Kirinyaga launches new waste system to combat greenhouse gas emissions

Kirinyaga County has introduced a new waste management system designed to cut down on greenhouse gas emissions and bolster global climate change efforts.

Under this innovative system, waste skips will be clearly labeled for organic and non-organic materials, streamlining the separation process for waste collected from markets. 

Waste from foodstuffs such as cabbages and tomatoes will be put in the organic bins and collected by pig farmers being supported under the Wezesha Kirinyaga empowerment programme while plastics and paper bags will be put in the non-organic bins for recycling.

While launching the program, Governor Anne Waiguru said this will decrease the amount of waste being taken to landfills and help mitigate climate change.

The governor said the new system will also help minimize the emission of methane, a potent greenhouse gas that traps heat in the atmosphere and which is produced by organic waste that is decomposed anaerobically.

Waiguru said 44 new skips have been acquired and placed in urban centers to help collect garbage.

"They have been disbursed to major towns such as Kerugoya, Kutus, Kagio, Sagana and Wang’uru among others," she said.

The county has also acquired two garbage trucks, one backhoe and one skip loader to enhance garbage collection.

Waiguru, also the chairperson of the Council of Governors, said her administration is at the forefront of embracing climate-resilient programmes that aim at mitigating the effects of climate change.

“With the rising population and expansion of towns that has led to increased number of businesses mainly being driven by a vibrant agriculture economy, there has been an increase in residential and commercial waste in urban centres that require a proper disposal system,” she said.

The county government, Waiguru added, has also put in place the necessary legal and policy framework to enable the implementation of climate change and environmental interventions.

Environment County Executive Committee Member James Mutugi underscored the importance of a well-managed garbage system in reducing risks and hazards and improving the well-being of residents.

“If we allow garbage or garbage effluents to flow into the river, we end up contaminating our water sources and harming ourselves”.

Christine Muthoni, a trader at Kerugoya town, said the placement of more garbage skips has enhanced hygiene in the town as they have discouraged littering.

She said the town has suffered from unmanaged garbage for decades as traders and residents dumped waste on roadsides and waterways, creating illegal dumpsites.

“Illegal dumpsites encouraged stray dogs that scavenged for food around the town but we’re happy that our town is clean now and we have a better working environment as traders”.

Millicent Mwangi from Sagana town narrated how filth characterized the town for years but noted that the additional garbage skips will relieve the town of the foul smell from dumpsites.