Introduction

The Athi River, which spans 390 kilometers before entering the Indian Ocean, is the second-longest river in Kenya. As it flows through the plains and valleys of Kenya, the river forms the majestic Fourteen Falls, meanders through Nairobi, and eventually passes through Tsavo National Park, the largest in Kenya. Here, hippopotamuses, crocodiles, and pythons are attracted to the river’s waters and the life it carries. Millions of Kenyans also rely on the Athi River for drinking water and irrigation.

However, the Athi River also receives large amounts of pollution from Nairobi—an area with a population of over nine million. Along with population growth and rapid urbanization, poor solid waste management is emerging as a key risk for public and environmental health in Kenya. As a result, Kenya has become a leader in East Africa regarding aggressive policies to combat plastic pollution at its source. In 2017, the government made the manufacturing, sale, and distribution of polyethylene plastic carrier bags illegal. But as Kenya’s solid waste pollution continued to worsen, President Uhuru Kenyatta implemented a broader ban on single-use plastics in June 2020. The ban prevents all visitors to national parks, beaches, forests and conservation areas from carrying plastic water bottles, cups, disposable plates, cutlery, or straws.

As a part of the Coalition, Chemolex Company Ltd and Smart Villages Research Group pioneered solutions to clean the Athi River and stop plastic from entering the Indian Ocean.

Intervention Strategy

Chemolex Company Ltd and Smart Villages Research Group operated 10 plastic capture devices in various locations along the Athi River and its tributaries, the Nairobi, Ngong, and Mathari Rivers. They employed several different structures in their capture devices, including fences, mechanical conveyors, cantilevered baskets, and manual lifts, which were tailored to the unique characteristics of each location. The capture devices were operated in partnership with local youth groups at the following locations:

1. Kibera
2. Kiyambea
3. Kariadudu 
4. Tassia
5. Ngunyumu 
6. Korogocho/ Komb-Green
7. Njiiru 
8. Dandora 
9. Industrial Area
10. Huruma/Mathari slum

River waste was removed and transported to sorting centers operated by Chemolex and their partners. Plastic waste was then transported to Chemolex’s recycling facility, where waste was processed into valuable products such as paving blocks, which were sold to produce a source of income for the project. Organic compounds were delivered to waste collector Taka Taka Solutions to produce high-quality organic compost for the local Kenyan market.

Community Engagement

The project team worked hand in hand with community members through youth and women’s groups by employing them at their plastic capture devices, sorting centers, and recycling facilities. Chemolex conducted workshops and training for women’s groups and community-based organizations on sustainable waste management and the dangers of plastic pollution, and facilitated the creation of sustainable businesses that convert plastic waste into sources of income. Efforts also included educational projects at schools involving cleanups and beautification with plantings. Chemolex led the cleanup and beautification of many riverside dumpsites, converting them to community gardens and parks. Complementing these in-person approaches, Chemolex was also active on social media channels, including Facebook and Instagram.

Chemolex committed to the importance of environmental justice for all, and especially to gender equality for the women living and working in their local project areas. Chemolex trained women’s groups on the best methods of waste management within their communities and ensured equal opportunities for employment within their organization. In addition, Chemolex’s work provided people living in underserved communities with access to clean, vibrant, and welcoming green spaces, and they provided the tools and knowledge to replicate this work in other areas. Chemolex placed a particular focus on the well-being and education of children by organizing cleanup activities at primary level schools to instill the importance of a healthy environment at a young age.

The Team

Chemolex Company Ltd is a start-up social enterprise that focuses on providing clean and affordable energy in off-grid households, solid waste management, and recycling in Kenya with a focus on valuable resource recovery. Chemolex was co-founded by Clifford Okoth and James Ogingo, who have experience in waste management, green chemistry, renewable energy, and consulting. Smart Villages Research Group is a non-profit initiative that aims to provide technological, financial, social, and political solutions for energy access in villages in developing countries. Smart Villages and Chemolex have partnered previously on off-grid energy projects, and that partnership is a key strength of the Athi River project.

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