Kakuma, 9th October 2024 (Public Communications and Media Relations)
Kakuma has seen the cleanup of approximately 107 tonnes of plastic waste through a World Bank Group-funded waste management initiative, which has created jobs and improved public health.
Supported by the Kakuma Kalobeyei Challenge Fund (KKCF), Taka Taka Solutions has established 100 grassroots organizations, generating 200 jobs focused on waste collection and sorting. “This initiative not only provides green jobs but also demonstrates how waste management can be an economically viable venture for hundreds within the community,” said Nora Nyagah, Director of Partnerships at Taka Taka Solutions.
Public health officials have praised the initiative for reducing disease risks by minimizing plastic waste that clogs sewage systems. “The collection of plastics has decreased the prevalence of vermin-breeding grounds and reduced water contamination risks,” noted Innocent Sifuna, County Public Health Officer for Turkana.
Deputy Governor John Erus commended the KKCF’s support for social entrepreneurship, stating, “This initiative not only creates economic opportunities but also lays the groundwork for innovative uses of waste as a resource.”
Kakuma senior ACC, Yusuf Salat, highlighted the unique mix of nationalities in Kakuma, explaining, “While the mix has several advantageous outcomes, sometimes it drives up the speed of waste generated from the variety of activities from different groups.”
Director of Refugee Services Edwin Chabari emphasized the need for community awareness on waste management: “This will help us create awareness and at the same time provide a platform for sharing the consequences of non-adherence to waste control measures.”
Against a backdrop of a two-day waste management forum, various officials gathered to discuss future strategies.
Present were Faith Aletia (CECM, Lands and Physical Planning), Audan Leah Lokala (CECM, Tourism, Environment and Climate Change), Robert Loyelei (CCO, Lands and Physical Planning), Peter Stenza Lomorukai (CCO, Urban Areas Management), Phoebe Ekal (Director, Environment), Peter Emuria (Kakuma Municipality Manager), Christine Nalemsekon (Turkana West SCA), Innocent Sifuna (County Public Health Officer), and Paul Erukudi (KNCCI). Representatives from Peace Winds Japan, GIZ, Sanivation, TCDM, Kakuma Usafi Group, SNV among others were also in attendance.
