Manufacturers partner with Local Community to Launch Waste Management Innovation

Kenya Association of Manufacturers (KAM) launched the Customer Bora – Taka Banks Program in partnership with Dandora Hip Hop City (DHC) aimed at facilitating sustainable collection of waste for recycling.

Customer Bora –Taka Bank program is a collective initiative poised to strengthen proper waste management in Kenya by rewarding responsible consumers as well as connect manufacturing brands with their customers. The program will extend efforts being realized by the national government in raising public awareness, especially young people, on proper disposal and recycling waste.

Speaking at the launch, KAM Vice Chairman Mr. Mucai Kunyiha expressed his delight for the program noting that its immediate objective is to conserve the environment whilst empowering local youth by creating employment opportunities.

“This partnership with community-led group Dandora Hiphop City (DHC), is championing for best practice from private sector and, overall, the citizens of this country. We want people to be aware of the significance of take back schemes and how they can contribute towards environmental conservation. Customer Bora is therefore an initiative which, beyond cleaning up Dandora area and immediate environs, will accord out-of-school young men and women a sustainable source of livelihood. I am glad to announce that KAM is in the process of developing a Kenya Plastics Action Plan. This is a long term private sector initiative on the sustainable manufacture, use and recycling of plastics” He remarked.

Also speaking during the launch of the program in Dandora Social County Hall, National Environmental Management Authority Representative , hailed the innovative environmental initiative as a step closer to finding local solutions towards waste management.

“Customer Bora-Taka Bank program indeed speaks of the capabilities that rests among our young people spread across the country. This initiative will go a long way in harmonizing efforts to find a lasting solution to address the perennial issue of plastic waste. I encourage the youth to enroll in this program in numbers to not only take advantage of the incentives set-forth, but additionally, while doing it, bringing environmental sanity back to your community,” He stated.

Uncollected solid waste is one of the most visible environmental problems facing Nairobi and its environs. Solid waste production in urban centers is relative to population size, location and income level. Kenya Association of Manufactures (KAM) is leading industry players in partnering with local communities and youth to find lasting solutions.

The unprecedented growth in the use of plastics as packaging materials in Kenya has over the years complicated existing management systems pushing all stakeholders in the value chain for more synergy in responding to growing demands.

Kenyan music royalty and Founder of Dandora Hip-hop City (DHC), Julius Owino alias Juliani encouraged residents especially out-of-school and unemployed youth to capitalize on the challenge of waste collection in the community and make cents from conversing their habitat.

“This is our home. And, it is our responsibility as young people to take complete care and responsibility of where we live, eat and school. Remember it is in this small but deliberate steps that we make the biggest and most lasting impact.” He remarked.

Customer Bora Innovation has an online platform that acts as correspondence between local groups in the community and attending officials that is used to encourage uptake and flow of all communication about the program.