Nairobi: The Nairobi City County has reaffirmed its commitment to building a climate-resilient and sustainable city, with residents urged to embrace responsible waste management and environmental conservation to combat the effects of climate change.

According to Kenya News Agency, the World Environment Day 2026 celebrations held at City Hall saw Nairobi County Executive Committee Member for Green Nairobi, Energy, Water, Food and Natural Resources, Maureen Njeri, emphasize the need for collective action in environmental conservation. She stated that the future of the environment depends on the actions taken by individuals, communities, institutions, and governments.

The event, themed 'Global Call for Climate Action through Sustainable Waste Management,' gathered government agencies, development partners, environmental organizations, community groups, and youth representatives for a green walk, promoting environmental awareness. Njeri highlighted the County's ongoing commitment to the Nairobi Climate Action Plan, aiming to transform the capital into a climate-resilient, low-carbon, and inclusive city.

Njeri stressed that climate action extends beyond policies and meetings, encompassing everyday choices made in homes, schools, businesses, and institutions. She mentioned the county's rollout of an integrated waste management system to promote circular economy approaches and enhance waste handling across the city, alongside tree planting, green space restoration, river protection, and flood mitigation initiatives.

Warning against environmental degradation, Njeri identified illegal dumping, river pollution, and destruction of green spaces as significant contributors to flooding and public health risks. She urged residents to adopt responsible waste management practices, maintaining cleanliness in estates, neighborhoods, markets, roads, rivers, and public spaces.

Njeri called on residents to translate awareness into action, acknowledging the reality of climate change and its effects, such as floods and pollution. She encouraged moving from discussions to implementation, emphasizing the importance of walking the talk.

Njeri also recognized stakeholders across the waste management and climate action value chains, particularly the Kenya Extended Producer Responsibility Organization (KEPRO), for supporting environmental sustainability initiatives.

Earlier, Nairobi County Chief Officer for Environment, Ibrahim Otieno, noted that the celebrations provided an opportunity to renew commitment towards environmental protection through sustainable practices and responsible waste management. He emphasized the goal of building a cleaner, greener, and more resilient future.

Otieno commended the collaboration of the county government with partners, including KEPRO, the Girl Guides Association, ChildFund, Miss Environment Kenya, community-based organizations, and the Kenya Police Service, for their contributions to environmental protection.

Meanwhile, National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) County Director Samuel Lukuguit stated that the authority is strengthening environmental governance and supporting climate change adaptation and mitigation efforts. He highlighted NEMA's role in ensuring sectoral practices that achieve the country's carbon reduction goals and the enhancement of climate-related information access through the National Carbon Registry.

Lukuguit underscored the value of feedback from implementing partners and counties in shaping policies aimed at improving waste management and environmental conservation. The World Environment Day celebrations concluded with a green walk from City Hall through the central business district, leading participants to Kasarani for further activities.