05 KAPSABET, Kenya – As the world marked World Environment Day today under the theme “Beat Plastic Pollution,” signs of change though modest are beginning to emerge in Kapsabet’s busy markets. Traders, once heavily reliant on single-use plastics, are slowly rethinking their habits in a quiet but meaningful shift toward sustainability.
Walking through Kapsabet Main Market today, one couldn’t help but notice the subtle but promising changes. A few traders had reused sacks to package goods. Others, like Beatrice Jebet, had arranged her mangoes and avocados in colorful nets, a practice she says helps reduce plastic use while keeping her produce well-aired and visible to customers. 
“Some still ask for plastic, but I explain to them that it’s harmful to our environment,” she told me. “A few listen and change. That gives me hope.”
Not every stall has gone green, but conversations about pollution are happening more openly. At a stall selling second-hand clothes, David Kipruto was using a mix of paper and old polythene bags that he collects and reuses.
“There’s no denying plastics make things easier,” he admitted. “But if we keep dumping them everywhere, soon this market will be unbearable.”
Plastic waste has long posed a challenge in Kapsabet’s markets. It’s not uncommon to see plastic bags clogging drainage systems or littering the spaces between stalls. But today, traders and shoppers alike seemed more aware. Some carried reusable bags and woven baskets. Others brought small containers from home for their purchases.
As I moved from one stall to another, it was clear the effort may not yet be perfect, but it’s genuine.
I came across Alice Ngeno, a vegetable trader in Namgoi Market, who had set up a small corner with a sack labeled “Takataka ya Plastiki.”
“We’ve started separating it,” she said. “It’s not much, but we’re trying. If we don’t care for our space, who will?”
There were still traces of plastic scattered here and there, but compared to previous visits, the markets felt a little cleaner, a little more conscious.
As a local communicator and observer, I found today encouraging. It reminded me that change doesn’t always begin with big declarations sometimes, it begins with a conversation at a vegetable stall, a reused bag, or a cleaner walkway.
World Environment Day may be a global event, but in Kapsabet, it’s becoming a local movement one small choice at a time.
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Boosting Emergency and Health Services
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Present during the commissioning was the Area MCA, Leader Of Majority Hon. Walter Teno, who lauded the project as a game-changer for local dairy farmers. Also in attendance were the Nandi County Technical Team and Directors of the Nandi Dairy Cooperative Union (NDCU), who expressed optimism about the plant’s potential to boost incomes and strengthen the dairy value chain.
Winchit – The Transformation Continues
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“There are days we don’t rest or even eat, but the joy of helping a mother through delivery keeps us going,” shared one nurse. “We do this out of passion and commitment.”
Chief Officer Frederick Kiptum emphasized the county’s efforts to ensure fair promotions, timely remuneration, and conducive working environments for all nurses, especially those serving in critical departments like maternity.
As Nandi County honors its healthcare workforce, one truth stands clear: nurses are not just caregivers — they are the silent strength of our health system. Their hands welcome life, their presence comforts pain, and their commitment keeps hope alive for countless families.
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Teresa is one of the 3,000 widows benefiting from a major food distribution initiative spearheaded by the Nandi County Government in partnership with the Office of the Women’s Rights Advisor under the Executive Office of the President. The program, led by Dr. Harriette Chiggai, aims to support widows facing economic hardship across the county.
Despite these challenges, Teresa remains resilient. She has been farming small patches of land, growing maize and vegetables to feed her children. But with the rising cost of living and unpredictable weather patterns, her harvests have often been too meagre to sustain them.
She further emphasized the importance of collaboration, thanking Dr. Chiggai and her office for their support in making the initiative a reality.
While food assistance is a crucial intervention, widows in Nandi County need more sustainable support. Many have called for initiatives that provide financial training, access to credit, and job opportunities to help them become self-reliant.
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Beyond Nandi, the TRACE Kenya project has had a far-reaching impact across the country, benefitting farmers in Kericho, Bungoma, Kakamega, Trans Nzoia, and other counties. Solidaridad’s collaboration with Nandi County has also extended beyond coffee to include initiatives in dairy farming, climate resilience, and sustainable agriculture—efforts that continue to empower farmers and provide access to premium markets.
Looking ahead, Nandi County is moving forward with the Nandi Escarpment Geographical Indication (GI) roadmap, a strategic initiative that will establish a globally recognized single-origin, organic coffee brand from Nandi. This move is expected to elevate local coffee to international markets, enhancing its competitiveness and premium pricing.
Speaking at the event, Governor Stephen Sang called on farmers, cooperatives, private investors, and policymakers to join forces in making Kenyan coffee a global leader in organic and specialty markets.
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CPA Alfred Kiprotich Lagat – Having served in the Lands Department, Lagat now returns to his former docket as the CECM for Finance and Economic Planning. His financial expertise will be crucial in steering the county’s budgeting, revenue collection, and economic planning initiatives.
Isaiah Kiplagat Keter – Formerly in charge of Administration, Keter takes over the Department of Trade, Tourism, and Enterprise Development. His leadership will be instrumental in boosting local trade, attracting investments, and promoting Nandi’s tourism potential.
Dr. Philemon Kiptoo Bureti – Previously overseeing Trade, Dr. Bureti transitions to the Department of Administration, Public Service, and ICT. His administrative skills will be vital in enhancing public service efficiency and leveraging technology for better governance.
Rationale Behind the Changes
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Through this collaboration, farmers in Nandi will gain access to high-quality pyrethrum seedlings, specialized training, and guaranteed market opportunities. A key highlight of the partnership will be the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), under which Kentegra will contract farmers on Minimum Guaranteed Returns. This structured approach ensures price stability and profitability, protecting farmers from market uncertainties.
“The introduction of pyrethrum farming in Nandi is a game-changer for our farmers. This partnership will provide them with a stable and profitable cash crop, boosting their incomes and improving their livelihoods. We are committed to working with Kentegra to ensure the success of this initiative,” Governor Sang said.
Nandi County remains committed to fostering partnerships that enhance agricultural productivity and improve livelihoods. With this initiative, farmers can look forward to a prosperous future in pyrethrum farming.
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The collaboration between the County Government of Nandi and Computer Aid International is designed to address the digital divide by providing access to modern technology and fostering digital literacy. By equipping students and teachers with digital devices and skills, the initiative aims to create a more competitive and tech-savvy workforce capable of thriving in the digital economy.
Beyond the immediate benefits to students and teachers, the initiative will extend its reach to the broader community. Youth and members of the public will have access to digital skills training programs designed to enhance their employability and support career growth. Additionally, the project will promote ICT awareness and advocacy at both the county and national levels, ensuring the sustainability of digital transformation efforts.
The collaboration between the Nandi County Government and Computer Aid International underscores a shared commitment to driving technological advancement and bridging the digital divide. By investing in digital infrastructure and skills development, the partnership aims to create a ripple effect that will benefit not only the education sector but also the broader economy.