Uhuru Launches Ksh 2.2 Million Environmental Sustainability Award

By Jane Muia

The government of Kenya led by President Uhuru Kenyatta has launched a new award that seeks to recognize people and organizations leading the way toward environmental sustainability.

President Uhuru Kenyatta presented the palm, dubbed the Mazingira Award on Thursday during the official opening of the 50^th anniversary of the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP) at the United Nations Complex in Gigiri, Nairobi.

According to President Kenyatta, the award will come with 2.2 million shillings and the first beneficiary will be announced on June 1.

During the event, the head of state unveiled a commemorative plaque marking the UN agency’s 50^th anniversary. President Kenyatta was backed by other heads of state who include H.E Mokgweetsi Masisi (Botswana), H.E Muhammadu Buhari (Nigeria), and the Prime Minister of Central African Republic H.E Felix Moloua among others.

President Kenyatta also stated that the government will provide free land for three UN humanitarian and logistics facilities in Nairobi, Mombasa, and Naivasha.

The head of state also unveiled a 30-foot symbolic structure which was created by International artist and activist Benjamin Von Wong at the UN Headquarters where discussions of the Global Plastic Treaty took place. The structure was built to resemble a water tap that was pouring out plastics instead of water.

The construction of the installation provided temporary jobs for over 100 residents of Kibera. The masterpiece highlights that the plastic conversation revolves around recycling and seeks to get plastic production back under control by making sure we “Turn Off the Plastic Tap’’.

UNEP was founded in June 1972 following the United Nations Stockholm Conference on Human Environment. Its main role is to coordinate the United Nations’ environmental activities. It is also responsible for assisting developing countries in implementing environmentally sound policies and practices.

The commemoration events are set to go on for two days.