Kiambu: A solution-driven meeting convened by the Department of Water, Environment, Energy, Natural Resources and Climate Change today addressed the growing concern of liquid waste management in Kiambu County.
According to Kenya News Agency, the crucial gathering brought together diverse stakeholders, including Environment Officers, Municipal Managers, Public Health Officers, and Managing Directors and Technical Managers from all water companies across the county. The meeting, chaired by the County Executive Committee Member (CECM) for Environment, Waziri Kuria, aimed at finding practical, long-term solutions to the increasing challenge of wastewater management and its effects on the health, safety, and environment of residents.
During the session, participants emphasized the urgency of upgrading and maintaining modern wastewater treatment plants across all municipalities to ensure efficient and sustainable waste management. Kuria underscored the need for collective responsibility, saying, 'Kiambu must take bold steps to stop environmental degradation, since every litre of untreated waste we release today becomes a health problem tomorrow.' He urged all stakeholders to embrace accountability and innovation in managing waste effectively.
One of the major resolutions arrived at was the enforcement of existing environmental regulations to curb pollution, with stakeholders agreeing that industries and individuals found discharging untreated waste into rivers and open spaces face strict penalties. The stakeholders also agreed to enhance monitoring mechanisms to ensure full compliance. The meeting further resolved to promote recycling and reuse of treated water for non-drinking purposes such as irrigation, industrial processes, and cleaning.
Adoption of green technologies, including bio-digesters, constructed wetlands, and smart monitoring systems, was identified as a key approach to minimizing pollution while generating renewable energy through waste conversion. Another priority is the improvement of drainage infrastructure to separate sewage from stormwater, reducing the risk of contamination during heavy rains. The participants also stressed the importance of public education campaigns to promote proper waste disposal practices and encourage residents to take part in community clean-up activities.
Mary Kamau, a resident of Thika town, applauded the initiative, saying, 'We have suffered from blocked drainage and polluted water for years. It gives us hope to see the county finally acting decisively.' To sustain these efforts, the county government committed to strengthening public-private partnerships (PPPs) to attract investment, encourage innovation, and enhance capacity building in the waste management sector.
Integration of liquid waste management strategies into all county development plans was also adopted as a long-term policy directive. Kuria reaffirmed the county's commitment to action, stating, 'A cleaner, greener Kiambu is not just a dream, it is a duty we owe to future generations.' The resolutions form a strong foundation for a sustainable and environmentally responsible future.