In a fortnight, Nairobi Kenya will host the World Athletic Under-20 Championship. This is a privilege and an opportunity for the country to showcase herself as a preferred and eco-friendly tourist destination.
Kenya expects to host over 30,000 guests from across the world whose involvement in the global tourney will be at different levels- tournament body officials, athletes, governments’ representatives. These participants will be booked into city hotels for accommodation and meals. This will positively impact our hospitality industry which has been immensely affected by Covid19 pandemic since March 2020.
As a country and more so Nairobi city, we should prepare accordingly before the commencement of the games. Unfortunately, from my observation, the city is in pathetic condition in regards to cleanliness/environment.
A random check of the preffered/designated route, Outering Road, which will be used by the guests from the JKIA to Safaricom Stadium, Kasarani, there is litter all over and matatu menace/disorder at all stops; Pipeline and Taj mall. This is an eyesore to our guests. The waste disposal/collection and public transport order challenges need to be addressed through the concerted efforts of; the tournament’s organizing committee, Nairobi Metropolitan Services and the National Government. Proper garbage disposal/collection plan/guidelines should be enforced. This is only possible if the aforementioned agencies collaborate in earnest.
To sustain a clean and orderly environment, citizens must be painstakingly sensitised on environmental conservation and laws… due process of the law must apply to anyone violating environmental laws/guidelines.
It will be a shame as a City under the sun to host this kind of event with the current state of environment.
Lastly, all the concerned authorities should continue with sensitisation and advocacy, not for the sake of our guests, but more importantly to protect mother nature/environment.
#kenyasafi
#reportaka
#Liitterfree
Prepared By,
Stephen Muema,
Environmental Activist.