MWATATE CBD GETS A CLEAN SWEEP -JKF

Thanks to Joseph Kennedy Mwalegha Foundation and Community Efforts

In a display of community spirit and environmental stewardship, the Joseph Kennedy Mwalegha Foundation, led by its director Joseph Kennedy Mwalegha, spearheaded a transformative initiative to clean up the heart of Mwatate town. 

Situated as the bustling epicenter of Taita Taveta county, Mwatate CBD has long grappled with the scourge of indiscriminate garbage dumping, plaguing its streets and compromising the health and safety of its residents.

The situation had reached a tipping point, with the local business community seemingly indifferent to the environmental degradation unfolding before their eyes. The mounting heaps of refuse, particularly around the municipality market, had overwhelmed both county environmental authorities and the Taita Taveta county government. 

Challenges ranging from inadequate funding for waste management to insufficient infrastructure for garbage collection and disposal underscored the urgent need for intervention. Compounding matters, the absence of proper drainage exacerbated the problem during the rainy season, transforming CBD roads into impassable, debris-strewn thoroughfares.

Hazardous materials such as sharp glass and rusty metals posed additional risks, threatening public health and safety. Recognizing the gravity of the situation, Joseph Kennedy Mwalegha and his team sprang into action, mobilizing community members and stakeholders for a concerted cleanup effort. Sensitization campaigns were launched to educate local businesses on responsible waste disposal practices, while county environmental staff redoubled their efforts to clear garbage receptacles, especially in critical areas like the Mwatate modern market and adjacent to Mwatate Posta, ahead of market days.

Moreover, proactive strategies were devised to address household waste management, emphasizing the importance of preventing the dumping of non-biodegradable waste near water bodies. Concerns over designated landfill sites, often used for the indiscriminate disposal of hazardous materials, prompted calls for their relocation and stricter adherence to waste disposal protocols. 

Central to these efforts was the unwavering commitment of individuals like Joseph Mwashuma (Mshirafu), Fatuma Salim (Thumamy), Righa Mwachofi, and Idris Mohammed of SAVE THE ENVIRONMENT CBO, who tirelessly championed the cause of environmental conservation and community empowerment. Their collaborative endeavors, alongside the support of organizations such as Teita Estate, Hildana Lodge Teita, Qwetu Sacco, and Wildlife Clubs of Kenya-Taita Taveta Action Group, among others, epitomized the collective resolve to effect lasting change. 

Joseph Kennedy Mwalegha, MCA of Mwatate ward, emerged as a driving force behind the cleanup campaign, leveraging his position to advocate for systemic reforms within the county assembly.

Through strategic alliances with self-help groups, CBOs, and community volunteers, he galvanized support for the cause, fostering a culture of environmental responsibility and civic engagement. 

As the cleanup initiative gains momentum, Joseph Kennedy Mwalegha remains resolute in his dedication to the task at hand. With each participant recognized and rewarded for their contributions, the message rings clear: "I love the environment, and I love it clean."

Desderio Mteule, Mwatate ward, MCA office manager encourage CBOs and groups to write and submit proposal pointed to helping and driving the community forward. 

The collaborative efforts of the Joseph Kennedy Mwalegha Foundation and the wider community have breathed new life into Mwatate CBD, transforming it into a beacon of cleanliness and sustainability. Yet, the journey towards a greener, healthier future continues, fueled by the shared commitment to safeguarding our environment for generations to come.

The participants were awarded a certificate of participation each.