Sylvia Njambi president Rotary Club Athi Kapiti speaking to journalists at Mavoko SNP High School. Photo Virginia Siebela 
By Virginia Siebela
In a proactive response to growing environmental concerns in Kenyan schools, the Rotary Club of Athi Kapiti, based in Machakos County, has launched a campaign to promote proper waste separation and disposal practices.
The initiative took root during a donation event held at Mavoko SNP High Schoo, where the club—partnering with Oxford University Press—supplied color-coded bins for sorting food waste, plastics, and metals. This step aligns with directives by the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA), which emphasizes responsible waste management across the country.
James Kitavi, a representative of the Rotary Club of Athi Kapiti and head of the environmental nonprofit KISEKI, warned that neglecting waste management has led to sanitation-related illnesses in learning institutions.
“We’ve seen schools dumping waste haphazardly, fueling outbreaks of diseases. It’s time to change that,” said Kitavi.
The initiative has been warmly embraced by students. Environmental club president Kieshah Juddy Wanjiru noted that waste disposal has long been a major challenge, with the school kitchen area doubling up as an informal dumpsite—leading to frequent health complaints.
“With these new bins, we believe waste segregation and cleanliness will greatly improve. As students, we are committed to making our school a model for environmental hygiene,” Wanjiru said.
Despite the positive momentum on environmental reforms, the school is facing deepening financial woes. School Board Chair Charles Maundu expressed concern over the government’s recent decision to reduce student capitation, a move that has left Mavoko SNP High School in debt by nearly KSh 500,000—affecting 166 learners.
Maundu attributed the crisis to the country’s worsening economic conditions, which have made it difficult for many parents to afford school fees.
“We are committed to improving the learning environment, but we need urgent financial support to sustain these efforts,” he appealed.
As Mavoko SNP High School champions environmental sustainability, it also becomes a stark example of the delicate balance between innovation and the financial realities facing many public schools.
