It was not business as usual in Bondo town on Friday morning. Armed with gloves, brooms, and wheelbarrows, residents, students, and traders joined municipal officials in a spirited effort to rid the town of garbage as part of World Clean-Up Day celebrations.
The exercise, organized by the Bondo Municipal Office, drew wide participation from partners including the Kenya Red Cross (Bondo Chapter), Green Axis, KMTC Bondo Campus, and the Kenya Scouts Association. Police officers, led by the Bondo Sub-County Base Commander, gave participants a crash course on safety before the teams hit the streets.
From clearing clogged drains to sweeping market lanes, the volunteers left no corner untouched. By mid-morning, heaps of litter had been carted away from temporary dumpsites, giving the town’s streets a much-needed facelift.
For many, the exercise was more than just about cleanliness — it was about reclaiming pride in their community.
“When the town is clean, we all benefit. Traders attract more customers, our children grow up in a healthy environment, and Bondo becomes a place we can be proud of,” said Mary Atieno, a vegetable vendor at Bondo Market who joined the clean-up.
Young people also showed up in large numbers. Students from KMTC Bondo Campus scrubbed pavements and helped in sensitizing residents on proper waste disposal.
“As youth, we have the energy and the responsibility to lead change. Today proves that small actions, when combined, can transform our environment,” noted Kevin Omondi, a KMTC nursing student.
The Municipal Manager thanked participants for their commitment, urging residents to keep the momentum going beyond the one-day event.
“Cleanliness is not a one-day affair. It is a culture we must all adopt. This is why the Municipality is working with community groups to ensure waste management becomes a shared responsibility,” he said.
Traders who have long complained about litter in market areas expressed optimism that the initiative would spark long-term behavioral change.
“We have suffered with blocked drains and foul smells for years. If everyone plays their part, we can make this town cleaner and even attract more visitors,” said James Onyango, a boda boda rider.
As the sun set on World Clean-Up Day, Bondo town not only looked cleaner but also felt united — proof that when communities come together, lasting change is possible.
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