One Foundation, Five Counties, One Day!

WORLD ENVIRONMENTAL DAY 2025: A United Stand Against Plastic Pollution (June 5th, 2025)

The global rallying cry of “Ending Plastic Pollution” resonated with profound urgency on World Environment Day 2025. This pivotal day, dedicated to amplifying the critical need for environmental conservation, found its most fitting theme in the pervasive threat of plastic waste. As our planet grapples with the suffocating grip of discarded plastics, the imperative to educate the public on responsible management, and to champion the ethos of reduce, reuse, and recycle, was met with unmatched energy and a shared sense of global responsibility.

The insidious link between plastics and climate change spans their entire lifecycle, from nascent production to eventual disposal. A staggering 99% of plastics owe their existence to fossil fuels – oil and gas. Their manufacture fuels an escalating demand for these non-renewable resources, consequently skyrocketing greenhouse gas emissions into our atmosphere.

The production process itself, particularly energy-intensive polymerization, unleashes tonnes of carbon dioxide and other noxious pollutants. Even their disposal methods contribute to the crisis; incineration spews further carbon emissions, while the insidious degradation of plastics into microplastics poses a grave threat to marine life. Plankton, vital to carbon sequestration through photosynthesis, are particularly vulnerable; their ingestion of microplastics significantly impairs their ability to absorb atmospheric carbon dioxide.

Against this backdrop of environmental urgency, the Dedan Kimathi Foundation rose to the occasion, mobilizing across 5 Kenyan counties to make a tangible difference:

NDAKA-INI DAM, MURANG’A COUNTY: Safeguarding Nairobi’s Lifeline

In a powerful partnership with the Nairobi City Water and Sewerage Company, the Dedan Kimathi Foundation embarked on a significant tree-planting initiative at Ndakaini Dam. A remarkable 3,500 indigenous trees found new homes around this vital reservoir, which serves as the largest water source for Nairobi, supplying a crucial 84% of the city’s water. Madam Scholar, Environment Director at the Nairobi City Water and Sewerage Company, issued an impassioned call for immediate action against plastic pollution, highlighting its devastating impact on water quality, rendering it unsafe for both human and animal consumption. Echoing this sentiment, Ms. Evelyn Kimathi, CEO of the Dedan Kimathi Foundation, passionately advocated for continuous restoration practices along riverine ecosystems and the critical riparian zones of water bodies.

The event witnessed robust participation from the Nairobi Water Ndaka-ini dam fraternity and the enthusiastic scouts of Ndakaini Dumpsite Academy, underscoring a community-wide commitment to environmental stewardship.

LAIKIPIA COUNTY: Call for Change

Dedan Kimathi Foundation partnered with various organizations at Likii Secondary School in Laikipia County. Governor Joshua Irungu officiated the event, underscoring the county’s dedication to environmental protection and the critical need to stop plastic pollution.

The day’s activities included cleaning up the Nanyuki River, planting ornamental trees at Likii Secondary School, and presentations from local schools. Environmental awareness sessions were also held to encourage attendees to become better environmental stewards. Notable partners at the event included the British Army Training Unit Kenya (BATUK), Kenya Defence Forces, and Kenya Forest Service (KFS), among others.

OL-JORO-OROK, NYANDARUA COUNTY: Greening the Nation’s Breadbasket

In the fertile lands aptly known as the “Nation’s Feeder,” the Foundation’s second team joined forces with Nyandarua County, the Kenya Forest Service, and the Kenya Wildlife Service among tens of other partners. This collaborative effort culminated in an event held at the Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization (KALRO) in Ol-joro-orok, where an impressive 4,000 assorted trees were meticulously planted, further enhancing the region’s green cover.

NEMA OFFICE, NYERI COUNTY: Confronting Plastic at its Source

A focused emphasis on “ending plastic pollution” permeated the activities in Nyeri. The day commenced with a dedicated cleanup operation, meticulously clearing waste from the Nyeri Town Municipal office all the way to the Kangemi Sewerage area. Graced by the presence of the Nyeri County Deputy Governor Hon. Waroe Kinaniri, the event also included a ceremonial tree planting and an engaging open forum. This forum delved deep into the complexities of plastic pollution and explored actionable mitigation measures. Key solutions collaboratively identified included: reducing the reliance on single-use plastic water bottles in favor of reusable alternatives, avoiding drinking straws, promoting rigorous waste segregation, advocating for the reuse of plastic items, and reserving recycling as the final, but still crucial, option.

THARAKA NITHI COUNTY: Nurturing Future Environmental Stewards

The Dedan Kimathi Foundation orchestrated a impactful day-long series of tree-planting exercises across Tharaka Nithi County. Kiuraini Boys Secondary School, Egakiiramba, and Kiurani Comprehensive Schools were beneficiaries, with a commendable 3500 assorted trees planted and enthusiastically adopted by the pupils and students. This initiative served as a powerful continuation of the Foundation’s ongoing and extensive tree-growing activities in the region, undertaken in invaluable partnership with the Kenya Forest Service, Equity Bank, and the National Disaster Management Authority. Their collective efforts target dozens of public institutions under the impactful “Adopt a Tree” Initiative, fostering a sense of ownership and responsibility among the younger generation.

BURUBURU, NAIROBI: Cultivating Urban Environmental Awareness

Another dedicated arm of the Foundation’s environment team took their message of climate change awareness to Buruburu Phase 1 Comprehensive School. Here, they conducted an enlightening sensitization education session, complemented by tree planting. The interactive format fostered deep engagement with the pupils and students, cultivating an atmosphere of constructive discussion focused on easy-to-do, practical solutions to curb plastic pollution within the bustling city.

The World Environment Day 2025 served as a powerful testament to the Dedan Kimathi Foundation’s unwavering commitment to environmental conservation. Through strategic partnerships, widespread action, and dedicated educational outreach, they not only amplified the critical message of “Ending Plastic Pollution” but also laid tangible foundations for a greener, more sustainable future across Kenya. The collective spirit demonstrated across these seven locations truly embodied the principle: ONE FOUNDATION, FIVE COUNTIES, ONE DAY – for a healthier planet.