Kenya joined the rest of the world in celebrating World Environment Day 2025

Tharaka Nithi, June 5, 2025 – Kenya joined the rest of the world in celebrating World Environment Day 2025 under the global theme “Ending Plastic Pollution” with a national event held at Tharaka University, Tharaka Nithi County. The celebrations brought together environmental champions, government leaders, youth, civil society, academia, and private sector partners in a strong show of unity for a cleaner, greener Kenya.

The event was graced by the Cabinet Secretary for Environment, Climate Change and Forestry, Hon. Dr. Deborah Barasa, who officially launched Kenya’s National Colour Code System for Waste Segregation — a milestone initiative provided for under the newly gazetted Environmental Management and Coordination (Waste Management) Regulations, 2024.

   “Kenya generates approximately 22,000 tonnes of solid waste every day. Only 7% of it is recycled,” said Dr. Barasa. “We must act urgently to shift toward sustainable waste management and circular economy solutions that protect our environment and create green jobs.”

Other key dignitaries present included:

   Principal Secretary for Environment and Climate Change, Dr. Eng. Festus Ng’eno

   Governor of Tharaka Nithi County, H.E. Muthomi Njuki

   CEO and Founder of Smachs Foundation

   Officials from NEMA, development partners, Producer Responsibility Organizations (PROs), and grassroots innovators.

Key Highlights of the Celebration:

   Launch of National Colour-Coded Waste Segregation System (Green for organics, Blue for recyclables, Black for general waste).

   Ceremonial tree planting and riverbank restoration activities across Tharaka Nithi County.

   Youth-led environmental forums, exhibitions, and clean-up drives.

   Entertainment and cultural performances led by local groups and university students.

   A football tournament at Tharaka University organized as a pre-event awareness activity to engage young people in environmental conservation.

The event also spotlighted Kenya’s leadership in plastic waste policy, including the Sustainable Waste Management Act (2022) and 2024 EPR and Plastic Packaging Regulations, which now require producers to take full responsibility for the lifecycle of their products.

Speaking on behalf of the Ministry, PS Dr. Eng. Festus Ng’eno called for shared responsibility across society — from households and county governments to manufacturers and international partners.

   “Ending plastic pollution isn’t the job of government alone. It starts in homes, markets, and communities. The regulations we are implementing will only work if all stakeholders embrace them,” he said.

Governor Njuki reiterated Tharaka Nithi’s commitment to environmental stewardship and highlighted local initiatives in sustainable waste management, including the development of solid waste plans for Chuka Municipality.

As the world prepares for the final phase of Global Plastic Treaty negotiations later this year, Kenya used this year’s World Environment Day to reaffirm its regional leadership in environmental governance and call for more inclusive, science-based, and enforceable global action.

The event concluded with a united message:
“Let’s move from plastic pollution to plastic solutions — for a cleaner, healthier, and more sustainable Kenya.”