By Josiah Kariuki

Kisii County marked the World Cleanup Day 2026, with residents, leaders and environmental stakeholders calling for sustained action to keep towns clean and promote responsible waste management.

The celebrations, held under the theme “From Clean Plates to Clean Towns,” began with a cleanup exercise at Kisii Main Matatu Stage before culminating in a public gathering at the Agricultural Training Centre (ATC) Grounds.

It also saw the launch of a park, a project initiated by Governor Simba Arati at the former Nyambera dumping site, at the edge of the Central Business District (CBD).

Participants from different sectors turned out for the cleanup armed with gloves and collection bags, working together to remove waste, clear drainage channels and restore cleanliness to public spaces used daily by thousands of residents.

The exercise was presented as more than a one-day waste collection activity, with speakers stressing that environmental management requires the participation of individuals, households, institutions, businesses and communities alongside government.

The main event at the ATC Grounds brought together UN-Habitat Director Shake Maitumbi, who was the chief guest, Principal Secretary for Broadcasting and Telecommunications Stephen Motari Isaboke, EBS, Controller of Budget Dr Margaret Nyakang’o, West Mugirango Member of Parliament Stephen Mogaka, Nyaribari Chache MP Zaheer Jhanda, Bonchari MP Charles Onchoke and Kisii Deputy Governor Elijah Obebo.

Also present were Members of the County Assembly, county government officials, development partners, environmental agencies, civil society organisations, youth groups, private-sector representatives and other stakeholders.

Green economy can create jobs

Maitumbi commended Kisii County for its growing focus on environmental sustainability and acknowledged what he described as progress by the county government under Governor Paul Simba Arati in strengthening waste management systems, improving sanitation services and promoting environmental conservation.

He said cities and towns across Africa were facing growing pressure from rapid urbanisation, population growth and increasing waste generation, making sustainable waste management increasingly important.

Maitumbi also highlighted the potential of the green economy to create employment opportunities for young people through recycling, waste collection, waste segregation and environmental conservation initiatives.

“Environmental management is no longer simply about keeping our towns clean. It is about creating sustainable livelihoods, protecting public health, preserving natural resources, and building resilient communities capable of supporting future generations,” he said.

He called for stronger partnerships between national and county governments, development organisations, communities and the private sector to accelerate sustainable urban development.

Isaboke urges residents to make cleanliness a culture

PS Isaboke challenged residents to make cleanliness and environmental responsibility part of their daily lives rather than treating them as activities reserved for special occasions.

He said clean and orderly urban environments contribute to improved public health, investor confidence, tourism potential and economic growth.

“The cleanliness of our towns reflects the values of our people. A clean environment promotes dignity, safeguards public health, attracts investment, and enhances the quality of life of citizens. Environmental stewardship must therefore become part of our daily culture,” he said.

Isaboke urged citizens, businesses, schools, markets and other institutions to adopt responsible waste disposal practices and support recycling initiatives that can reduce environmental degradation while creating economic opportunities.

He said environmental conservation was also closely aligned with Kenya’s broader development agenda of creating smart, sustainable and inclusive communities capable of supporting social and economic transformation.

Nyakang’o calls for investment in environmental systems

Controller of Budget Dr Margaret Nyakang’o underscored the need for investment in sustainable environmental management systems, saying counties that prioritise cleanliness and conservation are better positioned to achieve long-term economic growth and improved living standards.

She said prudent use of public resources in environmental programmes could generate significant social and economic benefits by reducing the disease burden, improving urban aesthetics and enhancing productivity.

The legislators present pledged to support environmental conservation initiatives and strengthen legislative frameworks promoting sustainable development and responsible waste management.

Kisii Deputy Governor Elijah Obebo reaffirmed the county administration’s commitment to expanding waste collection services, strengthening sanitation infrastructure, supporting environmental awareness campaigns and increasing community participation in conservation activities.

He said the county government considers environmental sustainability a key pillar of its wider development agenda and is committed to building a cleaner, greener and healthier Kisii.

The event attracted youth groups, community-based organisations, learning institutions, faith-based organisations, traders, environmental activists and residents, whose participation organisers said demonstrated growing awareness that environmental sustainability cannot be achieved through government policy alone.

As the celebrations ended, speakers and participants emphasised that the future of Kisii’s towns, markets, neighbourhoods and public spaces would depend not only on government interventions but also on the everyday choices of residents.