Nairobi – 26th July, 2023
A total of 50 youth from Kawangware and City Park markets were yesterday sensitized on Food Market Waste Management, in a workshop organized by Nairobi County’s Food System Directorate in conjunction with OXFAM Kenya at Golden Tulip Hotel, Westlands.
Nairobi County has partnered with OXFAM in initiating a series of trainings on food market waste management with a focus of empowering youth and market traders to make a living from the organic waste.
The participants were sensitized on different ventures they can generate income from, through the use of market waste such as; making of organic manure, avocado oil production, making of artificial firewood using avocado seeds and making of briquettes among other uses.
The County, FAO and OXFAM have successfully capacity built youth and market traders from Korogocho Market who are now earning a living through the use of market food waste, and in turn contributing to the management of waste.
County Director Food System Ms. Rose Randall said that they want to duplicate the training given to Korogocho market to the two markets (Kawangware and City Park); and eventually reach out to other food markets in the county. She mentioned that in the coming days more youth will benefit from food waste management trainings and agribusiness ideas.
Ms. Bessy Nkhozi from OXFAM Kenya said that in collaboration with the County Food and Agriculture Subsector, they are targeting to capacity build the traders in the two markets on food waste management for improved livelihoods and income generation. This has been informed by the success of the Korogocho Food Waste Management Champions whose activities begun in 2022.
Karura Ward Member of County Assembly Hon. Kamau Thuo lauded Food and Agriculture Subsector for sensitizing traders on market food waste and more-so targeting women and youth.
Hon. Thuo said that the community also has a role in managing the waste. He noted that once market food waste management is embraced, 50% of market waste issue will be sorted, minimizing waste meant for Dandora dumpsite.
Participants were also taken through solid waste management by the County Assistant Director Environment, Mr. Dancan Miheso.
Present also were departmental heads from Food and Agriculture Subsector, a representative from County Markets Department and the area Assistant Chief amongst other stakeholders.
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