Kenyan siblings tackle plastic pollution in Lake Victoria

Kenyan teens Michelle and Jeremy Muchilwa have launched Osiepe Sango, a project targeting plastic pollution in Lake Victoria, using innovative tech solutions and youth education programs.

Juliet Akoth Ojwang reports for Mongabay.


In short:

  • Michelle and Jeremy Muchilwa founded Osiepe Sango, aiming to clean Lake Victoria of plastic pollution using technology like their app, Ziwa Safi, which tracks waste and data for effective solutions.
  • Their projects have removed over 10 tons of plastic and educated youth about environmental impacts, earning them several awards including the National Geographic Young Explorer Award.
  • The Muchilwas also created WALTER, an underwater drone, and the Nam Lolwe Youth Summit to engage more young people in environmental activism.

Key quote:

“We measure success by achieving our goals and seeing tangible improvements.”

— Michelle Muchilwa, co-founder of Osiepe Sango

Why this matters:

Plastic pollution in bodies of water like Lake Victoria disrupts ecosystems and affects millions of people relying on these resources. Efforts by young activists like the Muchilwa siblings inspire global youth to combat environmental degradation and promote sustainable practices.

About the author(s):

EHN Curators
EHN Curators
Articles curated and summarized by the Environmental Health News' curation team. Some AI-based tools helped produce this text, with human oversight, fact checking and editing.

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