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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.

In the beautiful landscapes of Taita Taveta County, it's disheartening to witness the careless disposal of garbage that mars the environment. Our environment reflects the state of our collective responsibility, and it's time for a wake-up call. Let's put politics aside and focus on efficient waste management and environmental preservation for the betterment of our community. 

The Department of Waste Management and Environment in Taita Taveta County plays a pivotal role in maintaining the cleanliness of our region. Instead of engaging in political wrangling, let's urge them to prioritise their mandate and provide effective services to the community.

Businesses that pay for waste collection services must remember that it doesn't grant them the privilege to indiscriminately dump garbage. It's imperative that influential and respected business premises set an example by ensuring their waste is disposed of responsibly, preventing water waste from running into the paths of our towns. 

The National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) must not only talk but also act. With numerous policies and frameworks at their disposal, it's time for them to implement practical solutions to address environmental issues. Let's remind NEMA that the well-being of our residents, particularly those who cannot afford health insurance, is at stake.

Taita Taveta County is our home, and we need to protect it. Instead of polluting the air and risking health problems, let's come together to preserve our environment. We are all interconnected, and it's crucial that we prioritise the health and well-being of our fellow community members.

We must acknowledge the efforts of the Environment Department in Taita Taveta County. They work tirelessly to manage our environment, and their dedication deserves recognition.

However, there's a challenge with the incineration of garbage in the town centre. Gas emissions from burning waste can lead to respiratory issues, eye problems, and unpleasant odours in the central business district. We need to address this issue promptly.

To attract serious investors, we must pay attention to town planning. Placing garbage receptacles in the heart of the town doesn't present an appealing image. It's time to demolish these receptacles and relocate them to the outskirts of town for a cleaner and more attractive environment.

We have community-based organisations, such as MWATATE CBO, dedicated to town cleaning. Collaboratively, with the support of the environment department, they can ensure the proper collection and disposal of day-to-day garbage, contributing to the revitalization of Mwatate. 

The responsibility for a cleaner and healthier Taita Taveta County lies with each of us, from residents to businesses to government departments. By respecting our environment and working together, we can make Mwatate great and set an example for sustainable living.

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In his first year as MCA of Mwatate ward, Joseph Kennedy Mwalegha demonstrated unwavering commitment to his constituents. Despite facing challenges in project implementation, he remained resolute in fulfilling his promises to the people of Mwatate. With a determined spirit, he accomplished significant milestones, including providing bursaries to 1,366 needy students across 172 institutions, designing the impactful Dimisha Sponsorship Programme, and actively leading efforts to resolve land issues and mitigate environmental pollution.

Empowering Education

• Bursary Issuance: Providing essential support to 1,366 needy students across 172 institutions.
• Secondary School Bursaries: Joseph Kennedy Mwalegha, MCA of Mwatate ward, granted 1,164 bursaries to the neediest students, totaling Kes. 4,194,360.
• Higher Education Opportunities: Assisting 54 college students (Kes. 197,640) and 82 in higher education (Kes. 300,120).
• Inclusive Support: Extending help to 13 students with special needs (Kes. 47,580) and 71 in vocational training centres (Kes. 259,580).

Dimisha Sponsorship Programme

• Fighting Poverty: Joseph Mwalegha's initiative has empowered over 79 young men and women through training in driving, beauty, and utility skills.
• Commitment to Overcome Challenges: Despite obstacles, Mwalegha remains dedicated to fulfilling his promises to the people of Mwatate.

Land and Environmental Stewardship

• Chair of the Lands and Human-Wildlife Conflict Resolution Sectorial Committee to address land issues and ensure fair compensation.
• Water Connectivity: Allocating Kes. 2 million to pave the way for water connectivity from Josa and continuing to invest Kes. 2 million for project completion.
• Road Improvement: Committing Kes. 2 million for the grading and murraming of the Landi to Mdidinyi road.

• Environmental Advocacy: Championing the removal or mitigation of the Landi dumpsite to prevent negative health impacts on the community.

Ongoing Projects

• Mlambenyi Social Project: A Kes. 2 million allocation for project completion.
• Peleleza Public Toilet: A Kes. 1 million investment to finalise construction.
• Kipusi Public Toilet: Allocating Kes. 1 million to ensure its completion.

Community Support and Social Programmes

• Continuous Contribution: Committing to ongoing support and contributions to community development.
• Social Group Assistance: Issuing Kes. 1 million worth of tents to social groups in the community for their events, including weddings and funerals.

Joseph Kennedy Mwalegha's dedication and persistence in the face of adversity reflect his strong commitment to improving the lives of the community he serves.