Kenya generates between 3,000 and 4,000 tons of waste daily, underscoring the urgent need for innovative solutions to manage this escalating problem.
To address this, the government, with support from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), has launched the “Promoting Circular Models of Environmentally Sound Solid Waste Management in Urban Areas” project.
This project represents a significant milestone in the collective efforts to tackle Kenya’s pressing waste management challenges. The initiative will be piloted in Nairobi, Mombasa, and Kiambu counties, setting a precedent for future waste management strategies in the country.
The launch of this project coincides with the Government of Kenya’s recent strides in formulating a comprehensive legal framework for the waste management sector.
This includes the National Sustainable Waste Management Policy of 2021, the Sustainable Waste Management Act of 2022, and the Extended Producer Responsibility Regulations (Draft) of 2023.
These legislative measures were introduced to counter the challenges posed by the long-standing linear ‘take-make-use-dispose’ model, which has resulted in mixed waste being disposed of in illegal dumpsites.
“The new project, supported by JICA, is a testament to our commitment to sustainable waste management,” said the Principal Secretary of the State Department for Environment & Climate Change at the Ministry of Environment, Climate Change & Forestry, during the first Joint Coordination Committee meeting held on Tuesday.
The Principal Secretary chaired this inaugural meeting, which was focused on the project’s implementation and overarching goals.
The primary objective of the project is to establish a material recovery facility in the three pilot counties. This facility aims to sustainably manage waste by promoting recycling and reuse, thus reducing the reliance on landfills and illegal dumping sites.
The Principal Secretary highlighted the importance of this initiative, noting that it comes at a critical time when Kenya is grappling with the environmental and health impacts of inadequate waste management.
“This project is a pivotal step towards achieving our goal of a cleaner, healthier environment for all Kenyans. By adopting circular economy principles, we aim to transform waste management practices across the country,” he stated.
The project’s implementation will involve extensive collaboration between the government, local communities, and various stakeholders to ensure its success. The initiative is expected to serve as a model for other regions and pave the way for nationwide adoption of sustainable waste management practices.
As Kenya moves forward with this groundbreaking project, the government’s commitment to environmental sustainability and innovative solutions sets a positive example for other nations facing similar challenges.
The collaboration with JICA underscores the importance of international partnerships in addressing global environmental issues.