By now it is more than clear, if Malindi, which at the beginning of the Third Millennium was considered the 'garden city' of Kenya, wants to get out of this loop of negativity whereby almost everyone complains and few do anything to uplift it, one has to look to the future with optimism and the goodwill to pursue projects that may not yield results in the immediate term, but in the path of achieving them, wake up and form a collective conscience.
This is the case with the activities of PWAM, the association created in 2019 to revitalise tourism in the town through caring for the environment and protecting people.
Among the various initiatives it has supported over the years, surely the most noticeable one is the Monthly CleanUp, the monthly exercise, every second Saturday of the month, to clean up the city in which sectors of institutions and society, as well as schools, businesses and community organisations, as well as the police, often participate. Among the noteworthy initiatives is the rehabilitation of petty criminals held in Mtangani prisons, through cleaning activities, with the support of the Kenyan judiciary.
Co-founder and chairperson Kate Mwikali has always spearheaded the initiatives, organising monthly clean-ups even during the pandemic period, turning them into 'Nyumba Kumi', with the direct involvement of the residents of each individual neighbourhood to keep their area clean.
Above all, hundreds of residents have learnt to self-determine.
The values that have led PWAM to work for the betterment of Malindi are also the fight against corruption, the empowerment of the female gender, environmental education in schools, and the battle, not yet concluded unfortunately, over the disgraceful situation of the Mayungu landfill.
For this journey, thanks to PWAM, the municipality of Malindi was recently recognised as a member of the 'Waste Wise Cities' by UN Habitat, the United Nations programme for settlements in the environment.
PWAM's activities, especially its monthly clean-up activities and those under the 'Malindi Green & Blue' banner, were recognised as being in line with the UN's sustainable development goals.
"It is a step towards a zero-waste eco-city," explain PWAM, "this partnership positions Malindi as a potential eco-community, focusing on sustainable solid waste management. It aligns with Kenyan laws that promote clean and safe environments, such as the Environmental Management and Coordination Act and the Sustainable Solid Waste Management Act of 2022. Kilifi County has also enacted legislation to support these initiatives."
This international recognition can strengthen the association's campaigns, which is already working with various partners on waste disposal and recycling.
Although Malindi faces challenges in solid waste management, such as roadside litter, illegal dumping and landfill problems, the community's dedication is unwavering. PWAM and its partners are actively working to find sustainable solutions to these problems. UN Habitat's affiliation with Waste Wise Cities is a significant step forward, bringing new tools, resources and strategies to address these challenges. Initiatives include improved waste collection systems, community education programmes and enhanced recycling facilities. By leveraging these new tools and community engagement, Malindi is poised to overcome these obstacles and create a cleaner and healthier environment.
As a reminder, anyone can join PWAM and become a member, with an annual donation of Kes. 3000, to boost its initiatives and try to do something concrete for the good of the tourist destination and the physical and mental health of those who live there.