An environmental youth group in in Nakuru has urged the county government and the National Environmental Management Authority to reinforce environmental protection laws and regulations by punishing people and organizations involved in careless disposal of solid waste in the county.
Philip Ndoria, the Secretary General of Kwa Ronda Green Army Group, which is involved in community environmental protection, education and advocacy, has said the county government and the environmental protection agency were not walking the talk in their environmental protection objectives and mandates.
During a Public Forum on Environmental Protection that was sponsored by the Lions Club of Nakuru at the Chiefs office grounds in the western Nakuru town slum area, the group’s officials vowed to petition the county government and NEMA to take a affirmative action towards environmental protection for the benefit of the public.
Ndoria observed that the ministry of Environment, Natural resources, Energy and Water Management of Nakuru County that is in charge of environmental protection matters has not put in place sustainable policies and programmes to manage waste and reduce environmental degradation and health hazards risks in the country, especially in local urban areas and informal settlements.
The also noted that NEMA was reluctant to sensitize the community, and mobilize other stakeholders on matters of environmental protection and management.
“If the government or NEMA are incapable of implementing their policies and enforcing environmental protection laws that they should closely work with stakeholders like community based groups in that line,” said Ndoria.
“We are ready to do a lot to ensure environmental protection in our community and around the county if we are empowered,” he added.
The official further noted that the ministry and the public environmental protection watchdog had in the past adamantly rejected several proposals by the group to initiate environmental protection projects.
The Lions Club of Nakuru official Dr. Varji Patel pledged the club’s support to the group in realizing its environmental protection goals that are dedicated towards enhancing public health in the community.