Kenya has reached an agreement with two international agencies to address industrial pollution in it’s capital Nairobi. The industrial pollution management deal is set to bolster the city’s preparedness in combating pollution.
The agreement between The Nairobi County Government and two international agencies, Danish Environment Protection Agency (EPA) and the 2030 Water Resources Group, was inked last week, ahead of the Water and Sanitation Conference held at the Kenyatta International Convention Center (KICC).
Nairobi County Governor Mike Sonko said the the combined forces will help in the efforts of reducing pollution in the city. “Residents of Nairobi are some of the most industrious people in the world and they deserve an environment that is free of health-risks,” he said.
EPA Head of Division, Annette Samuelsen, reiterated Denmark’s willingness to work with Nairobi County government in implementing modern solid waste management systems and dealing with industrial waste.
READ: 8 Advantages of MBBR Wastewater Water Treatment
“We are looking forward to this future cooperation that will be of great value in dealing with water pollution and challenges related to industrial waste,” she said.
The new partnership was hailed by Water Resources Management specialist and Kenya Country Coordinator for the 2030 Water Resource Group, Joy Busolo, who said Nairobi will benefit by learning how to sustainably treat industrial effluent at source and having a decentralized system of water treatment.
She added that the private sector will be brought on board under the Kenya Industrial Water Alliance umbrella.
The partnership will boost ongoing efforts by the county government in dealing with pollution of Nairobi River and industrial effluent in general.
Environment Executive member Vesca Kangogo said the county has an existing solid waste management strategic plan but will still need to explore a more structured approach in dealing with environmental challenges.
ALSO READ: Advantages of MBBR wastewater solution
“We are adapting wisely to some of these approaches and I believe having such partnerships only make our efforts more efficient,” Vesca said.
The partnership between the three parties will see more funds pumped into the county to boost ongoing programs on solid waste management and industrial waste.
Nairobi generates about 400 million litres of waste per day according to the county’s waste management department. However, two operational treatment plants in the city have the capacity to deal with 192 million litres of waste per day.
The parties agreed that they will bring on board all stakeholders to ensure that the issue is addressed collectively.
