Nairobi, 30 October, 2017 - The UN Environment and the County First Ladies of Kenya join efforts to fight against pollution and to pave the way towards a pollution free planet. A round table was organized today at the headquarters of the UN Environment to discuss the issue of pollution.
“The challenge of environmental pollution affects every person and institution in the society, this requires a collective approach and the involvement of broad stakeholders,” said Prof. Judi Wakhungu, Cabinet Secretary, Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources of Kenya.
Current research has determined correlations between exposure to pollution and human diseases including cancer, reproductive dysfunction, as well as immunologic and neurologic impairments. “Towards a Pollution-Free Planet”, a report published by UN Environment, stresses these correlations and puts the light on the impact of pollution on human health and the ecosystems.
“The counties must be included in the agenda and decision making process in the fight against pollution as they are ready to work with the UN Environment and support the implementation of the outcome of UNEA,” said Mrs. Nazi Kivutha, Vice-Chair of the County First Ladies Association
In Africa, women suffer the most the negative effects of pollution. The intensive use of charcoal, firewood and kerosene as the main sources of energy in Africa (especially for cooking), is significantly contributing to pollution. Ninety per cent of the Africa’s population is exposed to indoor air pollution due to the use of biomass sources of energy for cooking, lighting and heating.
“African women and children are dying every year from indoor pollution and sometimes women have no other choices than to work on lands that are polluted by chemicals and waste dumping,” added Juliette Biao, Director and Regional Representative, UN Environment, Africa Office.
This year, the United Nations Environment Assembly will be held in Nairobi, Kenya from 4-6 December under the overarching theme of pollution– a major driver of climate change and species extinction, and the biggest human killer as outlined in a comprehensive UN Environment report on pollution released in September 2017.
The outcome of the round table feeds into Kenya’s efforts to combat pollution. It also supports Kenya’s strategy to mobilize citizens and policy-makers at all levels to accelerate the implementation of the ban on plastic bags.
About The UN Environment Assembly:
The UN Environment Assembly, the world's highest-level decision-making body on the environment, will gather in Nairobi, Kenya, from 4-6 December 2017 under the overarching theme of pollution.
For more information, please contact: Mohamed Atani, Regional Information Officer for Africa. Email: mohamed.atani@unep.org – Tel: +254 727531253.
