[PHOTOS] Second lady Joyce Kithure calls for collective action to keep Nairobi clean

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The Second Lady of Kenya, Joyce Kithure, has called for stronger collaboration between the government, residents, and businesses to ensure Nairobi remains clean and conducive for living and working.

Speaking on Saturday while gracing a clean-up exercise in Dandora estate, Nairobi County, Kithure emphasised that maintaining a clean city requires collective effort and community participation.

“Nairobi is our capital city, and its cleanliness reflects who we are as a nation. Government alone cannot achieve this goal without the participation of the people,” Dr Kithure said, urging all stakeholders to join hands in promoting a cleaner and healthier environment.

She challenged citizens to take responsibility not just for their homes but also for streets, markets, drainage channels, and public spaces where they live and work.

The clean-up exercise was part of the Science Adding Value to the Environment and the Communities Initiative (SaVE), an environmental program spearheaded by the Second Lady.

The initiative seeks to foster practical solutions, community-driven innovations, and active citizen engagement to transform Nairobi’s environment and improve the quality of life for residents.

Dr Kithure highlighted the public health risks associated with poor sanitation, pointing out that improper waste disposal exposes communities to waterborne diseases such as cholera and typhoid.

“Children are especially vulnerable, and as leaders and citizens, we have a duty to protect their health and their future,” she said, urging families and communities to prioritise hygiene and environmental protection.

The Second Lady also warned that cleaning efforts alone are insufficient without a change in waste disposal habits.

She called on residents to avoid dumping plastics and other waste into drainage systems, which leads to blockages and flooding during heavy rains.

“Cleaning alone is not enough. We must also change our habits. Let us dispose of waste responsibly. Let us educate our children about protecting the environment. Let us support recycling and sustainable waste management,” she added.

Dr Kithure further revealed that her team will extend clean-up and environmental awareness programs to other Nairobi estates, including Kawangware, Mathare, Kibra, Korogocho, Mukuru, and the Central Business District (CBD).

She emphasised that sustained community involvement and proper disposal of waste are crucial for achieving a visibly cleaner city.