Waste as an
Opportunity
Building community-powered circular infrastructure in Kenya, turning waste into resources and livelihoods.
Vision
A world where waste is transformed into opportunity, creating cleaner communities, healthier ecosystems, and sustainable livelihoods for present and future generations.
Mission
To transform waste into opportunity by delivering innovative and sustainable waste management solutions that recover valuable resources, create green jobs, empower communities, and protect the environment. Through responsible recycling, strategic partnerships, and circular economy practices, we are building a cleaner, more resilient future for Kenya and beyond.
Our work in waste management is rooted in creating cleaner environments, better livelihoods, and resilient communities.
Dignifying
the informal sector.
Over 150,000 informal waste pickers operate in hazardous conditions across Kenya without registration, fair pay, or protective equipment. We are here to change that through our four core values:
Environmental Stewardship
Combating plastic pollution in the Lake Victoria region creating a conducive environment for over 40 million residents in Kisumu and across Kenya. With future plans to expand to neighbouring countries of Uganda and Tanzania for collection and supply of recycled raw materials
Inclusivity of Youth and Women
We create inclusive economic opportunities by collecting recyclable waste from households, businesses, and communities while integrating waste pickers and informal collectors into the formal recycling value chain. Through reliable markets, fair compensation, and dignified work, we help build sustainable livelihoods and stronger local economies.
Economic Empowerment
We empower waste pickers and local communities by providing reliable markets for recyclable materials, increasing incomes, creating green jobs, and promoting inclusive economic growth.
Integrity & Fairness
Operating with absolute transparency, removing exploitative middlemen, and building trust across our ecosystem.
The path so far.
The Beginning
Founded with a single buy-back centre in Kisumu, focused on informal plastic recovery.
Network Growth
Expanded to 3 mini hubs; established relationships with 50+ informal collectors.
Value Addition
Introduced sorting, crushing and baling capabilities, producing quality plastic flakes for industrial buyers.
Scaling Impact
Reached 150+ active collectors, 8 hubs, and 360T+ total waste diverted. KIWAN membership established.
The Future
Household collection, BSF organic waste processing,production of plastic pellets, expansion to 15+ hubs, and growth into additional Kenyan counties and East African countries including Uganda and Tanzania as we build collection and supply chain for recycling and circular economy infrastructure.
Our roadmap
to scaled impact.
Expand Buy-Back Network
Scale from 8 to 15+ mini hubs, covering more communities and increasing monthly collection volumes.
Household Garbage Collection
Expand our logistics network to provide direct household waste collection, ensuring proper segregation at source.
Organic Waste & BSF
Introduce large-scale organic waste management using Black Soldier Fly (BSF) larvae — producing high-protein animal feed and organic fertilizer.
New Balers & Infrastructure
Install industrial-grade hydraulic balers at main hubs to increase throughput capacity and improve baled output quality for mills.
Government & Policy Alliances
Strengthen collaborations with county governments and support NEMA 2022 sustainable waste managemnet act implementation across all operating regions.
Local and regulatory support.
The team behind Safisha Nchi.
Spearheaded by Executive Director and Co-Founder Norah Gakii Nyagah.
Founder Norah Gakii Nyagah with team at the Kisumu Central Hub