IOC member and National Olympic Committee of Kenya (NOC-K) President, Dr. Paul Tergat, has underscored the importance of environmental conservation as a critical pillar in the promotion of sporting activities in the country.
According to Tergat, the National Olympic Committee views environmental sustainability as a top priority both locally and internationally because athletes cannot thrive or perform at their best in a polluted environment.
Tergat, a five-time World Cross-Country Champion, was speaking as the chief guest during the Malindi Monthly Beach Cleanup organized by the Progressive Welfare Association of Malindi (PWAM) in partnership with Jambo jet and other stakeholders.
He emphasized the need for communities to take responsibility for their local environments, noting that preserving nature should be a collective duty.
“Participating in initiatives like this alongside students and athletes from Malindi is something I hold very close to my heart,” he said. “Together, we can make a meaningful difference in society.”
He also announced plans to organize a Conservation Marathon in Malindi to raise awareness on the importance of environmental stewardship.
At the same time, Kilifi County First Lady, Madam Suzanne Mung’aro, who also graced the event, praised members of the community for turning out in large numbers for the event.
She expressed joy at seeing residents come together for a noble cause, reflecting on the time when Malindi was regarded as one of the cleanest and most beautiful towns during her husband’s term as mayor.
She emphasized that this legacy must be upheld, and this program offers a promising path toward that goal. Malindi Marine National Park Senior Warden, Ntindi Kassim, revealed that the cleanup exercise within the Marine Protected Area led to the collection of over 510 kilograms of waste.
She stressed the importance of such collaborations in protecting marine life, which plays a vital role in preserving Kenya’s natural heritage for future generations.
PWAM Chairperson, Kate Mwikali, highlighted the inclusive nature of the initiative, which brought together diverse stakeholders from the disciplined forces to community members and even faith-based organizations.
She noted that the Catholic Church choir, after participating in the cleanup, also performed songs dedicated to environmental conservation.
Mwikali affirmed that plans are already underway, in partnership with NOC-K, to host the proposed Conservation Marathon in Malindi.
The cleanup also involved the Malindi dumpsite community, led by Ali Muhaso, the president of the Malindi dumpsite.
He noted that as families who rely on waste for their daily survival, they were happy to participate in the exercise.
During the cleanup, they received education on the importance of waste segregation, which enhances the economic value of materials during the recycling process.
Written by Alphonce Gari, TV47
