July Chill and the Realities of Climate Change

Nairobi is experiencing one of its coldest Julys in recent memory, with biting temperatures disrupting daily life, from school attendance to rising household energy costs. This unusual chill is more than just a seasonal anomaly; it’s a stark reminder of the unpredictable impacts of climate change on our health, wellbeing, and communities.

SDGs Explained!

I still remember the moment at the Nairobi Summer School on Climate Justice in 2021, a gathering of passionate professionals from 43 African countries, all brought together under the Pan Africa Climate Justice Alliance at Kenyatta University. The speaker challenged…

Living on the Edge: The Hidden Cost of Plastic Pollution on Waste Pickers in Kenya

Plastic pollution in Kenya’s Dandora dumpsite is more than an environmental crisis, it’s a human tragedy. Waste pickers, many working without protective gear, face severe health risks including respiratory illnesses, skin diseases, and reproductive issues caused by toxic plastics. Despite their crucial role in recycling and reducing waste, they earn meager incomes and lack legal protections. Greenpeace Africa’s documentary “Dumped” brings their stories to light, calling for urgent action to recognize, protect, and fairly compensate these unsung environmental heroes.

World Environment Day 2025: Beating Plastic Pollution

World Environment Day 2025 brings renewed urgency to Kenya’s fight against plastic pollution, a crisis visible in littered streets, polluted rivers, and overflowing landfills like Nairobi’s Dandora site. Despite bold bans on plastic bags and single-use plastics, weak enforcement and limited waste management infrastructure mean plastic waste continues to threaten public health, wildlife, and livelihoods. At the heart of this challenge are Kenya’s waste pickers, who play a vital yet often overlooked role in recycling and environmental protection. As the nation rallies to “Beat Plastic Pollution,” empowering youth innovation and supporting waste pickers will be key to building a cleaner, greener future.