Wajir town has rolled out an ambitious environmental initiative to tackle the menace of plastic pollution that has long choked its drainage systems and littered its streets.
The eight-day campaign, dubbed ‘Wajir Bila Plastic’, is spearheaded by Islamic Relief Kenya in partnership with the Wajir government.
It brings together youth groups, local leaders and community stakeholders in a joint effort to clear plastic and other non-biodegradable waste from streets and markets.
Speaking during the launch, Nimaa Adan, Islamic Relief Kenya’s Wajir field officer, said the initiative goes beyond beautification.
“The objective of the campaign is to improve hygiene and curb plastic pollution, which poses serious health and environmental risks,” she said.
Residents welcomed the initiative, with many noting its timeliness. Mohamed Abdullahi said plastic waste had not only scarred the town’s image but also harmed livestock, a key source of livelihood.
“This clean-up exercise is about safeguarding livelihoods. Many animals have died after consuming plastic waste,” he said.
“Residents must take responsibility for how they dispose of litter.”
Another resident, Hassan Abdi, emphasised the importance of consistency, proposing that clean-up drives be held monthly.
Municipality manager Omar Shano said the partnership builds on ongoing efforts to improve Wajir’s aesthetic appeal.
He urged organisations and individuals alike to take greater ownership of public hygiene.
“Cleanliness is not just the county government’s responsibility. We are all stakeholders,” Shano said.
The initiative follows Islamic Relief Kenya’s August donation of Sh2 million to youth groups to establish garbage collection points and run plastic waste management ventures.
The programme is titled “Enhancing Plastic Waste Management and Youth Employment in Wajir”.
It seeks to tackle pollution while creating economic opportunities and steering youth away from drug abuse and human trafficking.
