Nairobi, 7th June 2025
The County Director of Environment Mr. JP Malawi has asserted the County Government’s commitment to positioning Nairobi as Africa’s blueprint for urban circularity, where waste powers economies and not pollution.
Mr. Malawi also revealed County’s plans to establish Material Recovery Facilities across all Nairobi’s 17 Sub counties with support from partners such as Kenya Climate Innovation Centre, who have committed to collaborate with the County in making this vision a reality.
While addressing participants at the Launch of KCIC Strategy 4.0, a blueprint to catalyze Africa’s green future, where he was among the key speakers, Director Malawi acknowledged that with 3000- 4000 tons of waste generated daily, the City faces a dual challenge of environmental degradation and missed economic opportunities.
Mr. Malawi however noted, “Climate action is not about sacrifices, it is about opportunities to build resilient cities, empower green entrepreneurs and turn waste into wealth. Together we will make Nairobi and Africa a beacon of sustainable innovation.”
He highlighted Nairobi’s efforts to champion compliance by enforcing the Nairobi County Solid Waste Management Act 2015, through trained inspectors and digital tracking systems as well as elevating waste enterprises.
“As KCIC expands its mandate from Kenya to ecosystem level transformation across Africa, Nairobi stands ready as your partner. KCIC Strategy 4.0 vision of catalyzing Africa’s green future resonates deeply with our County goals on circular solution – completing Muthurwa Market and Mowlem material recovery facilities to revolutionize waste sorting and recycling, partnering with recycling pioneers to boost recycling rates and attract investment as well as simplifying compliance for SMEs, introducing tax incentives for Green enterprises and formalizing waste pickers role.” Mr. Malawi added.
The Environment Director also indicated that the County in partnership with KCIC has trained environment officers as NEMA certified inspectors, empowering enforcement with legal expertise and prosecution readiness. The partnership has also seen catalyzed dialogues between regulators, waste enterprises and innovation to tackle Nairobi’s waste crisis.
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