Mombasa: Mombasa County Government is set to introduce a waste management pilot programme in July, which will involve youth-led Community Based Organizations (CBOs) and private garbage collectors to enhance efficiency and cleanliness in the city. Governor Nassir announced the initiative during a public participation event on solid waste management at the Tononoka Social Hall.
According to Kenya News Agency, the Governor revealed that Mombasa generates over 1,200 tons of solid waste daily, but only 52% is collected, leaving a significant amount unaccounted for. This contributes to the garbage issue and poses a risk to public health. To aid the programme, 41 modified garbage collection Tuktuks and four garbage compactor trucks have been procured.
Governor Nassir acknowledged the challenge posed by ageing garbage trucks, which have been unable to manage the accumulating waste. The initiative includes training youths on financial literacy and issuing them certificates of good conduct. These youths will collect garbage from households registered with Taifa Care, administered by the Social Health Authority, and will be provided with protective gear and equipment.
The Governor emphasized the need for change in waste management practices, noting that some collectors have been improperly disposing of waste on roads. The pilot programme will start with 41 youths on a three-month trial, and if successful, it will be expanded to cover all areas of Mombasa. Collected waste will be taken to newly established Material Recovery Facilities before final disposal at the Mwakirunge dumping site.
Governor Nassir mentioned plans to explore recycling options for waste at the Mwakirunge site. The youths will collect garbage twice a week, conduct fumigation, and participate in community sensitization on proper waste management. They are assured of timely monthly payments, similar to other County Government employees, but will be held accountable for any complaints regarding their conduct or service quality.
Deputy Governor and County Executive Committee Member for Environment, Francis Thoya, confirmed the challenges in waste collection and expressed confidence that partnerships with CBOs and private companies will address the issue. The youth-led initiative is expected to create employment and support the County Government's waste management efforts. He highlighted the role of procured tuk-tuks in accessing areas unreachable by trucks.
A subcommittee has been established to identify pilot areas for the programme. Alongside the tuk-tuks, new garbage compactor trucks with four times the capacity of the existing ones have been procured. Three additional compactor trucks are planned for procurement in the 2025/2026 financial year. The Deputy Governor mentioned plans to charge households for garbage collection services through their water utility bills.