Waste pickers’ exchange in Naivasha Sub-County

By Elvira Songoro, Madhumitha Vasu and Cameron Howland

Introduction

In an inspiring exchange program, 11 waste pickers from Nairobi County, representing different waste management networks, travelled to the county of Naivasha, to share their experiences, learn from one another, and explore the innovative approaches to waste management that Naivasha has adopted. This illuminating exchange brought together a network of waste pickers who discovered the significance of collaboration, savings, waste segregation, and the importance of the waste value chain. The exchange not only highlighted the challenges faced by waste pickers, but also brought out solutions, and emphasized the importance of working together to create a sustainable future.

Caption: *Group photo at the Naivasha sub-county main dumping site*
*Photo Courtesy: KYCTV*

Journey of Waste: A summary of the exchange

The exchange began at the main dumping site in Naivasha, Viwandani ward, showcasing the magnitude and scale of impact waste has in the city. The group walked through the dumping site as Janesther, a member of Kayo waste self help group, one of the groups operating in the dumping site, shared their journey from a waste pickers’ group to a network: starting from how they fought for their space amongst waste management agencies to their current coordinated operations. She mentioned they have had to write a lot of memorandums and petitions to an extend they even went to court and some of their members were arrested .However it’s their resilience, consistency , unity and showing up each time they were needed that helped them achieve their goal.

She also enlightened the team on how the dumping site operates, the number of groups working together at the site, and challenges they are currently battling.Byron emphasised on how having a working waste management model is a process and needs waste management groups working in a network to advocate and lobby for the changes they need.

*Caption: View of the Naivasha sub-county dumping site*
*Photo Courtsey: KYCTV*

Moving from the dumping site, we had the opportunity to witness an active climate action group called Waste to Best, who showcased their creative ways of utilizing organic waste, to support a flourishing ecosystem, responding to two challenges in one. Their portfolio of activities include permaculture, urban farming, recycling and waste management starting from household garbage collection. The group elaborated on their process of waste segregation and the value they bring to waste through the journey.

The group illustrated their efficient use of their holding site, as they collect, sort and grade the waste all in one place, before transporting it to the relevant stakeholders for further processing. Entering their holding site, the visitors witnessed an organized medley of waste materials. Separate piles of plastics, clothes, cartons, hair, organic waste material, and electronics sit, ready for transport.

Waste to Best have partnered with a range of different companies who pick up the segregated waste from this site thereby increasing their value chain. Going one step further, they also encourage waste segregation at the household level, by using a gunny bag system which dissuades individuals from disposing wet/ organic waste in the same location as dry solid waste. This helps the group use this wet waste directly to make valuable manure.

The team showcased how they turn their wet and organic waste into a range of products that can be utilized for animal feed, nutrient rich liquid extract for farming, and composted manure. One of their significant challenges described, however, was finding partners for specific categories of waste such as E-waste, given that many of these companies are in Nairobi.

Caption: *The waste pickers at Waste to Best holding site in Naivas*
*Photo Courtesy: KYCTV*

It was also an important learning for the team to know that Waste to Best maintains records of all groups that are practicing waste management in the area. This was crucial for the group to engage in collaborative effort to transport waste to the dumping site once the recyclable waste had been sorted and transported to the relevant partners. The message of the power of movement building and networking was evident throughout their journey.

As the next stop in the exchange, the team visited a group called Mwifam who work as in waste collectors in Karagita, a part of the Naivasha sub county. This group embodied the message that disability was not inability, as all of the members working towards a cleaner society in this group were disabled in different ways. It was a truly inspiring one for the visitors to see their spirit and commitment towards waste management and a clean environment. The group, despite their small space, not only collected and sorted waste, but also engaged in pig rearing and additionally, had a small unit of briquette manufacturing within. Briquettes are usually a block of compressed coal used for fuel, however, this group incorporated paper waste into their briquette manufacturing, showing how waste can truly turn into wealth. The group demonstrated the process of briquette making to the visitors, and emphasized on the importance of finding creative ways of putting the different components of waste to use. Watching the head of the group enthusiastically showcase his innovative ideas was an inspiring sight for the visitors.

*Caption: A photo showing Segregation and production of Briquettes*
*Photo Courtesy: KYCTV*

Lastly, the team traveled to a group called KMEG, Kwa Muhia Environmental group (KMEG), that has received a few national recognitions for their ‘waste to wealth’ model, and their efforts towards a truly circular economy. Perched up in a small village along lake Naivasha, this group is a registered local community group that has taken the matters of waste to a higher level. KMEG was one of the very few CBOs in Kenya that have received international recognition and aid for their work with the communities. It was truly a different experience from the ones the visitors had through the day, as they learnt the importance of data collection, documentation of work in building momentum, support and resources for the work they do. KMEG showed the visitors a glimpse into a life of circular economy, where every component of waste is turned into products.

The group showed us the various products they make from the waste generated within the small village- glasses, inert paver blocks, roof tiles, organic animal feed, and much more. They also showed the power of having the community come together, as they had a partnership with every stakeholder starting from the households who segregate the waste at source to shops who sell their products- it is a self-sustaining business.

Having heard from these different groups, with different scales and ways of operation, gave an insight into the world of waste management, a world with ample opportunities, inspiration and unity. The team from Nairobi reflected on their learnings and takeaways, bringing the exchange to a fulfilling end.

*Caption: KMEG showcasing their recycled materials*
*Photo Courtesy: KYCTV*

Lessons learnt

Importance of collaboration

The exchange program provided a unique platform for waste pickers from different networks to come together and realize the power of collaboration. Through sharing their experiences and knowledge, these waste pickers discovered the potential for collective action, and the positive impact it can have on their work. Collaborative efforts mean leveraging their collective skills, resources, and expertise, to address common challenges. In Naivasha, such collaboration has meant unity in access to waste collection sites, safety concerns, and fair remuneration.

Learning the Value of Savings

Another key takeaway from the exchange was the significance of savings for waste pickers. Often working in precarious conditions with uncertain income, waste pickers learned about various saving mechanisms that can help them build financial security. Janester, an active member and a federation leader shared, "The savings of the network are much more than the savings per group." The exchange introduced the participants from Nairobi to savings groups, cooperative models, and microfinance opportunities specifically tailored to their needs. By pooling their resources and engaging in savings initiatives, waste pickers can mitigate economic vulnerabilities, invest in better equipment, and plan for a sustainable future.

Embracing Waste Segregation

As James, a member of Waste to Best, narrated his group's waste chain, he started at the household level, and walked the team through segregation of waste that is done in the trucks that transport waste to the dumping site. Through this process, he iterated the importance of efficient use of space and eliminating the need for a holding site. This really encouraged the waste pickers from Nairobi, who lack designated holding sites to segregate the waste, before it heads to the dumping site. "You do not need holding sites, you can do segregation at the lorries or household level, as you wait to get a permanent solution." James shared. Urgency breeds innovation.

Waste segregation emerged as a crucial aspect of waste management during the exchange program. Waste pickers learned about the importance of separating recyclable materials from organic waste and non-recyclables. This enables them to maximize the value of the waste they collect by supplying recyclable materials directly to recycling plants, reducing contamination, and promoting a circular economy. Proper segregation techniques not only enhance the efficiency of waste management systems but also create additional income streams for waste pickers by selling valuable recyclable materials.

Adding Value to the Waste Chain

The exchange program emphasized the concept of the waste value chain, whereby waste pickers play a vital role in adding value to the waste they collect. Waste pickers learned about simple techniques to process and transform certain waste materials into marketable products. For example, they explored ways to convert plastic waste into building materials, or organic waste into compost. By adding value to waste, waste pickers can tap into new markets, increase their income, and contribute to a more sustainable waste management ecosystem.

"We want to move to zero waste through circular economy. The longer the waste value chain, the more money you make, the more employment you create." James, Waste to Best.

Empowering Waste Pickers for Collective Advocacy

The exchange program went beyond skills training and knowledge sharing, but also provided a platform for waste pickers to amplify their voices collectively. Participants learned about their rights, labor regulations, and the importance of advocating for better working conditions and recognition. The story of waste pickers in Naivasha, claiming their rightful place, inspired the Nairobi waste pickers to come together. By organizing as a network and uniting their efforts, waste pickers can advocate for policy reforms, fair wages, access to social protection, and improved occupational health and safety standards.

Conclusion

The waste pickers' exchange program in Naivasha sub-county brought together waste pickers from Nairobi County, fostering a sense of unity and collaboration among the participants. Through this exchange, waste pickers discovered the power of working together as a network, the value of savings, the importance of waste segregation, and the potential to add value to the waste chain. By applying these newfound insights, waste pickers can enhance their livelihoods, contribute to sustainable waste management, and advocate for their rights and well-being. It is through such exchanges and collective efforts that waste pickers can pave the way towards a cleaner, greener, and more inclusive future.

Waste pickers’ exchange in Naivasha Sub-County: Fostering collaboration, innovation, and circularity.

Journey of Waste: A summary of the exchange

Lessons learnt