Kisumu: Kisumu County Government has acquired a high-capacity modern waste collection truck to strengthen organic waste management efforts. The truck, launched on Tuesday at City Hall, is fitted with a 290-horsepower engine and a safety cabin to limit human contact with garbage. It can collect up to 15 tonnes of waste-equivalent to four conventional truckloads-and compresses it onboard to prevent road littering during transport.
According to Kenya News Agency, Kisumu Governor Prof. Anyang' Nyong'o stated that the acquisition marks a significant shift in the city's waste management approach and would drastically reduce garbage collection operational costs. He highlighted that the current waste collection methods do not ensure full coverage and often harm surrounding communities.
The new truck is expected to address these challenges by collecting and compacting organic waste for easier and safer disposal. Prof. Nyong'o mentioned that compressed waste could be repurposed for uses such as manure production or power generation, contributing to a circular economy. He emphasized the importance of facilitating waste collectors to operate efficiently and profitably, thereby transforming waste into a regional resource.
Environment County Executive Committee Member (CECM) Judith Oluoch pointed out that 65 percent of waste generated in Kisumu County is organic. She urged residents to separate waste at the household level to improve the efficiency of the new system. Oluoch noted that six material recovery facilities have been established across the county to handle and sort plastic waste.
The Department of Environment plans to collaborate with the City Management, Department of Trade, and informal waste sector actors to ensure smooth implementation of the new waste management system. The county aims for the truck to support green enterprises such as organic fertilizer production and black soldier fly farming, both of which require clean organic inputs.