7,000 delegates to attend UN meeting on solving pollution

A resident of Chania Estate in Nyeri Town stands at an area where residents have been dumping garbage into River Chania on February 16, 2015. Seven thousand delegates are expected to attend the 3rd United Nations Environment Assembly in Nairobi from December 4-6, 2017. It aims at combating the global pollution problem. PHOTO | FILE | NATION MEDIA GROUP

By  AGEWA MAGUT

What you need to know:

  • The Kenyan government has put in place policies to combat pollution.

Seven thousand delegates, including heads of state and ministers, are expected to attend the 3rd United Nations Environment Assembly in Nairobi from Monday until Wednesday.

The meeting, according to Environment and Natural Resources Cabinet Secretary Judi Wakhungu, aims at finding solutions to combat the global pollution problem.

POLLUTION

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"The theme for this year's assembly is, 'Towards a pollution free planet'. It will be attended by heads of state and government, over 100 ministers, scientists, financial experts, UN organisations, specialised agencies, inter-governmental organisations, academia, civil society, private sector and other stakeholders," Prof Wakhungu said as she addressed journalists on Friday.

The CS said that the Kenyan government is keen on addressing all sources of pollution.

Policies and regulatory measures have already been put in place to curb the menace, she said.

PLASTIC BAG BAN

On August 28, the government implemented the ban on the use and manufacture of plastic carrier bags.

According to Prof Wakhungu, more than 60 people found with the bags have been arrested.

Kenyans have also been urged to show their hospitality to the visitors attending the event at the UN Complex in Gigiri.

This will mark the first high level global meeting to be hosted by President Uhuru Kenyatta in his second term in office.

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