A journey through Kenya’s pollution crisis. When I leave my house in Nairobi, the busy capital of Kenya, I am welcomed by dense fog. It is a blend of dust, smoke, and vehicle emissions that fill our roads on a daily basis. This view acts as a continual indication of the pollution emergency in my nation. Having lived in Nairobi for my entire life, I’ve witnessed the slow decay of our surroundings, and it’s devastating to see the effect it has on our well-being and the environment’s resources.
Air pollution
Air pollution is a major issue that is highly concerning. In Kenya, Nairobi and other cities struggle with low air quality, identified by the World Health Organization as exceeding safe levels due to vehicle exhaust, industrial emissions, and open waste burning. In my youth, the sky was clearer in the city, but now it is consistently foggy. Many of my Kenyan coworkers, not just myself, experience respiratory issues, particularly among children and the elderly.
Water pollution
Water pollution goes further than air pollution. Our rivers and lakes, once a secure environment for organisms and a source of sustenance, are now greatly contaminated. When I was young, I remember visiting Lake Victoria with happiness, the water was crystalline and had plenty of fish. Today, it relates a new narrative. Industrial waste, agricultural runoff, and sewage have turned it into a murky and contaminated water source. The decrease in fish populations has hurt the incomes of fishermen and the well-being of communities dependent on them.
The Nairobi River is another unfortunate case. Running through the center of the urban area, it turned into a site for unprocessed waste and rubbish. The odor is intolerable, and the water is contaminated. Despite the numerous attempts by those who want to improve the condition of the river, pollution remains persistent, highlighting the necessity for more rigorous waste management regulations and enforcement.
Our land did not escape either. Serious soil pollution has been brought about by rapid urbanization and industrialization. Improper disposal of industrial waste and agricultural chemicals has led to contamination of soil in numerous locations with hazardous chemicals. This will have extensive consequences for the safety of food and public health. I frequently concern myself with the safety of the fruits and vegetables available at the nearby market. Is their growth in soil that is contaminated? Can they be consumed without any harm? Many Kenyans are wondering about these questions too.
Plastic pollution
Another common issue is plastic pollution. Despite the ban of single-use plastics, enforcement is still lacking. I notice plastic bags, bottles, and other garbage on our streets, blocking our drains and contaminating our waterways. This impacts the visual beauty of our surroundings and presents a profound danger to wildlife. I have witnessed cows near landfills eating plastic waste, which can lead to severe injuries or death.
However, it’s not completely hopeless and negative. There are signs of hope and advancement. Different environmental groups and advocates put in countless efforts to combat pollution. Local efforts like large-scale clean-up events, tree planting projects, and educational campaigns have motivated me to acknowledge the significance of protecting the environment.
Conclusion
An outstanding initiative is the community’s endeavor to better the cleanliness of the Nairobi River. People from diverse backgrounds, like those involved in Clean Up Kenya, come together regularly to clean up trash and plant trees along the river’s edge. This small yet critical move is going towards restoring rivers and promoting civic duty.
Furthermore, the government enforced stricter actions. The Environmental Management Board (KEMA) has increased efforts in overseeing and penalizing polluters. Even though there is much progress needed, these efforts are crucial in combating pollution.