Government Spokesperson Isaac Mwaura recently defended Environment Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale.
CS Duale came under public scrutiny following remarks about Kenyan communities and pollution during the COP29 summit in Baku, Azerbaijan.
According to Mwaura, Duale’s statements were misinterpreted and taken out of context.
Did you read this?
At the summit, Duale highlighted the role of Kenya’s middle class in contributing to pollution in Nairobi, particularly the contamination of the Nairobi River. He compared this with the innovative waste management practices observed in informal settlements, describing them as more environmentally friendly.
“Informal settlers are not the primary polluters of the Nairobi River. It is actually the middle class who generate garbage,” Duale explained to summit attendees. “Those in informal settlements don’t have as much waste because they utilize everything.”
While Duale’s comments highlighted the resourcefulness of lower-income communities, some Kenyans interpreted his statements as dismissive toward those in informal settlements, sparking a wave of criticism on social media.
In response, Mwaura clarified that Duale’s message was meant to commend the sustainable practices in informal settlements and encourage similar efforts from the middle class.
"Environment CS Aden Duale's comments have been misunderstood," Mwaura said. "He was highlighting how residents in informal settlements have embraced recycling and reusing waste materials, and the government supports these practices for all Kenyans."
Mwaura emphasized that Duale intended to promote sustainable waste management across all social classes rather than criticize any particular group.
