Kirinyaga County, Kenya, has taken a significant step towards mitigating climate change by implementing a new waste management system.

The initiative, spearheaded by Governor Anne Waiguru, aims to reduce the amount of waste sent to landfills, which are major contributors to greenhouse gas emissions.

The county's innovative approach involves separating waste into organic and non-organic categories.

Organic waste, such as food scraps, is collected by local farmers to feed their livestock, while non-organic materials like plastics and paper bags are recycled.

This dual-stream system not only diverts organic waste from landfills but also promotes a circular economy by encouraging recycling.

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Governor Waiguru emphasized the importance of this initiative, stating, "By adopting responsible waste management practices, we hope to minimize methane emissions and curb our impact on global warming."

To facilitate the new system, the county has acquired 44 waste skips and placed them in urban centers.

“We have also placed marked waste bins with the aim of separating waste from the market. The bins that are marked organic will be used for dumping the organic waste which will then be collected by our farmers to feed their animals,” Waiguru stated.

Additionally, two garbage trucks, a backhoe, and a skip loader have been purchased to enhance waste collection efforts.

The county has also implemented a comprehensive legal and policy framework to support its climate change and environmental initiatives.

County Executive Committee Member for Environment, Energy, Climate Change, Natural Resource, Water, and Irrigation, James Mutugi, highlighted the importance of a well-managed garbage system in improving public health and reducing environmental hazards.

Residents and businesses in Kirinyaga County have expressed their support for the new waste management system.

Traders in towns like Kerugoya, Kutus, Kagio, Sagana, and Wanguru have noted a significant improvement in the cleanliness of their urban centers.

Local residents have also praised the initiative for addressing the issue of stray dogs, which were often attracted to illegal dumping sites.

By investing in waste management infrastructure and promoting sustainable practices, Kirinyaga County is demonstrating its commitment to addressing climate change and building a healthier, more sustainable future.