Lamu Youth Alliance Participates in a Four-Day Workshop on Waste Management Policy Development
Lamu Youth Alliance is proud to take part in a four-day workshop, beginning on 9th September 2025, at the Kenya Red Cross Society offices in Lamu. The workshop is being conducted under the Nature-Based Solution (NbS) Project, with the main objective of developing a comprehensive Waste Management Policy Brief for Lamu County. This initiative represents a significant step toward addressing environmental challenges through collaborative and sustainable solutions.
The workshop has brought together a diverse group of stakeholders who play a critical role in shaping Lamu’s environmental future. These include Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), county government officials, the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA), the Kenya Forestry Research Institute (KEFRI), Mkomani and Bahari Ward MCAs, the Matondoni Area Chief, as well as respected community leaders. Their collective voices are essential in addressing the rising challenge of waste management within the county, ensuring that solutions are inclusive and community-driven.
Over the four days, participants are engaging in in-depth discussions about the current state of waste management in Lamu County. Key issues being explored include limited waste collection infrastructure, the absence of proper disposal systems in rural and island communities, and the urgent need to build stronger community awareness around responsible waste handling. In addition to highlighting challenges, the sessions provide a platform for participants to share best practices, success stories from other counties, and innovative approaches to recycling and circular economy models, fostering a vision for a cleaner Lamu.
“These discussions are critical to building cleaner, greener, and more resilient communities,” said a Kenya Red Cross Society representative during the workshop. The representative emphasized the importance of multi-stakeholder collaboration in ensuring that the recommendations developed are practical, community-driven, and sustainable.
The outcomes of the workshop will form the basis of a policy brief that aims to guide local waste management interventions. This policy brief will also provide clear recommendations for the county government to strengthen waste collection systems, expand recycling initiatives, and enhance public participation in keeping Lamu clean. It is expected to support the wider environmental sustainability agenda of the county while aligning with national and global commitments on climate change and conservation, setting a precedent for other counties to follow.
As part of its contribution, Lamu Youth Alliance was selected to facilitate a dedicated session on the perspectives of Civil Society Organizations in waste management. In this session, the Alliance highlighted the role of grassroots organizations in driving community-based solutions, mobilizing young people for environmental action, and building awareness on the connection between waste, health, and livelihoods. The discussion reinforced how local initiatives, when supported, can become a driving force in behavioral change and policy advocacy, empowering youth to lead the charge in sustainability efforts.
By the close of the workshop, the participants aim to have a clear and actionable document that not only addresses the immediate challenges but also provides a long-term vision for waste management in Lamu County. The engagement of all stakeholders, from government officials to local community leaders, is a strong step toward ensuring that Lamu continues to embrace Nature-Based Solutions for a sustainable and healthy future. Lamu Youth Alliance remains committed to supporting these efforts through ongoing advocacy, community engagement, and youth-led initiatives.