Nairobi, 4th October 2024
Green Nairobi Sector in partnership with VSO today hosted a waste to work business network forum bringing together Community Based Organizations involved in waste management best practices and several stakeholders supporting the County in Waste management sector, at Charter Hall.
The forum aimed at connecting green entrepreneurs with actors within the waste entrepreneurial ecosystem to create linkages for collaborations in the waste value chain, hence scaling up their green enterprises.
Waste to Work is a project aiming to strengthen the capacity of young people engaged in the waste sector so they can create decent jobs through waste recovery, value addition and circular economy.
“The Waste to Work project, with its focus on strengthening the capacity of young people in the waste sector, comes at a critical time. It has the potential to empower youth led startups to create decent jobs through waste recovery and value addition, while simultaneously advancing the circular economy and fostering a more sustainable future”. Said the County Green Nairobi Executive Ms. Maureen Njeri.
Ms. Njeri noted that the project’s four pillars; to mobilize, spark, nature and to link, speaks directly to the need for market driven solutions, technical training and entrepreneurship, in addition to expanding access to markets, business networks and financing. “Each of these aspects is crucial if we unlock the full potential of green business estate in our communities” She stated.
Ms. Njeri highlighted steps that the county has taken in supporting the project, such as the Solid Waste Management Act 2015 which comprehensively provides legal framework in addressing waste management, adding that the act promotes sustainable waste management practices which the County is committed to enforcing towards achieving a cleaner and greener Nairobi.
Speaking also at the same forum, the County Environment Chief Officer Mr. Geoffrey Mosiria said that the event provided an opportunity to refocus on how to transform waste to opportunities for economic growth and sustainability. “We are not here today to talk about problems but to engage in finding solutions on how we handle solid waste in our City. By embracing new technologies and innovations, waste can be turned into viable products and reduce environmental impact.” He added.
Mr. Mosiria stressed the need to ensure that communities are empowered to take ownership of waste management practices by creating awareness, fostering behavioral change and providing awareness for small enterprises and individuals to engage meaningfully in waste to work value chain.
Ms. Gladwell Cheruiyot, the County Chief Officer for Food, Agriculture and Natural Resources said that the Subsector plans to engage with the CBOs in recycling food waste to create jobs and in turn ensuring a cleaner environment.
The County Director for Environment Mr. John Paul Malawi assured the CBOs that Nairobi County will continue supporting and providing markets, linkages and opportunities for the youth. He acknowledged the support of partners who are helping the county in bridging the gaps in matters waste management.
Mr. Daniel Kamunya from VSO said that the waste to work project will enable the society to view young entrepreneurs in waste management as green assets within the green economy sector.
Roysambu MCA Hon. Sospeter Mumbai who is also the founder of Marurui youth United organization; a CBO dealing with waste management, encouraged CBOs to ensure they interact with the County Waste Management Act, which he mentioned provides for a lot of opportunities in waste management.
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