President Uhuru Kenyatta advised his colleagues from around the world to urgently consider measures that will contribute to better solid waste management globally.
Speaking during the 2018 observance of the World Habitat Day, the president noted that rapid urbanization is the major contributor to escalating amounts of solid waste in cities of the world.
"I am informed that across the world, municipal solid waste currently exceeds two billion tonnes a year.
"Solid waste management poses one of the greatest challenges of our time in a rapidly urbanising world. We must take urgent action," he stated.
The president noted that the management of solid waste is in line with other global goals and some of Kenya's development objectives.
He added that the theme of the meeting “Municipal Solid Waste Management”, was timely.
President Kenyatta further commended Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko for the monthly clean-up exercise he initiated in the county.
"I wish to commend the Nairobi County Government for spearheading and sustaining a monthly clean-up exercise in various parts of the capital and for initiating a bio-digestion project for the youth by using waste to generate gas," he commented.
The president further obliged to an invitation by Sonko to join in the October 6 edition of the exercise that will end with an event at Kasarani’s Maji Mazuri grounds.
In his speech, the governor assured that the clean-up efforts would also be enforced for the Nairobi River.
"The problem with such initiatives in the past has been lack of sustainability. This time, we are determined to ensure the Nairobi River remains clean," Governor Sonko stated.
