Nairobi, 4th December 2025.
Nairobi City County is working towards embedding circular economy principles at the core of its waste management systems with focus on strengthening community driven solutions, expanding recycling infrastructure, and empowering waste workers across the City.
Addressing participants yesterday at the launch of the second phase of Fair Recycling project, an engagement convened by the Danish Refugee Council (DRC), the County Deputy Director in charge of Waste management Mr. Omwenga Walter highlighted County’s ongoing efforts to strengthen infrastructure and streamline operations across the waste sector. He mentioned that Nairobi has deployed technical teams down to the ward level to support project implementers as well as enhance permitting and licensing frameworks for stronger partnerships between public, private and community actors.
The Fair Recycling project 2.0 is a two year initiative implemented by the Danish Refugee Council with support from the Coca-Cola Foundation. The project aims to promote employment and entrepreneurship through plastic waste management solutions in both refugee and host community’s settings. It targets 3000 informal waste pickers 1500 in Kenya, 1500 in Uganda across Nairobi, Kakuma and selected areas in Uganda with the goal of formalizing waste collection work, improving livelihoods and creating a more sustainable and inclusive waste management ecosystem.
As the initiative enters its second phase, Mr. Omwenga stated that the City County of Nairobi acknowledges the Danish Community Council for its steadfast partnership and welcomes the Coca-Cola Foundation for joining the next phase of implementation.
“Our vision is to create an enabling environment where innovation thrives and where our partners work in unity for a cleaner city. We extend our sincere appreciation to the Danish Community Council for their continued partnership and the success achieved in phase one of the project. We also warmly welcome Coca-Cola Foundation’s support in phase two and look forward to the positive impact it will bring.” Affirmed Mr. Omwenga.
He assured of County’s unwavering commitment to building a clean, inclusive and sustainable city guided by circularity, dignity and innovation.
Assistant Director, Environmental Monitoring, Compliance and Enforcement Ms. Christine Kivuva, who was among the panelist revealed the near completion of a New Material Recovery Facility in Korogocho, strategically located within one of Nairobi’s informal settlements, where many waste pickers operate and will serve as a major hub for sorting and recycling. “We have mapped community based organizations and waste pickets living around the area to ensure they are fully integrated into the facility’s operations once it becomes operational.” Ms. Kivuva noted.
Additionally, she shared that the County is reviewing Waste Management Act to formally recognize the essential role played by waste pickers in Nairobi’s waste value chain. The Proposed amendments include clear engagement frameworks, compensation models aligned with Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR), and mechanisms to protect the dignity, safety and livelihood of waste pickers.
Ms. Kivuva also mentioned on the ongoing intensified grassroots engagement aimed at helping waste pickers organize into formal groups and community based organizations to prevent exclusion and missed opportunities.
“We have gone down to the grassroots to guide waste pickers on how to formalize, organize themselves and register to ensure they can access opportunities, scale their activities and work in a dignified manner. Capacity building also remains our priority. Over the last three months, the County in partnership with the Royal Danish Embassy has been training waste pickers at the final disposal site, with additional plans underway to expand these opportunities.” She pointed out.
The event was attended by waste aggregators, private sector waste management companies, recycling firms, Producer Responsibility Organizations (PROs), and representatives from both national and county governments.
Ends/..