Collective effort needed for Sustainable Environmental Conservation – Dr. Kithure

Deputy President Spouse, Dr. Joyce Kithure, has called for collective action to combat climate change and other vagaries that are destructive to the environment.

Dr. Kithure said sustained partnerships involving parties across the board would lead to more success urging more collaborative efforts towards environmental conservation.

“The challenges we face, including waste management, pollution, deforestation, and climate change, require more than goodwill. They require sustained partnerships between Government institutions, Academia, Community Organisations, and Citizens. No single institution can solve these challenges alone,” Dr. Kithure said.

She spoke on Friday during a clean-up exercise to commemorate World Environment Day 2026 in Kibra, Nairobi County.

Dr. Kithure, who is spearheading Science Adding Value to the Environment and the Communities (SaVE) programme that targets science-based solutions to challenges facing the people, also challenged Kenyans to play their role by being more sensitive and concerned about their surroundings.

“Let us reduce waste, recycle where possible, protect our natural resources and embrace sustainable practices in our homes, schools, and workplaces. Small actions, when multiplied across communities, create powerful change…when we manage waste responsibly, reduce pollution, and protect our surroundings, we are directly contributing to climate action and improving the quality of life for our communities,” she noted.

The SaVE Communities initiative, she revealed, has expanded its focus to smart and climate-resilient farming practices across several counties in Kenya through equipping farmers with modern agricultural techniques thus improving food security, household incomes and reducing vulnerability to climate shocks.

“Over the past one year, we have conducted community clean-up exercises in areas including Dandora and Kawangware, working closely with residents, youth groups, and local stakeholders. These engagements have shown us that when communities are empowered, they do not wait for change, they create it,” she stated.

Further, Dr. Kithure urged the youth to be more proactive in taking care of the environment saying their energy and creativity is needed in this endeavour.

“The youth are not just beneficiaries of environmental action, they are leaders and innovators of today. Their energy, creativity, and determination are essential in shaping a more sustainable and resilient future,” she added.