The Real Impact of Our Beach Cleanups.
- Thomas Sagimo
- Jan 9
- 7 min read
1.)Introduction.
Plastic pollution is often discussed as a global crisis, but its reality becomes clearer when you confront it firsthand. For years, our team has conducted weekly beach cleanups along the Kenyan coastline, collecting, sorting, weighing, recycling, and witnessing firsthand the volume of waste that washes ashore, as well as the even more alarming reality of how much ends up in our ocean. These experiences have shaped our understanding of marine pollution and strengthened our commitment to protecting the sea and empowering communities through sustainable action.
2.) Data and Observation.
We conduct weekly beach cleanups, primarily on Fridays. On average, this results in 3 to 4 cleanups per month and about 35 per year. Our activities take place across different beaches in Kilifi town and periodically at a designated site along Kenya's South Coast, allowing us to monitor and address pollution across multiple locations. Each cleanup is well organized and supported with reusable gloves, collection sacks, water, and a coordinated team effort.
Since 2023, we have conducted 98 coastal cleanups, removing 15,551.97 tonnes of waste from beaches across Kilifi and the South Coast. These ongoing efforts allow us to track seasonal trends and better understand the drivers of marine pollution along the shoreline.
From May to September, we consistently record the highest volumes of collected waste, while November to April show relatively lower accumulation. Our collected waste tells the deeper story of what threatens marine life the most.
3.) Community Participation.
Our beach cleanups are community-driven movements that empower local groups to protect the coastline they call home. We combine knowledge, teamwork, and shared responsibility to keep our beaches clean and livelihoods improving. Communities that we work with to conduct beach cleanups:
Kwale Ocean Sole Youth Group.
In 2023, our team regularly sourced discarded flip-flops from women collectors along Kenya's South Coast. One of these locations was Mwandimu Beach in Ndwenyeye, Kwale County, where we discovered a beach facing serious pollution challenges. Despite the efforts of local women who collected flip-flops as a small source of income, it was evident that the volume of waste on the beach required a more structured and frequent response.
We began mobilizing a small group of residents living near the beach to participate in monthly cleanups throughout 2023. As months progressed, visible improvements were recorded. The local community, especially fishers, began discovering the positive environmental benefits of their efforts, such as sea turtles nesting, as well as improved beach aesthetics.
In 2024, the members formalized their commitment by registering under the name Kwale Ocean Sole Youth Group, a milestone that affirmed their independence and long-term dedication to protecting their environment.
By 2025, the group had become fully established, securing small grants from various NGOs to sustain their cleanups and broaden their impacts. Today, they operate confidently on their own, and we continue to support them quarterly with cleanup supplies, including sacks and PPE.
Ocean Mamaz Self-Help Group.
Ocean Mamaz is one of our longest-standing community partners, having worked with us for more than four years. The group actively participates in our weekly beach cleanups, collecting waste along the coastline and selling the recoverable materials to local recyclers. This has provided a reliable income stream while keeping harmful plastic out of the ocean. Over time, the group has expanded its efforts beyond cleanups.
Today, Ocean Mamaz continues to grow at a steady and sustainable pace. Their dedication has attracted interest and support from various NGOs working in areas of plastic pollution management and community livelihood improvement. In 2025, they received funds from the Kilifi Women's Rep office to start poultry farming.
Kwa Chambo Fishermen Self Help Group.
Kwa Chambo Fishermen Group is the newest community network formed through our education and sea turtle conservation outreach program. We first connected with these small-scale fishermen while raising awareness on how to safeguard nesting sea turtles along the Kilifi coastline.
We witnessed the real risk marine wildlife faces when a discarded fishing net left on the beach entangled a nesting turtle as it dug a nest chamber. Thanks to the rangers' quick action, the turtle was safe. The incident showed the urgency of community involvement in protecting coastal ecosystems. Recognizing this need, we encouraged the fishermen to take a more active role in protecting the environment at their own landing sites. Today, the Kwa Chambo Fishermen Group joins us during beach cleanups, particularly in the areas where they fish.
Beyond cleanups, we are continuing to work closely with the group to explore sustainable income alternatives such as eco-tourism and sea turtle conservation initiatives. These efforts aim to improve their economic well-being while ensuring the long-term protection of the resources they depend on.
4.) Environmental Events Day.
International Coastal Cleanup (ICC)
Since 2019, we have been the trailblazers commemorating ICC in Kilifi town, which, over the years, has brought together community groups, organizations, schools, hotels, and institutions around Kilifi town to celebrate the day by raising awareness of plastic pollution with beach cleans. The movement has been growing, and in 2025, during the International Coastal Clean-up, we mobilized over 350 volunteers, and 15 organizations participated.
Art for Ocean Event.
In 2024, we launched our first Art for the Ocean contest event, a celebration of creativity, community, and conservation. The idea was to bring community members together to learn, create, and initiate conversations about plastic pollution.
During the event, participants transformed discarded materials into beautiful, useful art pieces, and winners were awarded a Christmas token.
From colorful sculptures to everyday household items, each creation told a story of transforming waste into something valuable again. Beyond showcasing artistic talent, the event played a huge role in raising awareness. It encouraged people to think differently about waste, explore creative recycling solutions, and embrace a culture of sustainability. Most importantly, it inspired the community to take action.
In 2025, the contest will solely rely on transforming flip-flops into a hat that conveys a message about the ocean
5.)Community Training and Education.
We also train community groups that are already involved in cleaning polluted beaches and see the impact of pollution every day. Through interactive workshops, we introduce them to practical upcycling skills: how to turn flip-flops into colorful accessories, plastic into home decor, and more. These sessions build confidence, inspire innovation, and show solutions to environmental challenges. Participants learn how to design marketable products, price them fairly, and connect with local buyers, turning waste into a reliable source of income.
We trained and helped the Ocean Mamaz group develop a creative upcycling initiative, crafting handmade bracelets, anklets, and curtains from collected flip-flops. We also offer markets for these unique products to support their families and demonstrate how waste can be transformed into valuable market-ready goods.
As part of our community trainings, we organize exclusive beach cleanups designed specifically for school kids. These events are conducted in a safe, child-friendly environment, where every young participant gets the chance to be part of the real conservation action. From collecting litter along the shoreline to sorting and weighing different types of waste, the children learn step by step how pollution affects marine life. After beach cleans, we later visit their schools to continue the journey of transformation. Together, we upcycle the waste they collect into creative waste art collages.
6.) Beach Clean-up Partnership and Support.
Every year, we work hand in hand with organizations, businesses, and institutions that choose to embed Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR). Their involvement brings not only extra helping hands but also a long-term commitment to restoring and protecting our beaches.
During each cleanup, partners join us in every step of the process: Collection, Sorting, Weighing, and Recording. This transparent system ensures that every piece of waste is accounted for and that the true impact of their support is clearly measured. After each beach clean, we share detailed data through our digital drive tracking system, giving partners clear insight into the difference they are making for our ocean.
In 2025, we proudly collaborated with several amazing supporters:
CMA CGM - Sponsored and participated in 10 beach cleanups, helping remove significant amounts of waste from our coastline while receiving full data reports from each event.
Green Heart of Kilifi joined us in two impactful beach cleanups, supporting our mission to keep Kilifi Clean and plastic-free.
NovotelNairobiWestlands-Took part in one major cleanup, showing their commitment to environmental action beyond city boundaries.
7.)Transforming Flip-Flops to Art.
At Ocean Sole, every flip-flops collected from our shores carries a story, a story of pollution and a story of hope. Through our beach cleanups with local communities and school children, we remove waste from our beaches and waterways and also inspire the next generation to become ocean-conscious.
By upcycling these discarded flip-flops into stunning art, we create jobs, instill creativity, and show that waste can be transformed into something beautiful and valuable. With your support, we can reach more remote beaches, engage more communities, and safeguard more sea turtles from the threats of plastic pollution.
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