Environmental experts raised concerns about the poor management of waste in the country, describing it as a “time bomb”.
Yesterday’s stakeholders forum in Kisii was organized by the Environmental Institute of Kenya. It was agreed that more effort was needed to ensure proper waste management.
Linda Munyao, chair of the institute, stated that environmental degradation and the effects of climate change continue to be a major problem.
“With environment docket being a devolved function, the institute believes there is need for both levels of government (national and county) to enhance synergy in overseeing the environmental management,” said Munyao.
Former director general of the National Environment Management Authority (Nema), Prof Ratemo Michieka, decried the encroachment of wetlands, and called for urgent measures to protect the resource for the good of current and future generations.
Prof Michieka urged Kenyans not to allow leaders to claim different positions, as this is crucial for the future wellbeing and well-being of Kenyans.
The former Nema boss said that 35 per cent of the world’s wetlands were lost between 1970 and 2015, with the loss continuing to accelerate as a result of various factors that need immediate action.
“Climate change, population increase, urbanisation especially along coastal zones and river deltas, and changing consumption patterns that have brought changes in land and water use has contributed to the loss of wetlands over the years,” said Michieka.
Former vice-chancellor of Jomo Kenyatta University of Agricultural and Technology, (JKUA), said that Gusii was one of the most affected areas. Land scarcity contributed to the encroachment of wetlands used for crop cultivation.
Leonard Ofula, director of Kisii County Nema, revealed that plans were being made to relocate the Kisii dumpsite.