Environmental activists have expressed concern over the state of waste management in Mombasa as the coastal county prepares to host thousands of international delegates for the 11th Our Ocean Conference (OOC11), a major global gathering focused on marine conservation and sustainable ocean management.
The conference, which begins on Tuesday and runs until Thursday, is expected to attract more than 3,000 participants, including government representatives, scientists, civil society organisations, private sector leaders and youth delegates from around the world. Held under the theme "Our Ocean, Our Heritage, Our Future”, the summit marks the first time the prestigious event is being hosted on African soil, with activities taking place in both Mombasa and Kilifi counties.
Several environmental campaigners have warned that the county's long-standing waste management challenges could undermine efforts to present Mombasa as a leading destination for discussions on ocean health and environmental sustainability.
Environmental conservationist Asha Mohamed said the presence of piles of uncollected rubbish in some parts of the county sends the wrong message at a time when the world is turning its attention to Kenya's coastline.
"The conference is centred on protecting oceans and marine ecosystems. It is therefore important that visitors arriving in Mombasa see a city that reflects those values through proper waste management and environmental stewardship," she said.
Heaps of uncollected garbage in Mombasa. Environmentalists raise alarm over Mombasa's waste crisis ahead of the Global Ocean Summit. (Photo: Farhiya Hussein)
Another environmental advocate, Joseph Mwangi, noted that waste discarded near drainage channels and coastal areas eventually finds its way into the ocean, threatening marine biodiversity.
"Marine pollution remains one of the biggest threats to our coastal ecosystem. Addressing waste collection should be a priority, especially during an international event of this magnitude," he said.
Fatma Salim, a community environmental organiser, said the conference presents an opportunity for local authorities to demonstrate practical solutions to urban waste challenges rather than merely discussing environmental issues in conference halls.
"Delegates will not only attend meetings, but they will also move around the city. The condition of public spaces will influence their perception of Mombasa," she said.
Environmental educator Peter Odhiambo argued that improved waste management would leave a lasting legacy beyond the conference itself.
"Residents have been living with this problem for years. Efforts to clean the city should not end once delegates leave," he said.
Similarly, climate activist Juma Amir called for greater collaboration between county authorities, businesses and residents to address illegal dumping and improve waste segregation.
Mombasa continues to grapple with mounting waste management challenges as its population and urban settlements expand. Poor sorting of rubbish at the household level, coupled with widespread illegal dumping, has contributed to the problem. The county generates in excess of 1,000 tonnes of waste every day, but a significant portion remains uncollected or is disposed of improperly. Residents in areas including Kisauni, Likoni, Kongowea and Changamwe frequently contend with overflowing waste, which often clogs drainage channels and exacerbates flooding during periods of heavy rainfall.
Mombasa Senator Mohamed Faki criticised the county's environmental standards, saying residents continue to be denied their right to a clean and healthy environment.
"Our county is now infamous for dumping garbage haphazardly. Everywhere you go, you will get a heap of garbage," Mohamed said.
The senator urged county officials to act swiftly and clear waste from roadsides and public spaces before the arrival of delegates.
"What image of our county will these delegates leave with from here?" he asked.
Senator Mohamed further described it as unfortunate that Mombasa had been selected to host a conference dedicated to ocean conservation while parts of the city remain littered with garbage.
"It will be such a shame that a conference of that magnitude is being held in Africa and Mombasa was selected to host it, yet visitors have to endure the sight of garbage strewn across the county," he said.
He called on all county executive departments to work together to ensure the city presents a cleaner image as it welcomes delegates attending one of the world's most significant ocean conservation forums.
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