NEMA, PAKPRO Unveil Program to Boost Income Opportunities for Waste Collectors

Thursday, 15th August 2024, Nairobi: Packaging Producer Responsibility Organization

(PAKPRO) has today launched the Biz na Taka Mtaani program, a groundbreaking initiative

aimed at creating collection hubs for recyclable materials that will generate job and

economic opportunities for young people.

These hubs will be established in Nairobi, Kiambu, Machakos, Kajiado, and Makueni,

covering the Nairobi River catchment area. The program will also feature the branding of

27 aggregator centers.

During the launch, Dr. Ayub Macharia, Director of Environmental Enforcement at the

National Environment Management Authority (NEMA), emphasized the ongoing challenges

of waste management in major cities, particularly in the Nairobi River Catchment Area. He

noted that improper waste disposal has been a significant contributor to pollution and

flooding in the city.

“Manufacturers and producers must keep working closely with the government to tackle the

issue of improper waste disposal. As a government, we’re ready to collaborate and lead the

way in addressing waste management challenges. The waste management value chain is full

of opportunities, and we must be deliberate in incentivizing them for the benefit of all.

Consumers also have a crucial role to play—we’ve shared guidelines on how to start

segregating waste at home to help combat pollution and protect our ecosystems,” added Dr.

Macharia.PAKPRO CEO Joyce Gachugi Waweru highlighted the importance of continued education for

waste collectors on segregation to enhance recycling. She reiterated that partnering with

the CBO Taka ni Pato demonstrates PAKPRO’s commitment to working with young people

and CBOs to achieve a circular economy in Kenya.

“We are dedicated to offering training and technical support to the teams managing these

community trading points. By partnering with local Community-Based Organizations (CBOs)

and NEMA, we will lead community awareness campaigns on effective waste collection and

recycling practices. This collaboration not only strives to create a clean and healthy

environment where families can thrive and children can play freely but also aims to provide a

sustainable source of income for collectors in the area.,” stated Ms Waweru.

PAKPRO has been at the forefront of engaging various stakeholders in the waste

management value chain to address the impact of post-consumer waste in Kenya. Initially

focusing on PET waste, the organization has since expanded to manage over 16 waste

streams, while also conducting consumer awareness campaigns to ensure post-consumer

waste is collected for recycling and other treatments.

Representing the CBO Taka ni Pato, Chairperson Ibrahim Adada noted that the role of CBOs

in waste management is gaining more recognition. He emphasized that this is key to

keeping the environment clean and healthy.

“We are glad to see the government and private sector taking action on waste management

and their willingness to collaborate with us to enhance our ongoing operations. By making

waste collection a viable source of income, we are providing opportunities for many young

people in the ghetto to improve their livelihoods,” he said.

Biz Na Taka Mtaani program is more than just the establishment of waste collection

centers, it includes training, capacity building, apprenticeship, mentorship, and engagement

with industry stakeholders to deepen understanding of packaging materials and the

recycling process