The Unseen Crisis

Nairobi generates thousands of tons of waste daily, with a significant portion being plastic. In coastal cities like Mombasa, over half of the plastic waste remains unmanaged.

This not only creates an environmental disaster over time, but it also affects livelihoods, health, and the economy.

Today, we will go through the different consequences of plastic waste on our country and explore a few different ways we can all make a difference.

How Plastic is Destroying Kenya’s Natural Beauty

Plastic waste is choking Kenya’s rivers, oceans, and lakes, posing a severe threat to marine life and biodiversity. This plastic waste breaks down into tiny, indestructible particles that stay in the environment for decades at a time. As plastic accumulates in waterways, it disrupts delicate ecosystems, entangling marine animals and blocking sunlight from reaching aquatic plants, essential for maintaining ecological balance.

Microplastics seep into the soil and water sources, contaminating the very foundation of our food chain. Animals that drink from polluted rivers or graze in areas with plastic waste are at high risk of ingesting these harmful particles. Once microplastics enter an animal’s system, they can accumulate in organs, potentially leading to stunted growth, digestive issues, and a reduced lifespan. This affects food security and biodiversity, as animal populations decline due to these health complications.

Visit any beach in Kenya today, and chances are you’ll see plastic waste scattered along the shoreline. Whether it’s bottles, wrappers, or broken fishing nets, this pollution often originates from two main sources: waste washed ashore from the ocean and litter left behind by us. Kenya’s coastline, once a symbol of unspoiled beauty, is now increasingly littered with debris, threatening the country’s reputation as a top travel destination. If left unchecked, the very landscapes that draw visitors and sustain coastal communities could be lost to pollution.

The Economic Fallout: Who Pays the Price?

There are key industries on the Kenyan coast that are taking a hit, and with them, the people who depend on them to survive. We have discussed how local beaches are being destroyed by pollution. Kenya’s tourism industry, renowned for its stunning beaches and diverse wildlife, is threatened by escalating plastic waste. The accumulation of plastic debris along the coastline affects the natural beauty and deters potential visitors, impacting the livelihoods of coastal communities dependent on tourism.

The fishing industry in Kenya is also on the chopping block. Marine populations are declining due to habitat destruction. This decline directly threatens the livelihoods of communities reliant on fishing.

The surge in plastic waste places a heavy burden on Kenya’s waste management infrastructure. Local governments face higher costs in collecting, transporting, and disposing of waste.

The Human Health Cost

Unfortunately, the effects are not only economic, our health is at risk too.

Plastics break down into tiny fragments, known as microplastics, which make their way into our food and drinking water. Even crops are not immune. Plastic waste breaks down in the soil and can be absorbed by plants through irrigation and contaminated compost, further introducing these particles into our diet.

A study conducted in 2024 found microplastics in the blood of 86% of samples provided by participants, proving that we are absorbing these particles from our environment.

Microplastics build up in our bodies over time and, in extreme cases, can cause metabolic disorders, reproductive issues, and cardiovascular risks.

Image: An infographic showing how plastic enters the human body via the food chain.

What Can Be Done About This?

While avoiding all plastic exposure is nearly impossible, we can take steps to reduce our intake of microplastics:

• Filter your drinking water – Use high-quality filtration systems that can capture microplastic particles.

• Choose fresh, unpackaged foods – Processed and packaged foods often contain microplastics from packaging materials.

• Reduce plastic waste – Make choices that will reduce the plastic waste you produce and support initiatives that push for better waste management and compostable alternatives.

Practical Steps to Reduce Your Plastic Footprint

• Choosing refillable items over single-use plastics. For example, if you must buy bottled water, choose a glass bottle.

• Supporting businesses using eco-friendly packaging.

• Go to a farmers market or buy directly from the farmer next time you need groceries. This will help you avoid the plastic-packaged produce found in a supermarket.

• Next time you hear about a cleanup happening near you, take the time to join in and help.

Conclusion

Plastic pollution is not just an environmental issue—it’s an economic, health, and social crisis that affects us all. In Kenya, where industries like tourism and fishing are vital to livelihoods, the impact of plastic waste is undeniable. Our beaches, oceans, and food systems are threatened, and the cost of inaction is too high to ignore.

But there is hope. Around the world and here in Kenya, individuals, communities, and organizations are stepping up to combat plastic pollution. From policy changes and cleanup efforts to innovative recycling initiatives, progress is happening, but we need everyone on board to make a lasting impact.

🌍 Join the movement. Reduce your plastic footprint, support sustainable alternatives, and advocate for better waste management solutions.

🔗 Want to see real change in action? Read more about Terra Safi’s impact in Diani and how you can be part of a cleaner, healthier future for Kenya. Every step counts!