On 6th June 2024, Ms. Gloria Ndekei, Executive Director of KEPSA Foundation, held a meeting with Mrs. Gladys Mugambi, Director for Health Promotion and Education, and Ms. Nemaisa Kiereini, Private Sector Liaison, at the Ministry of Health, and Ms.  Maureen Rovinnah, Strategic Partnerships Manager from Amref Africa. The objective was to discuss potential public-private partnerships to promote sustainable cleanliness and environmental management in Kenya.

The backdrop of the meeting was the realization that Kenya produces approximately 22,000 tonnes of waste daily, with only around 10% being properly disposed of. Furthermore, 73% of plastic waste remains uncollected, with only 27% being gathered and 8% being recycled. The remaining waste either ends up in open dumpsites or is burned, posing serious risks to public health and the environment, thereby straining healthcare resources and impeding socioeconomic progress.

During the meeting, it was recognized that the private sector plays a pivotal role in advocating for waste segregation and disposal in line with the Sustainable Waste Management Act of 2022. Key potential areas of partnerships included establishing healthier workplaces, developing informative booklets on environmental stewardship, and conducting awareness campaigns to promote sustainable practices such as food and water safety, environmental sanitation, and personal hygiene. These initiatives are deemed crucial for fostering positive health outcomes and contributing to the socioeconomic advancement of the nation.

Ms. Ndekei reiterated KEPSA Foundation's commitment to collaborating with the Ministry of Health public health,and other stakeholders to launch awareness campaigns to promote environmental sustainability through the support of a national monthly cleanup  day, sensitization workshops to educate citizens on the implications of managing household and neighbourhoods waste  and water safety