Thousands join plastic pollution fight as Diani Beach festival kicks off in Kwale
The initiative brings together more than 60 partners, including governmental and non-governmental organisations, for a series of workshops, exhibitions, beach games, a plastic fashion showcase, and public awareness campaigns.
The Diani Beach Zero Plastic Pollution Festival 2025 kicked off this week in Kwale County, drawing hundreds of participants in a three-day event aimed at tackling plastic pollution and promoting climate action.
The festival, which coincides with World Ocean Day, involves a six-kilometre beach clean-up targeting the collection of over seven tonnes of plastic waste.
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The initiative brings together more than 60 partners, including governmental and non-governmental organisations, for a series of workshops, exhibitions, beach games, a plastic fashion showcase, and public awareness campaigns.
Mohamed Ali, a representative of Samba Sports Youth Trust, said the annual event is critical in raising awareness on the devastating impact of plastic pollution along Kenya’s coastline.
“We collect every piece of plastic on the beach and conduct processions through the roads to educate the public on the importance of environmental conservation, particularly keeping Diani free from plastic waste,” said Mohamed.
Tons of plastic waste collected along the Diani beach at Congo beach. (Farhiya Hussein)
He noted that the ocean is central to the livelihoods of Kwale residents through tourism, fishing, and marine products.
“If the ocean is polluted, we will not be able to attract tourists, and this will affect our economy. That is why we also hold 12 dialogue workshops over the three days to share knowledge.”
Citing UNESCO statistics, Mohamed warned that the Indian Ocean currently holds about 11 million tonnes of plastic waste. “If we don’t act now, projections show that by 2060, there will be more plastic in the ocean than fish. We cannot afford to let that happen.”
The festival has attracted between 700 and 800 participants, with about half being students from nursery, primary, and secondary schools.
“We believe in instilling a new culture, a paradigm shift by educating young people early. They will grow into adults who are champions for environmental protection,” he said.
Mohamed also acknowledged support from Kwale Recycling Centre, which collects the plastic waste, weighs it, and returns empty sacks for the next day’s clean-up.
Juma Nasoro from the Health Environment Research Institute (HERI) described the event as a significant milestone for environmental stakeholders.
“It is a great opportunity for us to showcase our work. For HERI, we are also piloting a solution for organic waste, one of Diani’s biggest challenges. Our research has shown that plastic waste creates a breeding ground for mosquitoes, which affects public health,” Juma explained.
Green minds displaying flower vases made of plastic bottles during the Diani Beach Zero Plastic Pollution Festival. (Farhiya Hussein)
Khalifa Salim, Director of Diani Beach Cleaning and a youth leader, highlighted the chemical dangers of disintegrating plastics, saying they release substances that harm ocean vegetation such as seagrass, which plays a critical role in carbon absorption.
“Plastic pollution is threatening our marine ecosystems. Limited resources remain a challenge, but we are working with partners to address them,” he said.
Alice Letoo, an environmental activist, said the festival inspired her ongoing work with school children on climate action and recycling.
“Since last year’s festival, I have worked with five primary schools in different activities, including tree planting, clean-ups, and recycling projects. The children even use discarded plastic bags to create kitchen gardens and beautify their schools,” Letoo said.
She added that school debates on climate change have helped spark curiosity and action among the youth. “Children are easier to guide, and they are influencing their peers and even parents at home. They are the future ambassadors of the environment.”
The Diani Beach Zero Plastic Pollution Festival is now in its latest edition, building momentum as one of Kenya’s grassroots-led movements to combat marine plastic waste and protect the Indian Ocean.
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