Is Nairobi As clean As It Can Get? What City Council Of Nairobi Can Do In Kenya

by Wa Kimani  - April 8, 2023

Everyone everywhere is talking about sustainable development in Nairobi. Kenyan primary schools have introduced a subject on environmental studies. High schools have also introduced environmental studies to their curriculum in Kenya. Environmental degradation in Kenya has become a point of conern even at the global level. Persons all over Kenya are being advised on best ways to avoid further environmental degradation as well as rehabilitating it back to its pristine condition. This is much of a herculean task but even the least of efforts will certainly go along way in environmental conservation in Kenya.

Walking in the streets of Nairobi, which is more or less of a concrete jungle, you can not help but notice the noisy environment as well as the smoky air drifting past your nostrils. The build environment has also contributed to the increased temperatures as concrete has a higher reflective index as compared to grass or bare ground. The buildings and concrete pavements in Nairobi have led to development urban heat islands. 

There is a huge difference between Nairobi City and say, the suburbs in Muthaiga and Gigiri area. Being in the two points in one day would have you confused to being in two different tropics all together. The air in Gigiri in Kenya is so fresh; it spells countryside, the surrounding is so clean and the general environment totally serene. It is so unlike the known “Nairobi” character

Trying to make Nairobi town similar to Gigiri is practically impossible. However a few things could be done to at least ameliorate the living conditions from an environmental perspective in Kenya. It is encouraging to note that the City Council of Nairobi has put its foot forward in fighting the degradation menace. From the litter bins put all over town to the strict implementation of laws against littering the town. However, we have a bigger role to play as individuals. We ought to take this as a personal initiative and try to safeguard our environment to the best of our ability.

Carbon sinks in Kenya should e encouraged. These help to decongest the air by absorbing emitted carbons. As we all know all plants and trees use up carbon dioxide to synthesize their food in the presence of light. Carbon sinks otherwise referred to as open spaces help to absorb carbon dioxide in the air thus creating a more “fresh and clean” air effect.

The City Council of Nairobi should also come up with better ways to handle generated solid waste especially in Nairobi town area. For instance the Wakulima market on Haile Selassie Avenue in Nairobi is an absolute eyesore. The area reeks of rotten materials which are disposed just slightly off the highway in Nairobi. This in itself poses a huge health risk to Kenyans as contractible diseases such as typhoid and cholera thrive in such areas. The strong odour inhibits walkability along that section of the road in Nairobi.

Kudos to the council of Nairobi in Kenya for beautifying the town of Nairobi. The flowing fountains in Nairobi are my personal best. They depict life and concern to the environment. If we play our own little roles in Kenya, we will not only achieve an environmentally sound town in Nairobi but will also ensure that the future generations also get to enjoy Mother Nature’s resources in Kenya.

Afya Medical Clinic (Dandora)
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