient city, and an attractive city for investment and tourism,” she noted.
Ms. Njeri further acknowledged the contribution of stakeholders across the waste management value chain, including community-based organizations, recyclers, waste pickers, development partners, and producer responsibility organizations, for supporting sustainable environmental initiatives.
Calling for greater public participation, Ms. Njeri emphasized that while climate change, flooding, and pollution remain significant challenges, practical solutions exist through collective effort and responsible environmental stewardship.
She urged Nairobians to move beyond awareness and actively participate in protecting the environment by supporting recycling initiatives, preserving waterways, nurturing trees, and ending illegal dumping and littering.
County Chief Officer for Environment Mr. Hibrahim Otieno emphasized the need for collective action in protecting the environment, while the County Director of Environment Mr. JP Malawi called on residents to take responsibility for their waste, noting that “Taka yako ni jukumu lako.”
Mr. Samuel Lopokoiyit Nairobi County Director of Environment for the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA), highlighted the importance of compliance with environmental laws, while KEPRO Chief Executive Officer James Odongo encouraged proper waste segregation to enhance recycling and reduce pollution.
Other speakers present observed the importance of collective action, responsible waste management and environmental stewardship, calling for collaborative efforts in creating a cleaner, greener and more sustainable Nairobi for present and future generations.
The event also marked the launch of a Dry Waste Collection Point at Kingdom Seekers Ground to promote waste separation and sustainable waste management practices within the community.
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