On June 4, 2023, KEPSA celebrated the World Environment Day with the County Government of Nairobi and other key partners under the theme "Ending Plastic Pollution" at Uhuru Park in Nairobi. On behalf of Nairobi County Governor Hon. Johnson Sakaja, the County Executive Committee Member (CECM) for Green Nairobi (Environment, Water, Food and Agriculture), Ms Maureen Njeri, presided over the occasion. Ms Ciiru Waithaka, Environment Water and Natural Resources Sector Board and Mr. Teddy Obiero, chairman of the Alliance of Nairobi Metropolitan Residents Associations (ANMRA) and KEPSA implementing partner of the New Plastics Economy in Kenya, attended the ceremony on behalf of KEPSA. Private Sectors, Government representatives, environmentalists, members of civil society organizations, students, and concerned residents all came out in large numbers to celebrate, united in the vision of putting in place interventions for stopping plastic pollution and safeguarding the environment.

The  Green Nairobi  CEC, Ms Njeri  lauded the  efforts by different partners to end plastic pollution through business models, tree growing campaigns, cleanups and awareness sessions. She highlighted the urgent need to address plastic pollution and its impact on the environment. The speech emphasized the role of government, businesses and individuals in adopting sustainable practices to reduce plastic waste as it discouraged working in silos and duplicating efforts. Hon. Sakaja's message underscored the Nairobi County Government's commitment to promoting alternatives to single-use plastics, implementing effective waste management strategies and creating an enabling environment for plastic recycling and innovation.

Mr Titus Simiyu, the representative from the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA), highlighted the dire consequences of plastic pollution to the environment and health infirmities such as cancer. He highlighted the importance of strict regulations on single use plastics, public awareness campaigns, and collaboration among stakeholders to address plastic waste. He reiterated NEMA's commitment to enforcing plastic waste management policies, promoting recycling initiatives, and encouraging responsible consumption habits to minimize plastic pollution.

Mr Teddy Obiero appreciated the collaboration that exists between the government, the private sector and the development partners in curbing plastic pollution, and highlighted the role that the private sector has played in combating plastic pollution through Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR), recycling enterprises, and sustainability platforms such as Sustainable Inclusive Business -Kenya (SIB-K) and the Partnering for Green Growth and Global Goals - New Plastics Economy. Others include; the Kenya Plastic Pact and collaborations with youth and community-based CBOs. He further showcased KEPSA's commitment to sustainable business practices, including reducing plastic packaging, promoting eco-friendly alternatives and supporting plastic waste management initiatives. Mr. Obiero emphasized the need for Public-Private partnerships to drive innovation, create market incentives for sustainable products, and advocate for policies that discourage single-use plastics.

Drawing highlights from the first circular economy zone in Kenya - The Nyayo Estate, Mr Obiero further shared insights on citizens contribution to sustainable practices to reduce plastic pollution within the estate. The  estate  promotes  plastic waste segregation at source, encourages  residents to embrace use of reusable bags, and establishing waste collection points. He noted the importance of community participation and urged residents to become ambassadors of change by adopting sustainable habits and educating others about the detrimental effects of plastic pollution.

The Director for Environment in Nairobi County, Mr Malawi, commended Nairobi County’s efforts and resilience in tackling plastic pollution. He emphasised the importance of the implementation of plastic waste management programs, including awareness campaigns, the establishment of recycling facilities, and collaborations with stakeholders to promote responsible plastic use. Mr Malawi emphasized the need for concerted efforts from all sectors to achieve a plastic-free Nairobi and encouraged individuals to rethink their consumption to embrace reusable alternatives and support local businesses that prioritize sustainability.

The representative from the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) highlighted the military's commitment to combating plastic pollution. The representative emphasized the KDF's role in supporting environmental conservation initiatives including taking up 3% of the government’s 10bn tree target which amounts to 450 million trees and encouraged other institutions and individuals to take similar actions.

The event culminated in a tree planting session where trees were planted to mark the 50^th anniversary of the world environment day and served as a catalyst for raising awareness, fostering partnerships, and inspiring individuals and organizations to take concrete steps towards a plastic-free and sustainable Nairobi.