• 1347
  • 1346

Nakuru Sustainable Solid Waste Empowerment Project (NASWEP)

Project Overview

Led by the Pangani Cleaners Women Group, the Nakuru Sustainable Solid Waste Empowerment Project (NASWEP) aims to improve solid waste management (SWM) in Pangani and Lakeview, two low-income settlements in Nakuru City. With a KES 4.9 million budget and a24-monthtimeline, the project empowerswomen and youthto build livelihoods through waste recycling while improving environmental health and governance.

The Problem

Nakuru generates over 250 tons of waste daily, yet less than half is collected. Poor infrastructure, lack of source segregation, and limited formal SWM services in informal areas like Pangani and Lakeview cause pollution, especially to Lake Nakuru National Park—a vital UNESCO World Heritage site. Only 1,114 of 18,429 households in these areas are served by private waste providers, resulting in indiscriminate dumping, health hazards, and social vulnerabilities, especially for women and children

Project Goals and Solutions

Assessment & Planning
→ Conduct a baseline survey to inform an Integrated Solid Waste Management Strategy.
→ Engage communities, government, and private players in planning and advocacy.

Smart Waste Tracking

→ Deploy IoT-enabled tracking systems and recycling apps to optimize collection and monitor waste flows
→ Establish a Material Recovery Facility (MRF) and recycling market models.

Green Enterprise Development

→ Promote waste-to-wealth ventures like Black Soldier Fly composting and recycling-based businesses.
→ Purchase key equipment: shredders, balers, PPEs and offer hands-on training.

Capacity Building & PPPs

→Train 150+ youth and 500 women in circular economy skills and environmental regulationse local distribution
→ Strengthen Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) to expand service reach and enforcement.

Target Groups

→ Primary : Youth, women, and vulnerable groups in Pangani and Lakeview

→ Secondary : Private waste providers, CSOs, schools, and local authorities

Tertiary : Residents of Nakuru and visitors to Lake Nakuru National Park

Partnerships

• Key stakeholders include NEMA, County Government of Nakuru, NAWASSCO, KWS, FlamingoNet, FES, PACJA,and CSUDP —supporting policy, enforcement, technical input, and funding.

Expected  Impact

→ Waste collection penetration from 6% to near 100% coverage

→ Reduction of over 400 tons/month of waste to dumpsites

→ Cleaner environment, reduced disease, and safer wildlife habitats

→ Empowered youth and women-led enterprises in the green economy

Added Value

This project blends technology, policy, and community empowerment to support Nakuru’s transition to a circular economy, aligning with climate goals and urban resilience. By turning waste into wealth, NASWEP envisions a cleaner, greener, more inclusive Nakuru

  • Nakuru Sustainable Solid Waste

OTHER PROJECTS

NAKURU - NISWP

MAKUENI - TTT

NAKURU - COMEG

EMALI - ESWA

NAKURU - NASWEP

NYALENDA - WASH