Waste has recently become an acute problem. Packaging waste and empty plastic bottles are carelessly discarded. Rubbish has spread across the beach and virtually all other areas.
Some community members and young people from Kulunga, a fishing village on Rusinga Island, are now taking action against this. They have founded the Rusinga Environmental and Waste Management Initiative (REWMI). They organised their first campaign on the national environment day, Mazingira Day, on 10 October, supported by members of the Environmental Club at Kamasengre Mixed Secondary School and BaRuIs e.V.
The main objectives of Mazingira Day 2025 were:
- To promote public awareness of proper waste disposal and hygiene.
- To involve young people and schoolchildren in practical environmental protection activities.
- To promote cooperation between government departments, schools and local organisations.
- Planting trees and restoring green spaces at schools and residential buildings.
It was a complete success. The day began with a joint clean-up campaign. Representatives from the Ministry of Health held interactive discussions on topics such as the environment and public health, the dangers of open dumps and waste incineration, and the prevention of diseases caused by poor hygiene.
Over 100 people, including students, traders and local residents, took part in the activities. 160 trees were planted.
The Kolunga market and its surroundings were visibly cleaner after the exercise. Strong partners have joined forces to form a network for future environmental activities. The schoolchildren gained practical experience and will develop into a new generation of environmentalists. So this will not remain a one-off event.