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Deputy Governor emphasizes local action
The highlight of the day came with remarks from H.E. Deputy Governor Flora Chibule Mbetsa, who emphasized that beating plastic pollution requires more than policies. It demands a shift in mindset. She called on participants to rethink consumption patterns, refuse unnecessary plastics, and embrace the principles of reduce, reuse, and recycle. Her message underscored that the responsibility lies with all of us, in our homes, institutions, and especially in our places of worship.
Garbage collection truck with collected plastics to be recycled
June 2025
A blog by Carolyne Bii
In line with this year’s World Environment Day theme, “Beat Plastic Pollution,” OikoDiplomatique joined other stakeholders at Kilifi Creek on June 6th, 2025, for a community cleanup and awareness event organized by the Kilifi County Department of Environment, Forestry, Climate Change and Solid Waste Management. Although World Environment Day is globally observed on June 5th, the Kilifi event was held the following day and brought together a diverse mix of participants including government agencies, youth groups, NGOs, financial institutions, and faith-based organizations. For us at OikoDiplomatique and our Faith-Based Action Group, taking part in this initiative was more than an act of service. It was a meaningful expression of our faith. As a faith-based organization, we believe that environmental stewardship is a moral responsibility grounded in compassion, justice, and care for creation. Participating in the cleanup allowed us to live out our values in community, walking alongside others equally committed to protecting our common home.
This year’s World Environment Day theme is “Beat Plastic Pollution”. The call to end plastic pollution is particularly relevant for coastal areas like Kilifi. The UN Environment Programme (UNEP) estimates that 19 to 23 million tonnes of plastic waste enter rivers, lakes, and oceans every year. This pollution harms wildlife, affects our food systems, and puts human health at risk. One of the ecosystems facing growing pressure is the mangrove forest. Over the years, mangrove cover has declined due to natural disasters, overexploitation, and unsustainable land use. Now, plastic waste has become a major threat with mangrove forests increasingly becoming sinks for discarded plastics. The same structural features that make mangroves ecologically unique, such as their thick roots and slow-moving water, make them particularly vulnerable to plastic accumulation. This pollution harms not just the mangrove trees but also the rich network of life they support, fish, birds, and other animals that depend on them. In Kilifi, the problem is visible in plastic-filled creeks and damaged mangrove areas, showing just how urgent the fight against plastic pollution has become.
Rev Feddis Kadii from the ACK Diocese in Malindi and OikoDiplomatique’s Zuhura Juma at the event
Environmental Stewardship core to our values
Among the many organizations present, Oikodiplomatique and networks of our faith based action group took part in the cleanup, joining hands with other volunteers in service of a cleaner, healthier environment. As a faith-based organization, we view environmental stewardship not as a side issue but as a core expression of our values rooted in faith, justice, and community care.
After the cleanup, the groups returned to the Old Ferry and proceeded together to a nearby field where various institutions had set up exhibits and informational stands. Financial institutions such as DTB showcased sustainable products like pressure cookers, while youth groups and disabled persons' organizations displayed plastic made artwork and beadwork reflecting local creativity and resilience.
In her address, the Deputy Governor also acknowledged the presence of faith leaders and faith-based groups, recognizing their influence in shaping public attitudes and driving sustained community engagement. She emphasized the importance of integrating faith actors into environmental conversations not just as participants, but as essential partners.
Faith communities have a unique role to play. Their networks span geographies, their messages resonate deeply, and their commitment to care and justice can inspire action at all levels. Mobilizing faith networks means mobilizing people, values, and hope in the face of environmental degradation. While plastic pollution threatens ecosystems, livelihoods, and public health, faith-informed approaches offer pathways grounded in compassion, responsibility, and long-term care.
Faith actors are already embedded in the daily lives of communities, offering a channel to share information, build awareness, and promote sustainable practices. From reducing waste during faith festivals to integrating environmental messaging into weekly gatherings, the potential for impact is significant. Faith institutions can also play a role in supporting the rights of waste workers, promoting ethical waste management, and collaborating with local authorities on long-term solutions.
As the Deputy Governor reminded us, transformation begins with local action. Through cleanups, education, and collaboration, we each have a role to play in restoring and protecting our environment for ourselves and for generations to come.
Participants cleaning up by the creek
Cleaning up the creek
The day began early, with participants gathering at the Shell petrol station opposite Naivas Supermarket in Kilifi. From there, a vibrant Gwaride (procession) led the way to the Old Ferry landing, setting the tone for a day of hands-on engagement. Once there, groups were formed and dispatched for a focused cleanup of the creek and its surrounding areas. The effort targeted plastic waste, with volunteers combing the banks and bushes for discarded bottles, wrappers, and other debris. The Kilifi municipality and Imarika sacco pledged to pay the youth taking part in the clean up per kg of what they collected. School children in attendance were given packets of instant noodles as a present for their participation.
World Environment Day 2025 Beat Plastic Pollution
H.E. Deputy Governor Flora Chibule Mbetsa at the event