Kiambu leaders unite in bold plan to fix liquid waste crisis, enforce pollution laws and promote recycling

Leaders in Kiambu County have pledged to take decisive action to address the growing liquid waste management crisis threatening public health and the environment.

The Department of Water, Environment, Energy, Natural Resources and Climate Change on Monday convened a high-level meeting bringing together Environment Officers, Municipal Managers, Public Health Officers, and executives from all county water companies.

The meeting, chaired by County Environment Executive Waziri Kuria, sought to develop long-term, practical solutions for effective wastewater management. Kuria called for collective responsibility, saying, “Kiambu must take bold steps to stop environmental degradation. Every litre of untreated waste we release today becomes a health problem tomorrow.”

Among the key resolutions was the strict enforcement of environmental laws to curb pollution. Industries and individuals found dumping untreated waste into rivers or open spaces will face heavy penalties. Stakeholders also agreed to improve monitoring systems to ensure compliance.

The county will prioritize upgrading and maintaining modern wastewater treatment plants and promote recycling of treated water for non-drinking purposes such as irrigation, cleaning, and industrial use.

Participants also endorsed the adoption of green technologies like bio-digesters, constructed wetlands, and smart monitoring systems to reduce pollution and generate renewable energy through waste conversion.

Improving drainage systems to separate sewage from stormwater and increasing public education campaigns on waste disposal were also part of the resolutions.

Thika resident Mary Kamau welcomed the move, saying, “We have suffered for years from blocked drainage and polluted water. It’s encouraging to see the county finally acting.”

To sustain the initiative, the county government pledged to strengthen public-private partnerships (PPPs) to attract investment, drive innovation, and enhance capacity in the waste management sector.

Kuria reaffirmed the county’s commitment, stating, “A cleaner, greener Kiambu is not just a dream it’s our duty to future generations.”