GOVERNOR MUTULA BANS SINGLE-USE PLASTICS IN MAKUENI COUNTY OFFICES AND FUNCTIONS

Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr has declared a ban on single-use plastics in all county offices and official functions in a move to combat plastic pollution.

The announcement was made during World Environment Day celebrations in Wote, on Thursday, where the World sought to draw strategies to end plastic pollution.

“Enough is enough! We must act now before plastics choke the life out of us,” declared Governor Mutula. Plastic waste, a major pollutant, has become an eyesore, clogging drainage systems and harming the environment.

Wote Municipality, for example, generates 20 metric tons of waste daily, with plastics accounting for 25% of the total waste. To tackle this challenge in the long-term, the county government has unveiled plans to construct a Sh180 million Material Recovery Facility. The facility will enhance waste segregation, recycling, and reuse, while also creating employment opportunities for youth.

In addition, Governor Mutula launched the County Forest Landscape Restoration Plan, developed in partnership with the World Agroforestry Centre (ICRAF). The plan will guide the implementation of nature-based solutions to restore degraded landscapes in Makueni.