Building a Cleaner Future in Kenya: The Kisumu Zero Waste Project

Kisumu, Kenya, faces a major waste management challenge that impacts public health, climate resilience, and community well-being. With an estimated 400 to 500 tonnes of solid waste generated daily, only 20% to 40% of this waste is properly collected and disposed of, leaving significant amounts accumulating in open areas and bodies of water. In Kisumu, improper waste management—including open burning and dumping—has significantly increased climate risks, especially for low-income households.

Unmanaged waste has devastating impacts on drainage systems, causing flooding and the formation of stagnant water that becomes a breeding site for disease-causing organisms like mosquitos. Over three transformative phases, Purpose Climate Lab (PCL) is spearheading the Kisumu Zero Waste Project, an initiative designed to address this severe health and environmental risk by building strong local partnerships and empowering residents to drive sustainable change toward a healthier, cleaner, and greener future.

Phase 1: Laying the Foundation for Change

In 2021, Purpose launched Phase 1 of the Kisumu Zero Waste Project to tackle the city’s waste management crisis. Without prior work in the region, the initial focus was understanding the community’s unique challenges and bringing together local stakeholders to co-create a sustainable, locally-driven zero-waste initiative. These initiatives were focused on the following key objectives:

1. Reduce the amount of waste sent to landfills.
2. Create waste-based jobs for youth and women.
3. Build a community-led waste movement.
4. Raise local voices in policymaking related to waste management.

A baseline survey revealed that 55% of households disposed of waste by open burning, and 60% did not separate their trash into recyclable, compostable, or non-recyclable bins. This phase focused on building awareness, encouraging behavior change, and fostering community-led solutions.

To establish a strong foundation for the initiative, Purpose partnered with four key Community-Based Organizations (CBOs), each contributing specialized expertise:

• United Destiny Shapers: Experts in community mobilization and empowerment, fostering active participation and ownership at the grassroots level.
• Kibuye Market Waste Management: Specialists in market waste management systems, providing critical insights into effective waste handling and recycling within commercial hubs.
• Happy Life CBO for Development: Focused on sustainable development practices, bringing a wealth of knowledge in integrating environmental and community development goals.
• Kisumu Youth Progressive: Leaders in youth engagement and capacity building, ensuring the inclusion and empowerment of young people in driving zero waste initiatives.

Phase 1 activities included co-creation workshops, awareness campaigns, and creative approaches like live murals and media engagement. Together, these efforts helped shift attitudes, with community members beginning to see waste as a resource rather than a burden.

Phase 2: Scaling Solutions for Lasting Impact

Building on the momentum of Phase 1, Phase 2 (2022–2023) focused on scaling the initiative and strengthening community capacity. A key milestone was the creation of the Miya Ywech Association, a coalition of the four CBOs. This formalized structure enabled the group to operate more effectively, secure resources, and establish a shared vision for the project.

Highlights of Phase 2 include:

• Material Recovery Facility (MRF): The construction of the Material Recovery Facility (MRF), a center for waste processing and community learning, was made possible through a vital partnership with the Kisumu County government, which provided the land. This collaboration highlights the critical role of government support in advancing sustainable waste management and long-term development.
• Learning and Exchange Visits: Visits to successful zero-waste initiatives in Ghana and Tanzania equipped Kisumu leaders and community members with practical strategies and inspiration.
• Community Engagement and Eco-Clubs: Schools, youth groups, and communities were engaged through workshops and initiatives, equipping the next generation and local residents with the knowledge and skills to sustain the zero-waste movement.
• Policy Advocacy: Strengthened partnerships with local government led to tangible commitments, including a Memorandum of Understanding to support ongoing community-led waste management.

Phase 3: Building Sustainability and Creating Lasting Impact in the Kisumu Zero Waste Project

Phase 3 of the Kisumu Zero Waste Project is dedicated to creating sustainable systems and ensuring a long-lasting impact on zero waste practices. This phase focuses on embedding the progress achieved in earlier stages into the community and institutional frameworks for enduring success.

Central to this phase is the full operationalization of the Material Recovery Facility (MRF), envisioned as both a waste processing center and a hub for zero waste education. Activities in this phase include optimizing waste collection systems, activating waste chambers, and implementing a transparent financial model to guarantee the MRF’s long-term functionality and accessibility to the community.

To ensure community ownership and leadership, this phase emphasizes robust engagement initiatives, such as establishing school eco-clubs, running community radio campaigns, and conducting capacity-building workshops for the Miya Ywech Association, which will assume stewardship of the MRF. The Miya Ywech Association will also receive financial literacy and leadership training to ensure success with running the facility. Furthermore, policy advocacy with local government aims to integrate zero waste principles into urban planning, securing their place in Kisumu’s development strategy.

By fostering community ownership, strengthening institutional support, and embedding sustainable practices, Phase 3 transforms Kisumu’s zero waste model into a replicable framework for urban waste management across the region.

Challenges and How They Were Overcome:

The project was not without its obstacles. Political instability following the 2022 elections led to disruptions and delays​. Additionally, systemic bureaucracy delayed the approval and construction of the MRF. The project team overcame these hurdles by recalibrating strategies, maintaining dialogue with government officials, and securing political goodwill through regular engagement.

Another significant challenge was shifting community perceptions around zero-waste practices. Many residents viewed waste management as undesirable or solely the government’s responsibility. The project addressed this by organizing art performances, awareness campaigns, and leveraging trusted local messengers to educate communities.

The Impact

The Kisumu Zero Waste Project has achieved remarkable milestones:

• Empowering over 200 households and multiple marketplaces to adopt zero-waste practices.
• Established a coalition uniting community organizations under the Miya Ywech Association.
• Enhanced government collaboration, securing resources and institutional support.
• Laid the groundwork for a scalable model that prioritizes sustainability, equity, and community ownership.

These efforts have improved waste management and created a movement that centers local voices in decision-making, connects waste practices to climate action, and fosters a sense of pride and ownership among Kisumu’s residents.

Looking Ahead

Building on the solid foundation and momentum established in Phases 1 and 2, Purpose and its partners will scale the Kisumu Zero Waste Project into a transformative model for systemic change. This initiative aims not only to create a cleaner and healthier Kisumu but also to inspire other cities to embed sustainable waste management into their urban planning strategies. By combining community-driven collaboration, innovative solutions, and inclusive practices, the Kisumu Zero Waste Project exemplifies how comprehensive and integrated approaches can address one of the most pressing global challenges, paving the way for lasting environmental and social impact.