Turkana: The Turkana County Executive Committee Member for Natural Resources, Mining, Energy, and Climate Change, Leah Audan Lokaala, announced that the county government plans to invest KSh13 million in completing and operationalising a plastic reuse centre. The announcement was made during the World Environment Day celebrations at Muli Christian Primary School in Lokaparaparae village, Turkana Central. The centre aims to create jobs and reduce environmental degradation.
According to Kenya News Agency, the county joined the global community in observing World Environment Day 2025, which focused on 'Tackling plastic pollution'. The event called for urgent measures to combat plastic pollution and protect natural ecosystems. CECM Lokaala stressed the importance of collective action to decrease plastic waste, highlighting its impact on human health through microplastics. She stated, "Plastic pollution is a problem we can fix. Change happens through all of us."
The event featured tree planting and plastic collection initiatives organized in collaboration with national agencies and civil society groups. Chief Officer for Climate Change, Imoni Ekalale, acknowledged the benefits of plastic in energy-saving applications but cautioned against the pollution crisis that threatens both human and planetary health. "The choices we make can shape industries, shift markets, and redefine our collective future," CO Ekaale remarked.
Director for Environment Phoebe Ekal emphasized the sustainable potential of a circular economy for plastics. "This means we need to rethink how we design, make, use, and reuse plastic," she noted. The event was attended by representatives from various organizations including the Kenya Red Cross Society, Wetlands International, Kenya Forest Service, and National Environment Management Authority, among others. The national government was represented by Assistant County Commissioner Daniel Mutemi.