Our Form 4 student, Andrew Gitiba, is taking the lead in addressing one of the fastest-growing environmental threats of our time: electronic waste, commonly known as E-waste. As part of his final-year initiative, Andrew has launched a school-wide campaign to raise awareness and encourage responsible E-waste disposal within the Strathmore community.
“My name is Andrew Gitiba. I have grown to be an environmentalism champion over my teenage years, by spreading awareness and collecting electronic waste,” he shares.
Andrew’s campaign is driven by a passion for environmental sustainability and a deep concern for the future. His initiative focuses on educating fellow students, staff and the wider school community about the dangers posed by improperly disposed electronic items. These include broken or obsolete phones, laptops, chargers, batteries and other gadgets.
“Electronic waste is any electronic or battery-powered device that is broken or obsolete,” he explains. “E-waste contaminates the environment when disposed improperly, as these items are non-biodegradable and contain toxic chemicals and heavy metals.”
Andrew points out a startling fact: only 5% of E-waste in Kenya is recycled, primarily due to a lack of public awareness. This has made E-waste the fastest-growing environmental challenge globally—one that often goes unnoticed despite its serious consequences for health and ecosystems.
Through posters, collection drives and peer engagement, Andrew aims to make Strathmore School a model of environmental responsibility. His goal is simple yet powerful: to ensure this crisis gets the attention it deserves.
“I came to find out about this problem through vast research,” he says. “Now my goal is to spread as much awareness as possible.”
As Andrew prepares to transition to university next year, he hopes that the seeds of awareness he plants at Strathmore School will grow into long-term habits among students and staff alike. His message is clear: small actions can make a big difference, especially when it comes to safeguarding our environment.
