Discarded plastic bags and bottles Source: AI
World Vision Kenya (WVK) is calling for immediate and collective action to combat plastic pollution.
The organization marked World Environment Day 2025 by emphasizing that plastic pollution threatens the health, safety, and future of children.
The theme for this year’s observance is “Putting an End to Plastic Pollution.”
Globally, over 430 million tonnes of plastic are produced annually. Two-thirds of this is used in short-lived applications like packaging.
Less than 9% of plastic is recycled, leading to widespread environmental pollution.
Kenya generates 22,000 tonnes of waste daily; 20% of this is plastic. In Nairobi, plastic accounts for nearly 30% of daily waste. Only 8% of this is recycled.
The rest is incinerated or contaminates land and water.
Plastic pollution disproportionately affects vulnerable populations in Kenya. This includes children in informal settlements and arid and semi-arid lands (ASALs).
Poor waste management and environmental degradation are prevalent in these areas. Children in ASALs face high rates of malnutrition, stunting, and anemia.
These health issues are linked to climate change and environmental degradation. Children are exposed to toxic chemicals and contaminated water, and food.
They suffer long-term health impacts from pollution. This includes pollution from open burning and improper plastic waste disposal.
Gilbert Kamanga, National Director for World Vision Kenya, stated, “Plastic pollution is not just an environmental issue – it’s a crisis impacting the health, safety, and future of our children.” He added that ending plastic pollution is vital for a safe, healthy, and sustainable future for every child.
WVK has prioritized environmental sustainability and climate resilience. These are key pillars of its FY21- 25 Strategy.
The strategy is implemented through the Child Learning and Household Resilience Technical Programme.
Initiatives include deploying clean energy solutions. This reduces plastic-based fuel use and deforestation.
WVK also promotes Farmer Managed Natural Regeneration (FMNR), agroforestry, and climate-smart agriculture.
These efforts restore ecosystems and enhance food security. Awareness campaigns on plastic reduction and sustainable consumption are also part of their work.
WVK advocates for waste management to strengthen local policy and promote recycling. They also engage in multi-stakeholder partnerships.
WVK’s efforts have restored over 168,000 hectares of degraded land. More than 130,000 households have received resilience interventions.
Over 500,000 individuals in more than 20 Kenyan counties have been positively impacted.
Thousands of children, women, and youth are empowered through eco-friendly livelihoods and environmental education. FMNR and clean energy adoption have scaled across WVK’s Area Programmes.
WVK urges the Government of Kenya, development partners, the private sector, civil society, faith-based organizations, and citizens to unite.
They call for enforcing bans and regulations on plastics. Investment in recycling infrastructure and circular economy models is also crucial.
Scaling up public education and community-based waste solutions is recommended. Supporting grassroots innovations that reduce plastic dependency is also emphasized.
Dr. David Githanga, Board Chair of World Vision Kenya, thanked partners for their support.
He stated, “Together, we are not only preserving the environment, we are also shaping a more resilient and sustainable future for generations to come.”
