Clean towns and cities form an important aspect of sustainability. According to The Global Goals on SDG 11 (Sustainable cities and communities) , sustainable cities target to and by 2030, reduce the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities, including by paying special attention to air quality, municipal waste and other waste management.
To champion for this, Taka Taka ni Mali Foundation has demonstrated full commitment towards organizing the waste management ecosystem, enhancing sustainable solid waste management solutions. This has helped solve the solid waste problem across different counties. Waste collectors organized and trained by TTNM have taken part in initiatives that have achieved commendable results towards promoting creation of clean towns and cities. Through collection and sale of recyclables, tons of waste have been recycled creating a cleaner and healthier environment for all. Recycling refers to recovery and reprocessing of waste materials for use in new products (Britannica T., 2023)
Through organizing & establishment of waste management entrepreneurship hubs and MRFs, counties that are partnered with TTNM continue to benefit from cleaner town environments and decreased garbage burdens at the dumpsites. When left to accumulate under anaerobic conditions this waste decompose producing harmful greenhouse gases tailoring Climate change (UNDP, 2022). The increased number of waste collectors has also seen the increment of waste rehabilitation and collection, thus promoting clean and sustainable cities.
As a foundation we have been an exemplary frontier in promoting clean cities and towns, not only through awareness creation but also carrying out clean-up activities. For instance, In partnership with Vintz Plastic, Kenya Revenue Authority, National Environmental Management Authority, Nairobi County and Bamburi Cement’s Geocycle, TTNM conducted a joint clean- up activity yesterday, (11th November, 2022), within Nairobi city’s Aga Khan walk and the Sunken parking area, which marked a key milestone in giving part of Nairobi city a better, clean and appealing look that had deteriorated as a result of irresponsible waste disposal.
This served as a motivating factor for the public towards sustaining cleaner cities, as the event attracted people of goodwill who joined in to help with the execution of this important call aimed at cleaning our environment. During this event, tons of waste were collected and with the help of Vintz Plastic’s “Mtaa Safi Initiative” and city county trucks, recovered waste was transported for proper disposal and recycling. This move was highly lauded by different government officials who pledged full support towards broadening such initiatives to other parts of the city.
To achieve sustainable cities and towns proper waste management forms an inseparable aspect of sustainability. With increased environmental stress from booming urban population, waste generation is also increasing at an alarming rate. Lack of prioritization in waste management not only poses health and environmental hazards but also economic consequences. Therefore, it is crucial to develop effective waste management strategies that promote sustainability and cleanliness in cities.
As TTNM foundation, we envision a future where Cities and Towns in Kenya will be waste free for both aesthetic and environmental importance. In conclusion, effective waste management is essential for creating sustainable and clean cities. By reducing waste generation, proper segregation of waste at source, promoting recycling and composting, using technology, and educating the public, we can ensure that our cities are clean, healthy, and sustainable for generations to come.