NAIROBI, Feb. 1 (Xinhua) -- Kenya's Ministry of Environment and Forestry in partnership with a local manufacturing association on Friday launched an initiative to engage public schools in safe disposal and recycling of plastic bottles.

Senior officials said the school-based campaign to promote sustainable management of plastic bottles will create additional green jobs in the country.

"The new project to eradicate pollution linked to haphazard disposal of plastic bottles in our environment by involving school children will boost the overall green agenda in the country," said Mohamed Elmi, chief administrative secretary of the Ministry of Environment and Forestry.

He said the government is exploring innovative measures to boost circular economy by engaging the youth in recycling plastic bottles that are widely used by the food and beverage industry.

The ministry has signed a cooperative framework with Kenya Association of Manufacturers (KAM) to enhance collection and safe disposal of plastic bottles.

Elmi said the government has created a conducive policy framework to boost disposal, collection and recycling of plastic waste that is linked with grave threat to the environment and human health.

"It is important to empower our children with the knowledge and tools to enable them become environmental champions. Our goal is to ensure the next generation make informed decisions in natural resource use and waste management," said Elmi.

Muchai Kunyiha, vice-chairman of KAM, said that a strategic engagement with learning institutions is expected to revitalize action on plastic waste.

"We are keen to tackle the plastic pollution menace as a team and are convinced that school children can be effective champions for safe disposal and recycling of non-biodegradable waste," said Kunyiha.

He noted that Kenya has joined ranks of African countries that have come up with innovative measures to manage plastic waste.

"By creating a strong ecosystem to support collection and recycling of plastic waste, we expect to stimulate economic growth and unleash new jobs for the youth," said Muchai.