The initiative dubbed ‘Taka ni Mali’ is aimed at creating awareness and to sensitize the members of the public to understand the importance of safely handling Covid-19 waste
By Ruth Seleina
Kajiado County Government in collaboration with other Environmental protection partners launched Covid-19 Waste Management Initiative in Ongata Rongai Health facility on Friday June 5.
The initiative dubbed ‘Taka ni Mali’ is aimed at creating awareness and to sensitize the members of the public to understand the importance of safely handling Covid-19 waste, among them used masks.
First Lady Kajiado County, Edna Lenku speaking during the launch which coincides with World Environmental Day, urged the community to separate waste in order to protect the environment and keep any harmful waste at bay.
She noted that fighting Covid-19 pandemic calls for all the stakeholders on board to ensure cleanliness of the environment is key and it should be given priority as far as resources allocation is concerned.
“In a bid to properly dispose Covid-19 waste, the County government has built a modern incinerator at Ongata Rongai Health Facility that will be used to burn upto 50kgs of Covid-19 waste per hour,” said Mrs Lenku.
Similarly, Taka ni Mali Patron, Mary Ngechu lauded the partnership with the County Government saying that it will go a long way in promoting a safe environment for the residents of Kajiado.
Ngechu said Covid-19 waste must be disposed in the most appropriate way that ensures protection of environment even for the future generation.
“Waste management is wealth creation since separation of waste can make it easier to re-use and produce other items that are of value to generate money,” said the Environmental Champion.
The sensitization exercise was held to prevent further spread of Coronavirus as a result of people coming into contact with Covid-19 waste and to know the safest way of disposal of such waste.
In partnership with Taka Ni Mali and Kenya Manufacturers Association the County Government of Kajiado gave out waste bins that include separation for Covid-19 waste, Bin linings, masks and Sanitizers to traders at the Kware Market, Ongata Rongai.
The exercise is expected to be replicated in all other Sub Counties in Kajiado.
Among other leaders present during the launch were; Chairman of the Kenya Association of Manufactures -Lower Eastern Region Olivier Lauvaux, Kajiado County CECM for Water and Environment Michael Semera, The CO Environment, Dr James Sankale, Public Health CO Edah Wakapa, MCAs James Waishanguru (Nkaimurunya) and Ongata Rongai Ward MCA Mwathi Pere among other leaders.
