Dr. Edris N. Omondi (Advocate)
As I drive along the Kisumu-Nairobi Road, approaching the Kisumu Boys roundabout, a familiar sense of pride begins to fill me. Kisumu is a city I’ve come to admire for its cleanliness, its vibrant streets, and the beauty of its well-kept public spaces. But suddenly, my pride is interrupted. In front of me, a car slows down, and to my utter disbelief, the driver casually tosses a plastic bottle out of the window.
I am momentarily speechless, helpless, though annoyed. The bottle rolls onto the road, a stark contrast to the clean streets I’ve come to expect from my city. At that moment, I pity the driver’s ignorance. It’s not just the littering that bothers me—it’s the disregard for the values of the town, the community that has worked so hard to maintain its cleanliness. And yet, here I am, powerless to address the situation at that moment.
This is Kisumu, where such offences are punishable. Despite the many strides the city has made in upholding cleanliness, there are still those who fail to understand its importance. The incident is a reminder that while Kisumu stands as one of the cleanest towns in Africa, ensuring that the principles of cleanliness are respected is an ongoing task.
Kisumu’s Legacy: A Clean Town on the Rise
Kisumu’s reputation as one of Africa’s cleanest cities is not accidental. Over the years, Governor Nyongo’s administration and the citizens have made conscious efforts to maintain the city’s cleanliness. The cleanliness of Kisumu is not merely about appearances—it’s about fostering a culture of respect for the environment and for the people who call this town home. From well-maintained streets and green spaces to organized waste disposal systems, Kisumu has set a high standard for urban cleanliness that continues to attract attention.
But the incident on the Kisumu-Nairobi Road serves as a stark reminder: even the most pristine places can be tarnished by carelessness. It highlights a crucial point—while systems and policies may be in place, the role of individuals in maintaining cleanliness cannot be overstated. The unfortunate reality is that ignorance or negligence still prevails in some quarters, as reflected in that moment of littering.
The Concept of Cleanliness and Godliness
The phrase “cleanliness is next to godliness” carries a message that transcends cultures and religions. It’s more than just about hygiene or physical cleanliness; it’s a reflection of a community’s values. In the case of Kisumu, the message is clear: a clean environment reflects a society that values respect—respect for the community, for the environment, and for the future.
Though Kisumu may not be a religious city in the way that the Vatican is, the idea of cleanliness being linked to godliness holds true here. Godliness, in this sense, represents not just spiritual purity, but a deeper appreciation for the state of one’s surroundings. A clean environment signifies harmony, order, and care. It’s about creating a place where people can thrive, a town that people take pride in.
Lessons from Japan: Cleanliness as a Way of Life
One country that exemplifies the principle of “cleanliness next to godliness” is Japan. The Japanese have a deeply ingrained culture of cleanliness, not just as a practice, but as a fundamental aspect of their daily lives. In Japan, children are taught from a young age to clean their classrooms, their schools, and even the surrounding areas. The practice is known as “Oshibori”—the cleaning of both the body and the environment as an act of respect.
In Japanese culture, cleanliness extends beyond the individual. It is a communal effort, a way of maintaining harmony and showing respect to the environment and others. This practice fosters a sense of responsibility and accountability among citizens, ensuring that everyone plays a role in keeping the environment clean. It’s an approach that Kisumu could adopt more broadly, integrating cleanliness into the education system and local community initiatives.
Kisumu’s Cleanliness: A Responsibility to Maintain
Kisumu has set the bar high when it comes to cleanliness, but it is essential that this high standard is maintained for future generations. The County Government of Kisumu have made significant progress by educating the public on proper disposal, and creating cleaner public spaces. The city has become a model for how to blend urbanization with environmental consciousness.
However, the challenge remains in ensuring that individuals, like the driver who littered in front of me, understand the importance of maintaining this standard. It’s not just about placing the burden on government officials or city authorities—it’s about fostering a culture of responsibility.
The Role of Future Governments:
As Kisumu continues to grow, the responsibility to uphold its cleanliness will fall to future governments. The task will be to ensure that both infrastructure and policies continue to support the city’s cleanliness goals. The government must ensure the following:
1. Sustainable Waste Management: Building on the current systems, proper waste management systems must be put in place and should include recycling programs, proper waste sorting, and the education of residents on how to dispose of waste responsibly.
2. Community Involvement: The people of Kisumu must be at the forefront of keeping the city clean. Public clean-up initiatives, school programs, and community events can engage residents in maintaining a beautiful environment.
3. Stricter Enforcement: It’s crucial that littering and illegal dumping are met with strict penalties. A more visible presence of law enforcement, especially in public spaces, can deter individuals from breaking the law.
4. Public Education: Education campaigns can go a long way in instilling a sense of responsibility among residents. By teaching young people about the importance of cleanliness, Kisumu can continue to foster a culture of care and respect for the environment.
Conclusion: A Call to Action
The incident of littering on the Kisumu-Nairobi Road serves as a reminder that even in a city known for its cleanliness, we must continue to work toward improving and maintaining the standard. Cleanliness is not just about making a city look good; it’s about making it a place where people feel proud, safe, and respected. In Kisumu, as in Japan, cleanliness should be seen as a communal effort—one that reflects the values of the people.
As residents of Kisumu, it is our collective responsibility to ensure that we uphold the principle of “cleanliness is next to godliness.” By doing so, we not only preserve the beauty of our town but also contribute to a healthier, more harmonious community for ourselves and future generations.
