lowereas
Makueni Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr. has declared a sweeping ban on single-use plastics across all county offices and official functions, as part of an ambitious drive to curb environmental degradation and tackle plastic pollution.
Speaking during the World Environment Day celebrations held in Wote, the county boss delivered a passionate call to action, emphasizing the urgent need to address the growing plastic menace.
“Enough is enough! We must act now before plastics choke the life out of us,” Governor Mutula stated, noting that plastic waste continues to clog drainage systems, litter public spaces, and pose severe threats to ecosystems and public health.
Highlighting the scale of the problem, the Governor pointed to Wote Municipality, which produces an estimated 20 metric tons of waste daily with plastic materials making up 25% of the total waste. In response, the county government has unveiled plans for a KSh180 million Material Recovery Facility. The facility will support the segregation, recycling, and reuse of waste, while also creating job opportunities for the youth in Makueni.
In a further commitment to sustainable environmental practices, Governor Mutula also launched the County Forest Landscape Restoration Plan. Developed in collaboration with the World Agroforestry Centre (ICRAF), the plan aims to guide the county’s efforts in restoring degraded landscapes through nature-based solutions and community-driven reforestation initiatives.
The governor’s announcements reflect a broader environmental agenda by the county government, aligned with global efforts to reduce plastic pollution and promote ecological restoration.
