By Brian Kiprono - Reporter
Kenya, April 22, 2026 - Kenya’s growing waste problem is quietly turning into a public health threat, with officials now warning that poor disposal practices are leaving more people exposed to disease.
Speaking at a stakeholders’ forum in Nairobi, Public Health Principal Secretary Mary Muthoni said the country is generating far more waste than it can safely handle, creating unsafe living conditions, particularly in urban areas.
“Only a small fraction of the waste produced daily is properly managed,” she noted, warning that the consequences are increasingly being felt in communities.
Kenya produces an estimated 22,000 tonnes of waste each day, but only about 10 per cent is effectively processed. The rest often ends up in open spaces, drainage systems, or informal dumping sites.
According to Muthoni, the impact is visible. Plastic waste, especially discarded bottles, is clogging drainage channels, leading to stagnant water, an ideal breeding ground for infections and disease outbreaks.
The problem is not limited to towns and cities. In some rural areas, open defecation continues to undermine sanitation efforts, further increasing health risks.
Health officials say the combined effect is placing additional pressure on an already stretched healthcare system, as preventable illnesses continue to rise.
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At the same forum, which brought together government officials, civil society and development partners, there was a renewed push for practical, community-led solutions. The discussions focused on strengthening coordination, improving disease prevention, and building a more resilient public health system.
Muthoni called for urgent, collective action, urging both the government and private sector to step up efforts under the Epuka Uchafu campaign, which promotes better hygiene, sanitation and waste management practices.
She also encouraged stakeholders to support upcoming initiatives such as the Kenya Public Health International Conference (KEPHIC 2026), positioning the country to take a leading role in public health, climate action and health security.