Why it works: It addresses an urgent issue with a focus on its local impact, tying in Terra Safi’s mission.
What to include:
https://www.worldbank.org/en/news/feature/2021/03/11/battling-kenya-plastic-waste-young-kenyan-woman-transforming-waste-into-sustainable-and-affordable-building-materials
https://wfd.rwm.global/case-study-mombasa-kenya/
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-024-81931-9
The Hidden Costs of Plastic Pollution in Kenya
Nairobi generates thousands of tons of waste daily, with a significant portion being plastic. In coastal cities like Mombasa, over half of the plastic waste remains unmanaged, exacerbating pollution challenges.
This not only creates an environmental disaster over time, but it also affects livelihoods, health, and the economy.
Today we will go through the different consequences of plastic waste on our country and explore a few different ways we can all make a difference.
Image: A striking contrast image of a pristine Kenyan landscape vs. a plastic-polluted area to set the tone.
Plastic waste is choking Kenya’s rivers, oceans, and lakes, posing a severe threat to marine life and biodiversity. This plastic waste breaks down into tiny, indestructible particles that stay in the environment for decades at a time. As plastic accumulates in waterways, it disrupts delicate ecosystems, entangling marine animals and blocking sunlight from reaching aquatic plants, essential for maintaining ecological balance.
Microplastics seep into the soil and water sources, contaminating the very foundation of our food chain. Animals that drink from polluted rivers or graze in areas with plastic waste are at high risk of ingesting these harmful particles. Once microplastics enter an animal’s system, they can accumulate in organs, potentially leading to stunted growth, digestive issues, and a reduced lifespan. This affects food security and biodiversity, as animal populations decline due to these health complications.
Visit any beach in Kenya today, and chances are you’ll see plastic waste scattered along the shoreline. Whether it’s bottles, wrappers, or broken fishing nets, this pollution often originates from two main sources: waste washed ashore from the ocean and litter left behind by us. Kenya’s coastline, once a symbol of unspoiled beauty, is now increasingly littered with debris, threatening the country’s reputation as a top travel destination. If left unchecked, the very landscapes that draw visitors and sustain coastal communities could be lost to pollution.
Image: A powerful shot of plastic waste on a Kenyan beach or entangled marine life.
There are key industries on the Kenyan coast that are taking a hit, and with them, the people who depend on them to survive. We have discussed how local beaches are being destroyed by pollution. Kenya's tourism industry, renowned for its stunning beaches and diverse wildlife, is threatened by escalating plastic waste. The accumulation of plastic debris along the coastline affects the natural beauty and deters potential visitors, impacting the livelihoods of coastal communities dependent on tourism.
The fishing industry in Kenya is also on the chopping block. Marine populations are declining, due to habitat destruction. This decline directly threatens the livelihoods of communities reliant on fishing.
The surge in plastic waste places a heavy burden on Kenya's waste management infrastructure. Local governments face higher costs in collecting, transporting, and disposing of waste.
Image: A comparison of a clean vs. polluted tourist area, or local fishermen affected by ocean pollution.