Every year on June 5th World Environmental Day(WED) is marked and celebrated globally. The 2019 theme for World Environmental Day is ‘Beat Air Pollution’.
Why air pollution? According to World Health Organization (WHO) 4.2 million deaths globally occur as a result of exposure to ambient (outdoor) pollution and 91% of the world’s population lives in places where air quality exceeds WHO guidelines.
In Kenya, WHO estimates that 18,000 premature deaths are caused by air pollution and the lack of consolidated data and consistent monitoring only makes the bad situation worse. The major causes of air pollution in Kenya are emissions in traffic, roadside rubbish fires and road dust, industry and the use of solid fuels as charcoal and wood to cook in open fires as well as leaky stoves.
Currently, there are about eight laws, legislation’s or legal frameworks governing air pollution in the country; the main one being Environmental Management and Coordination Act (EMCA). Other laws linked to air quality and pollution regulation are Occupational Health and Safety Act 2007, Environmental Policy 2013, Air Quality Regulations 2014, Kenya Standards Act, Cap 496, Energy Act 2006, National Transport and Safety Act 2012 and Public Health Act, Cap 242.
In addition, the Green Economy Strategy and Implementation Plan 2016- 2030 identifies Sustainable Natural Resource Management as one of its thematic areas. It is against this backdrop that local, inland pockets of natural resources become vital to the entire sustainability of the country as a whole.
Ondiri Wetland is such a resource. As an inland wetland and the only quaking bog in Kenya, it’s role in nature cannot be disputed or discounted; yet, as valuable as it is especially in carbon sequestration, the role of such natural resources is greatly overlooked. It is vital that the quest for a green economy is localized and plans implemented at local levels which can be done through the already existing devolved system of government.
When global and national issues are tackled at a local level, there is much more progress as there is ownership down to the individual level of a natural resource and its appreciation especially on its role in terms of health and local livelihoods. This ownership and goodwill was clearly demonstrated by the residents of Kikuyu and various corporate organizations and government institutions that teamed up to combat air pollution through reforestation of Ondiri Wetland.
The event attracted over 500 individuals and over 1,000 trees were planted on this day. Over 100 students from Alliance High School, a major beneficiary of the wetland’s waters took part in the exercise. It was encouraging to have young members of the community involved and learn the essence of environmental conservation as early as possible. With such collaboration and consistency in the care, conservation and management of this resource, it will not be long before the residents enjoy the benefits of a clean, green space amidst urbanization.
Keep yourself updated on community events! Follow us on Social Media.