The Kakamega government has entered into a tripartite agreement with Practical Action and Sanergy (Regen Organics) to advance circular economy practices in domestic waste management.
This initiative aims to foster circular waste management by promoting changes in waste generation and disposal behaviors, supporting informal waste handlers, and advocating for supportive policies and market systems.
Tim Mwangi, Head of Programs at Practical Action-Kenya, highlighted the potential of the circular economy model to sustainably manage organic household waste. Sanergy’s subsidiary, Regen Organics, will build a new recycling plant in Kakamega to convert organic waste into fertilizer, utilizing 4,000 tonnes of organic household waste annually from 15,000 homes.
“This project is exciting because it creates a business model for a circular economy in Kakamega, injecting resources into the waste sector and paying waste aggregation centers for high-quality organic waste,” Mwangi said. “Waste collectors will offer affordable household waste collection services in exchange for proper waste separation.”
The project is expected to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, provide additional income through carbon credit schemes, and improve soil health and food security with enhanced use of organic fertilizers.
Governor Fernandes Barasa emphasized the importance of using advanced technology and innovation in waste management, noting that the project will also convert organic waste into animal feed. He called for community involvement to ensure effective waste management and announced plans to establish material recovery facilities to improve recycling efficiency and reduce landfill use.
Governor Barasa instructed the relevant departments to design a model for organic waste collection and identify suitable locations for the new facilities, which will contribute to job creation, environmental conservation, and public awareness.
