Mombasa, Kenya| In a bold move to address its escalating solid waste challenges, Mombasa County is set to launch an innovative youth-led waste management pilot program in July 2025.
The initiative, spearheaded by Governor Abdulswamad Nassir, aims to transform the city’s waste collection and disposal systems by engaging Community-Based Organizations (CBOs), private garbage collectors, and local youth in a collaborative effort to enhance cleanliness, create jobs, and mitigate public health risks across the coastal city.
Addressing Mombasa’s Waste Crisis
Mombasa, Kenya’s second-largest city and a vital economic hub, generates over 1,200 tonnes of solid waste daily, according to county officials.
However, only 52% of this waste is currently collected, leaving nearly half unaccounted for in streets, informal settlements, and public spaces.
This unmanaged waste has led to significant environmental degradation, clogged drainage systems, and heightened public health risks, including outbreaks of waterborne diseases and pest infestations.
Governor Nassir highlighted the urgency of the situation, stating, “The waste crisis in Mombasa demands innovative and inclusive solutions. By empowering our youth and leveraging modern equipment, we aim to create a cleaner, healthier city while fostering economic opportunities for our communities.”
Key Features of the Pilot Program
The three-month pilot, set to commence in July 2025, introduces a multi-faceted approach to waste management, combining technology, community engagement, and youth empowerment. Here are the core components of the initiative:
1. Youth-Led Waste Collection
The program will engage youth-led CBOs to lead waste collection efforts in designated zones across Mombasa.
Participants will undergo comprehensive training on waste handling, sorting, and safety protocols.
Equipped with protective gear, including gloves, masks, and uniforms, the youth will collect garbage twice weekly, ensuring consistent service delivery.
2. Modernized Equipment
To boost operational efficiency, Mombasa County has procured 41 modified garbage collection tuk-tuks and four new compactor trucks.
These vehicles are designed to navigate narrow streets and densely populated neighborhoods, such as Tudor Ward, where traditional garbage trucks often face access challenges.
The tuk-tuks will facilitate rapid collection, while the compactor trucks will handle larger volumes of waste, reducing the frequency of trips to disposal sites.
3. Waste Sorting and Disposal
Collected waste will be transported to Material Recovery Facilities (MRFs), where it will be sorted into recyclables, organic waste, and non-recyclable materials.
Recyclable items, such as plastics and metals, will be diverted to recycling plants, while organic waste may be processed into compost.
Non-recyclable waste will be disposed of at the Mwakirunge dumpsite, the county’s primary disposal facility, in an environmentally responsible manner.
4. Community Awareness and Fumigation
Beyond collection, the youth teams will conduct community sensitization campaigns to educate residents on proper waste disposal practices, the importance of recycling, and the health risks associated with littering.
Additionally, the teams will undertake fumigation exercises in high-risk areas to control pests and reduce disease vectors, further enhancing public health outcomes.
Economic and Social Impact
The pilot program is expected to deliver significant economic and social benefits. By involving youth-led CBOs, the initiative will create employment opportunities for hundreds of young people, many of whom face high unemployment rates in Mombasa.
The program also aligns with Kenya’s national youth empowerment agenda, providing skills development and income-generating activities for participants.
Moreover, the collaboration with private garbage collectors will strengthen the county’s waste management ecosystem, fostering partnerships between public and private sectors.
This hybrid model aims to improve service delivery while reducing the financial burden on the county government.
Challenges and Scalability
While the pilot program has generated optimism, experts caution that its success will depend on effective coordination, sustained funding, and community buy-in.
Previous waste management initiatives in Mombasa have faced challenges such as irregular funding, equipment breakdowns, and resistance from informal waste pickers.
To address these, the county has committed to regular monitoring and evaluation during the pilot phase, with plans to refine the model based on performance data.
If successful, the program could be scaled up across all six sub-counties of Mombasa, including Mvita, Nyali, Kisauni, Changamwe, Jomvu, and Likoni.
Long-term plans include the establishment of additional MRFs and the adoption of advanced waste-to-energy technologies to further reduce landfill dependency.
A Step Toward a Cleaner Mombasa
The launch of the youth-led waste management pilot marks a significant step in Mombasa’s journey toward sustainable urban development.
By harnessing the energy of its youth, investing in modern equipment, and prioritizing community engagement, the county is laying the foundation for a cleaner, healthier, and more resilient city.
Residents, particularly in areas like Tudor Ward, where garbage piles have long been a concern, have expressed cautious optimism.
“We hope this program will make a real difference,” said Amina Juma, a Tudor resident. “A cleaner Mombasa benefits us all, but we need to see consistent effort and community involvement.”
As the July launch approaches, all eyes will be on Mombasa to see if this innovative approach can turn the tide against the city’s mounting waste crisis and set a model for other Kenyan cities grappling with similar challenges.
For more updates on Mombasa’s waste management initiatives, visit the official Mombasa County website or follow local news outlets.
Share This Post