The County Government of Uasin Gishu through the directorate of Environment, in partnership with the Kenya Climate Innovation Center (KCIC), concluded a five-day public engagement initiative on Friday, designed to gather feedback on the draft waste management policy, bill and regulations.

The initiative attracted thousands of residents across different locations in the county, to contribute to sustainable waste management strategies.

Diffina Salim, the project coordinator, expressed gratitude for the strong turnout. “Your feedback and opinions are crucial for developing a policy that would effectively tackle our waste management issues,” Salim remarked.

She noted that a technical committee will carefully review all the input received to incorporate it into the final policy before its submission to the County Cabinet for approval.

The last day of consultations featured county officials leading discussions in various locations. Eng. Tabitha Kipnyango led the conversations in Maili Nne and Juakali, while Eng. Bob Busungu managed sessions in Ngeria and Ziwa while Director Environment Mr. Philip Lagat and Owen Achieng led the Kuinet team. Additionally, the Director of Administration, Mr. Erastus Kerich, facilitated discussions in Kesses Center.

During the consultative process, residents participated in engaging discussions, sharing their concerns and suggestions about waste segregation, recycling and management practices.

The proposed policy seeks to improve environmental sustainability as well as encourage community accountability regarding waste disposal.

This initiative demonstrates Uasin Gishu County’s commitment to involving its citizens in policymaking, ensuring that the final regulations are effective and address the community’s needs.

Residents expressed their hope that as the technical committee progresses, the collaborative efforts seen during the consultations will create a robust waste management framework that would benefit all residents of Uasin Gishu County.