Kisumu County Teams Up with Hand in Hand Eastern Africa to Revolutionize Waste Management Solutions

Officials from Kisumu County and Hand in Hand Eastern Africa at the agreement signing.

Kisumu County has teamed up with Hand in Hand Eastern Africa to improve waste management and strengthen local businesses. This partnership is part of the Building Inclusive and Resilient Enterprises (BIRE) Project.

Albert Wambugu, the CEO of Hand in Hand Eastern Africa, highlighted that this project is set to create jobs for women and youth while also benefiting the environment. He believes it will help residents gain the skills they need to build businesses in waste management, which can lead to better incomes and better lives.

The BIRE Project, funded by Hand in Hand Sweden and the Swedish Embassy in Kenya, will run from 2024 to 2028. It aims to support 29,740 participants, with a focus on 80% women, 40% youth, and 20% men. The goal is to create over 20,000 sustainable businesses, double participants’ incomes, and generate approximately 31,000 jobs in solid waste management and related sectors.

Judith Oluoch, Kisumu County’s CEC for Water, Environment, Climate Change, and Natural Resources, expressed excitement about the initiative. She said it will not only promote cleanliness in the markets but also equip the community with important skills in waste management, turning waste into a source of income.

Darius Makeri, Program Manager at Hand in Hand Eastern Africa, mentioned that this four-year project will expand to 15 counties, including major cities like Nairobi and Mombasa. The goal is to help increase daily incomes from $2 to $8.

The launch event brought together various officials, including Judith Oluoch and representatives from the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA), showcasing a strong commitment to this important initiative.

Hand in Hand Eastern Africa is optimistic about the future, stating, “Together, we can build a brighter, more resilient future!”