NEMA urges integration of waste management into Kenya’s education curriculum

KENYA – The National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) has called for the inclusion of waste management education in Kenya’s Competency-Based Education (CBE) curriculum to instill sustainable habits and environmental responsibility among learners from an early age.

Taita Taveta County NEMA Director George Oyoo said integrating waste education into the school system would cultivate a generation that views waste not as a nuisance but as a resource with economic potential.

Speaking during a visit to the Material Recovery Facility (MRF) in Chakareli, established through a partnership between the European Union, UN-Habitat, and the County Government of Taita Taveta, Oyoo emphasized that “waste separation must begin at the source.”

He noted that awareness campaigns should go beyond schools to engage women, youth, and community groups, helping them see value in recycling and waste recovery.

“For waste management to succeed across the country, children must be taught from an early stage that waste separation starts at home,” Oyoo said.

“We also want to sensitize communities so they can see waste as a means of wealth creation.”

The Chakareli MRF, he added, has played a key role in reducing illegal dumping sites that pose environmental and public health risks.

Oyoo explained that both national and county governments are shifting from punitive measures toward more sustainable, solution-driven approaches.

“Previously, we took people to court, but we realized sustainability comes through awareness and providing facilities for proper waste disposal,” he said.

He urged residents to sort waste into plastics, biodegradable materials, and glass, noting that when properly managed, waste can generate income much like farming or small-scale trade.

NEMA’s proposal aligns with Kenya’s broader efforts to promote environmental education and advance the goals of the Sustainable Waste Management Act (2022), which emphasizes source separation, recycling, and circular economy principles.

Similar efforts are gaining traction elsewhere in Africa, for instance, Rwanda’s Green Schools Initiative integrates waste sorting and recycling into daily school routines, while South Africa’s Eco-Schools Program encourages learners to turn recyclables into income-generating projects.

By embedding environmental stewardship into Kenya’s education framework, NEMA aims to create a generation of citizens equipped to drive the country’s transition toward sustainable waste management and a cleaner, greener future.

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