The case
Plastic pollution was affecting rivers, riparian areas and public spaces, while awareness of the responsibilities of households, traders, schools and public institutions remained uneven. World Environment Day 2023 created an opportunity to connect public education with practical action in communities and institutions.
What CESPAD did
CESPAD used the campaign to bring different groups into the same conversation about reducing plastic waste and protecting water resources. Staff engaged school learners on tree growing, water and food security, and the role of young people in environmental stewardship.
In Kisii County, the Western Kenya Water Project team worked with government officials and local stakeholders on a joint clean-up of the Nyakomisaro River. The activity also supported public communication about the enforcement of the ban on plastic carrier bags and the protection of riparian land, rivers and springs.
In Nanyuki, CESPAD representatives joined a town clean-up and used the event to promote the reuse and recycling of plastic waste. These activities combined practical clean-up work with messages intended to support longer-term behaviour change.
What changed
The campaign created visible opportunities for communities, schools, government officials, traders and the media to act together. Local stakeholders took part in river and town clean-ups, shared information about environmental responsibilities and raised public attention around plastic waste and the protection of water resources.
The Nyakomisaro Water Resource Users Association also used the campaign to speak publicly about preserving riparian land and protecting rivers and springs. This strengthened the connection between environmental action, community voice and accountability for shared resources.
What we learned
- Public education is stronger when it is connected to practical local action.
- Reducing plastic pollution requires cooperation between communities, schools, traders and public institutions.
- Water-resource institutions can help turn environmental messages into local accountability.
- Clean-up activities are most useful when they are linked to continued awareness, enforcement and behaviour change.