Each year, the world generates an alarming 2.1 to 2.3 billion tonnes of municipal solid waste, and by 2050, this number is expected to rise to 3.8 billion tonnes. This growing waste crisis is not only a threat to human health but also exacerbates the triple planetary crisis of climate change, loss of biodiversity, and pollution. The International Day of Zero Waste, jointly facilitated by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and UN Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat), emphasizes the need for global action to improve waste management and promote sustainable consumption and production patterns. In Kenya, this is a call for urgent action to tackle the rising waste pollution problem and build a circular economy.
This year’s theme, Towards Zero Waste in Fashion and Textiles, focuses on one of the most wasteful industries globally: fashion. Kenya, like many other nations, faces the consequences of textile waste, which is rapidly increasing due to the growing demand for fast fashion. However, it is not just the fashion sector that is contributing to the waste crisis in Kenya; there is a widespread need for better waste management and a shift towards sustainable practices in all sectors of the economy.
The Waste Challenge in Kenya
In Kenya, waste management is a growing challenge, especially in urban centers like Nairobi, Mombasa, and Kisumu. With an increasing population, rapid urbanization, and rising consumption patterns, the amount of waste generated has risen substantially. According to NEMA, in Nairobi alone, over 2,400 tonnes of solid waste are produced daily, yet only a fraction is properly collected and disposed of. Informal dumpsites and poorly managed landfills have become a widespread issue, and waste management systems in many areas remain inadequate.
Solutions for Kenya: Towards Zero Waste
To address the waste pollution crisis in Kenya, a zero-waste approach is critical. This requires collaboration between the government, businesses, and consumers. The Kenyan government has made strides through the introduction of waste management regulations, such as the plastic bag ban and efforts to improve solid waste collection in urban areas. However, more needs to be done to enforce these regulations, especially in informal settlements where waste management systems are often lacking.
Businesses, particularly those in the fashion and textile sector, must embrace sustainability by adopting circular economy practices. This includes designing clothing that is durable, recyclable, and made with eco-friendly materials. For example, Kenyan designers can take inspiration from global trends and integrate locally sourced sustainable materials into their creations, helping reduce reliance on imported textiles that often contribute to waste.
Consumers also have an important role to play in reducing waste. By being more conscious about what we purchase, opting for quality over quantity, and supporting sustainable brands, we can reduce the demand for fast fashion. Additionally, Kenyans can embrace practices like upcycling clothes, donating used items, or recycling textiles, helping reduce the amount of waste that ends up in landfills.
The Way Forward: Collective Action for Zero Waste
To successfully address the waste crisis, Kenya must take a collective approach to waste management, involving all stakeholders—government, businesses, civil society, and individuals. UNEP and UN-Habitat call for active participation in zero-waste initiatives at the national, regional, and local levels. In Kenya, this means supporting community-led recycling programs, encouraging businesses to adopt sustainable practices, and empowering consumers to make environmentally responsible choices.
By focusing on upstream solutions, such as waste reduction, reusing materials, and designing for sustainability, Kenya can begin to reverse the damage caused by years of waste mismanagement. Furthermore, promoting circularity in sectors like fashion and textiles will not only benefit the environment but also create new economic opportunities, especially in the recycling and upcycling industries.
Conclusion
The International Day of Zero Waste provides a timely reminder that we must act now to tackle the growing waste pollution crisis. For Kenya, this means addressing the issues of waste management, particularly in fast fashion and textiles, while promoting sustainable consumption and production practices. By adopting a zero-waste approach and encouraging collaboration between all sectors of society, Kenya can build a more sustainable future, reduce waste pollution, and create a cleaner, healthier environment for future generations. Together, we can move towards a waste-free world—one where sustainability, circularity, and conscious consumption lead the way.
By: Caroline Kamau
Photo credits: Africa news