Turkana Marks World Environment Day With Renewed Push to End Plastic Pollution
Lodwar, June 5, 2025 – Turkana County has joined the global community in marking World Environment Day 2025, using the occasion to call for urgent action against the rising threat of plastic pollution. This year’s theme, Tackling Plastic Pollution, placed emphasis on collective responsibility and sustainable solutions.
County Executive for Natural Resources, Mining, Energy, and Climate Change, Leah Audan Lokaala, led the county-level celebrations at Muli Christian Primary School in Lokaparaparae village, Turkana Central.
Lokaala underscored the growing danger of plastic waste, noting that microplastics are increasingly affecting human health.
Plastic pollution is a problem we can fix. Change happens through all of us, she said.
She also announced that the county is finalizing plans to invest KSh 13 million in the completion and operationalization of a plastic reuse center aimed at job creation and reducing environmental degradation.
The commemoration featured tree planting and plastic collection exercises, organized in collaboration with national agencies, non-governmental organizations, and community-based groups.
Chief Officer for Climate Change, Imoni Ekalale, acknowledged the benefits of plastics in various sectors but warned that unchecked pollution is becoming a major threat to both human and environmental health.
The choices we make can shape industries, shift markets, and redefine our collective future, he said.
Director for Environment Phoebe Ekal emphasized the importance of adopting a circular economy approach to plastics.
We must rethink how we design, make, use, and reuse plastic, she said, calling for sustainable production and responsible consumption.
The event brought together representatives from the Kenya Red Cross Society, Wetlands International, Kenya Forest Service, National Environment Management Authority (NEMA), Kenya Wildlife Service, Kenya Maritime Authority, BOMA Project, LOKADO, Kenya Fisheries Service, and several community organisations.
The national government was represented by Assistant County Commissioner Daniel Mutemi, while Deputy Director for Climate Change Thomas Kiyonga also attended on behalf of the county administration.