WVK Rallies National Action to End Plastic Pollution on World Environment Day

As the world marks World Environment Day 2025 under the theme Putting an End to Plastic Pollution, World Vision Kenya (WVK) is urging urgent, united action to tackle the growing plastic crisis a threat that reaches far beyond the environment and into the lives of Kenya’s most vulnerable: children. Plastic pollution is rising at an alarming rate. Globally, over 430 million tonnes are produced annually, with the majority used in short-term packaging and less than 9 percent recycled.

In Kenya, 22,000 tonnes of waste are generated daily 20percent of it plastic. In cities like Nairobi, plastic makes up nearly 30 percent of the waste stream, yet just 8 percent is recycled (UNEP, AWF 2024).”Plastic pollution is not just an environmental issue it’s a crisis impacting the health, safety, and future of our children,” said Gilbert Kamanga, National Director of WVK.

Children in informal settlements and arid regions are disproportionately affected, exposed to toxic waste, contaminated water, and harmful fumes from open burning all contributing to malnutrition, stunting, and chronic illness.

In response, WVK has embedded environmental sustainability into its FY21–25 Strategy, supporting clean energy, ecosystem restoration, and climate-smart agriculture. Over 168,000 hectares of land have been rehabilitated, and more than 130,000 households supported through initiatives such as Farmer Managed Natural Regeneration (FMNR) and solar energy adoption.

WVK now calls on government, civil society, and the private sector to enforce plastic bans, invest in recycling, support grassroots innovation, and educate. the public on sustainable consumption.

“Together, we are not only preserving the environment we are protecting children and building a more resilient, dignified future,” said Dr. David Githanga, Board Chair, WVK.