CURRENT PROJECT

This project will establish and replicate the capacity for effective, environmentally friendly community-managed solid waste management systems in Waruku and Wangige; to improve the public health situation in Wangige market through community led and managed water and sanitation services delivery model; and to pilot a self-sustaining, replicable and holistic approach to the issues of water, sanitation and waste management.

PROJECT BACKGROUND:

In Nairobi, conservative estimates show that 60% of the city’s 3.8 million inhabitants live in poor urban and peri-urban informal settlements. Despite the fact that the settlements provide labor for the city’s economy and consequently making meaningful contribution to its wealth generation, their residents are denied access to basic services. In particular, water and sanitation access and waste management services are lacking. This causes severe health and environmental problems. As regards solid waste management (SWM) Nairobi generates in excess of 2000 metric tons of refuse per day. Only 33% of generated solid waste is collected (JICA 2010). The remaining 66% of the city, living in informal settlements, cannot afford waste management services.

Wangige Market

Wangige area is one of the peri urban areas of outer Nairobi. The population is about 6000 people, with over 75 % under the age of 30 years according to the 2010 census. Wangige hosts the fifth biggest fresh produce market in the Nairobi area. In addition to fresh produce vendors, there are also other small scale business people operating small food eating places and selling clothes.

Currently, Wangige Market has one toilet facility, which is poorly managed by the local council. Traders and buyers are often forced to request to use pubs in the area. With the new alcohol laws in Kenya barring opening of bars and pubs before 5 pm, vendors and buyers have no access to decent sanitation. The area also lacks publicly accessible water points. Water used in the market is bought from private water vendors who sell it at Kshs 10- 20 shillings per 20liter can (0.1 CND-0.2CND). This is around ten times the price charged by Nairobi Water Company. Furthermore, Wangige Market does not have a functioning waste management system. Waste is mostly burned or illegally dumped.

Waruku Settlement (Kangemi)

Waruku Settlement, an informal settlement with around 10,000 inhabitants, is located on the Western side of Nairobi. It forms part of the larger ‘Kangemi’ settlement, which boasts around 120,000 inhabitants. Around 60% of the population is youth (18-35 years).

Thanks to previous efforts of various NGOs, the sanitation and water access situation has improved. There are now some community-managed sanitation blocks, providing clean affordable sanitation to the local residents. Moreover, mainly households have access to Nairobi Water Company services.

GOALS & OBJECTIVES:

• To establish and replicate the capacity for effective, environmentally friendly community-managed solid waste management systems in Waruku and Wangige
• To improve the public health situation in Wangige market through community led and managed water and sanitation services delivery model
• To pilot a self-sustaining, replicable and holistic approach to the issues of water, sanitation and waste management

PROJECT BENEFICIARIES:

• Wangige vendors: Access to affordable, clean water and sanitation facilities
• Wangige Market Association: Job creation through operating of WATSAN facilities
• Waruku Youth Group: Increased jobs and income for waste collectors
• Waruku residents: Waste collection will become affordable at Ksh 80/household/month