Community-led cleanups lead to sharp decline in plastic waste on Malindi beaches

Conservationists in Malindi Sub County, Kilifi County, have reported a significant reduction in plastic waste along local beaches.

The environmentalists attributed this positive shift to ongoing monthly clean-up efforts led by community members and stakeholders, demonstrating how collective action is making a real impact in reducing plastic waste along the beaches.

Malindi residents join other stakeholders to clean beaches during their monthly beach clean-ups. (Photo: Farhiya Hussein)The KWS-led clean-up groups targeted key areas such as the Buntuani Waterfront and Coco Beach, where volunteers tirelessly collected litter, transforming the landscape.

The participation of local residents has been crucial, according to Kassim.

She also praised the robust turnout, noting that community engagement has played a pivotal role in maintaining the cleanliness of the beaches.

“Our efforts are about saving marine life and ensuring that the ocean remains free from plastic pollution,” she asserted.

Kate Mwikali, chairperson of the Progress Welfare Association, echoed this sentiment, reporting a marked improvement in beach cleanliness. She noted an influx of recyclable materials, suggesting a growing responsibility among companies.

“We are actively tracking where this waste comes from to encourage businesses to take accountability for their products,” Mwikali explained.

To them, the clean-up events are more than just a response to pollution; they foster a sense of community.

Charity Beduli, an environmentalist and vice chairperson of Malindi Green and Blue, urged individuals to take personal responsibility for waste management. She attributed the reduction in trash to the monthly clean-ups and the Nyumba Kumi programme, which empowers local communities to adopt and care for their neighbourhoods.

Local leaders are also enthusiastic about the impact of these clean-up efforts. John Mvuko Ndago, chairman of Break Yakutsi, emphasised the importance of safeguarding the marine environment, a key attraction for tourists.

Conservationists in Malindi Sub County, Kilifi County, have reported a significant reduction in plastic waste along local beaches. (Photo: Farhiya Hussein)

“By participating in these clean-ups, we are not just cleaning; we are protecting our future,” he stated.

Meanwhile, divers like Lorenzo De Ponti, an honorary warden at Malindi Marine Park, are working beneath the waves. “The debris we retrieve from the ocean is decreasing, which is encouraging for everyone involved,” he noted, adding that support from marine officials is vital to their efforts.

Students from Malindi Little Angels Junior School, including Rubby Anzazi, have actively joined these cleanup efforts, driven by a shared commitment to protect marine habitats.

Anzazi emphasised the importance of ensuring the safety of ocean creatures and urged beachgoers to dispose of their waste responsibly to help maintain the health of the marine environment.