Nakuru County is planning to transform solid waste at dumpsites into organic fertilizers and other useful products, Enviroment boss Dr Nelson Maara has revealed, adding that the transformative project’s cost is yet to be determined.
The County will work with the Austrian firm Komptech to recycle glass, paper, plastic, and metals, which will increase revenue, create jobs and improve the health and sanitation of residents.
Solid waste management has become a significant challenge in Kenya’s major urban centres due to rapid urbanization, improved economic situations, and industrialization. Converting waste into organic fertilizer has the potential to bring positive change and wealth into communities.
The lack of adequate waste management has resulted in excessive air, soil, and water pollution, which has threatened public health, ecosystems, and biodiversity, as well as accumulating immense quantities of waste in Nakuru’s lakes and rivers.
Komptech CEO Markus Maierhofer will provide the necessary solid waste recovery equipment and train workers on machinery operations before handing over the processing plant to the county government to manage.
Once fully operational, the project will generate revenue for the County administration and create job opportunities in the circular economy, providing a lasting solution to the Gioto dumpsite landfill.
Previously, local and international investors have approached the county government seeking to convert waste into a profitable venture, but most of them have gone quiet on their intentions.
An average of 45 per cent of waste goes uncollected in Nakuru, with 85 per cent of waste generated in urban centres in Nakuru originating from homes. According to a feasibility study conducted by the World Bank in 2017, about 300 metric tonnes of solid waste are processed at the site per day.
Innovating waste management through the 5Rs (reduce, reuse, recycle, recover, and rethink) could create employment, promote economic growth, and improve health and ecosystems, which in turn contributes to a happier, greener, and healthier County, and create enormous savings for the devolved unit.