Malindi’s stunning sandy beaches and rich cultural heritage make it one of Kenya’s top tourist resort towns. 

However, beneath the breathtaking adventure lies a persistent challenge of solid waste management. 

To address this issue, stakeholders are implementing targeted interventions, including training Malindi Municipality’s solid waste managers and environmental officers on effective waste management practices. 

These efforts aim to create a cleaner and more sustainable environment, ultimately enhancing Malindi’s appeal as a prime tourist destination. 

Suleiman Salim, Chairman Malindi Municipal Board, acknowledges the crucial role of partnerships with Malindi Private sector in addressing waste management. 

He emphasizes that this initiative aligns with Kilifi County Governor Gideon Mung’aro’s vision to restore Malindi’s status as one of Kenya’s cleanest resort towns.

The county government is actively involving youth through the Wafanyakazi Mashinani program, which empowers them to take part in cleaning efforts across the town. 

The workshop aims to equip waste managers and environmental officers with the necessary skills to manage waste effectively, from segregation and collection to disposal. 

The knowledge gained will not only be applied within Malindi but also extended to other municipalities in Kilifi County. 

At the household level, residents are encouraged to take personal responsibility by separating and labeling their waste, a crucial step in ensuring efficient waste management. 

Nicholas Katana, a public health officer in Malindi Sub-County, said the sensitization workshop was meant to train supervisors on proper waste segregation and disposal. 

This includes managing waste from household collection points, storage, and transportation to designated dumpsites. 

Additionally, trained supervisors will create awareness in the community about the benefits of recycling and reusing waste, turning it into an economic resource while also preserving the environment.

Charity Beduli, an environmentalist in Malindi, underscored the importance of waste segregation as a key strategy in achieving zero waste and reducing pollution which is one of the areas that the officers are being trained to separate waste into categories such as plastics, metals, and biodegradable materials.

This approach minimizes landfill waste and promotes a circular economy where discarded materials gain new value. 

Kate Mwikali, Chairperson of the Progressive Welfare Association of Malindi,(PWAM) commended the multi-sectoral approach to waste management.

She emphasized the importance of sensitizing both waste managers and the community about solid waste management. 

Mwikali said there was a need to change the perception of waste collectors, who are often undervalued despite their critical role in maintaining a clean environment.

“Beyond environmental benefits, this training seeks to restore dignity to waste collectors by recognizing the essential work they do in safeguarding public health. Given Malindi’s status as a leading tourist destination that generates significant foreign exchange revenue, ensuring its cleanliness through proper waste management is of utmost importance,” she said.

With continued collaboration between government agencies, private sector players, and local communities, Malindi can achieve a cleaner, healthier, and more sustainable future, one that secures its reputation as a premier tourist resort town in Kenya. 

Written by Alphonce Gari, TV47 correspondent