Restoring River Wigwa: A Collaborative Effort to Tackle Plastic Pollution in Kisumu

In September 2021, The Green Embassy Kenya (TGEK), in partnership with Kisumu Environmental Champions, the County Government of Kisumu, the Kenya Red Cross, UNEP Tinada, and over 20 other organizations, spearheaded a large-scale environmental cleanup along River Wigwa, a key tributary of Lake Victoria (locally known as Nam Lolwe). This initiative was a critical step in addressing plastic pollution, waste mismanagement, and environmental degradation affecting aquatic ecosystems and local communities.

Massive Waste Collection and Sorting

The cleanup resulted in the removal of over 40,000 tonnes of waste, reflecting the alarming level of pollution in the river and its surroundings. Volunteers sorted the collected waste, extracting 860 kgs of plastic for further assessment.

Key findings from the sorting process included:

• 42 brands were identified, with Coca-Cola leading in prevalence.
• Dasani water bottles were the most common plastic waste item.
• Energy drink bottles, including Power Play, Predator, Azam, and Brava, were significantly present.
• Glass bottles weighed over 200 kgs, with alcoholic beverage containers dominating.
• Many plastics retrieved from the river were contaminated with paints, soil, water, and other substances, complicating the recycling process.

While a significant portion of plastic waste was documented, further estimation was needed for the total tonnage that went directly into disposal trucks.

Recycling and Corporate Responsibility

A majority of the collected waste was loaded onto trucks and transported back to respective companies for recycling. This move reinforced the principle of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR)—holding corporations accountable for the waste generated by their products. By ensuring that plastic and other recyclable materials were properly managed, the initiative set a precedent for more sustainable waste disposal practices in Kisumu and beyond.

Beyond Cleanup: A Call to Action

This initiative was more than just a one-time cleanup; it was a statement on the urgent need for policy action, corporate responsibility, and public awareness to combat plastic pollution. The overwhelming presence of branded plastic waste highlighted the necessity of stronger regulations on plastic production, use, and disposal.

Moving forward, TGEK and its partners remain committed to:

• Strengthening community-driven waste management solutions.
• Advocating for sustainable packaging alternatives and corporate accountability.
• Expanding efforts to restore Kisumu’s natural water bodies through reforestation, conservation, and eco-friendly waste disposal practices.

The cleanup of River Wigwa was not just about collecting waste, it was a wake-up call. As plastic pollution continues to threaten Lake Victoria’s ecosystem, collaborative action is more crucial than ever. TGEK and its partners remain steadfast in the mission to create a cleaner, healthier, and more sustainable environment for future generations.