NEMA urges Kenyans to recycle at home, warns against littering
The National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) has called upon Kenyans to adopt better waste management practices by embracing recycling and proper disposal from the outset, starting at home.
Speaking at a local TV station on Thursday, July 25, 2025, NEMA Deputy Director of Education Catherine Mbaisi emphasised the importance of waste segregation, saying that separating organic and recyclable waste at the household level is key to a cleaner environment and a stronger circular economy.
You might also like
“I would wish that every Kenyan would embrace the idea of managing waste right from their houses. That we can separate waste. Especially the idea of mixing organic waste and recyclables is not good because many people are making a living from recycled materials,” she stated.
Mbaisi called on stakeholders across the waste value chain, including collectors, transporters, and those at material recovery facilities, to adopt a segregated approach to waste handling.
“And all along the value chain, let those collecting waste collect in a segregated manner and those transporting it. Those at the material recovery facilities who further sort. I would urge those collecting waste from vehicles to take them to the designated areas so that we don’t find waste dumped on the roadside,” she added.
She also decried the growing habit of careless littering, citing the frequent sight of plastic waste such as yoghurt bottles being tossed from moving vehicles.
“It’s really disturbing when you see a yoghurt bottle flying through the windows. We urge Kenyans to embrace the culture of keeping the waste until one reaches their destination and disposing of it properly.”
Littering
This came a few hours after Nairobi’s Environment Chief Officer, Geoffrey Mosiria, issued a stern warning to residents that littering or dumping garbage in public spaces will result in firm legal action, including arrest and prosecution under the existing county by-law.
Taking to his official social media channels on Thursday, July 24, 2025, Mosiria announced that the installation of new dustbins across the Central Business District (CBD) had kicked off. He emphasised that the bins are meant to promote proper waste disposal and uphold a clean environment.
DUMP GARBAGE/STEAL LITTER BINS AT YOUR OWN RISK! We are continuing with the installation of litter bins across the city to promote proper waste disposal and uphold a clean, organised environment for all residents,” Morisia warned.
“Effective immediately, anyone found dumping garbage or littering in public spaces will face firm legal action, including arrest and prosecution. This enforcement takes effect from the date the installation of the litter bins began.”
He also warned that anyone found vandalising or tampering with litter bins would not be spared and that scrap metal dealers or anyone handling recyclables who were found in possession of stolen bins would face immediate consequences.
