MOMBASA: The County Government of Mombasa has launched a transformative waste management and sanitation program aimed at keeping the city clean while creating thousands of job opportunities for local youth.
According to County Executive Committee Member (CECM) for Environment and Water, Kibibi Abdallah Khamis, the pilot program has already recruited 500 youth across Mombasa, who will be equipped with 41 tuktuks to collect garbage directly from households and transfer it to designated centers.
“This is a trial period where we are testing systems for three months. After that, we’ll move full blast and employ about 3,000 youth across the county,” said CECM Khamis.
She noted that the governor’s administration is determined to provide meaningful employment opportunities to idle youth, many of whom have struggled to find jobs.
“Our young people will now earn a decent living through structured work that keeps Mombasa clean and safe,” she added.
The program includes two weekly garbage collection days, clean-up and gardening activities, and monthly fumigation exercises to enhance public sanitation.
Hamid Shehan, the Chief Officer for Environment and Solid Waste Management, said the county is investing in modern compacting trucks and Material Recovery Facilities (MRFs) to make waste collection more efficient.
“For now, we have four compacting trucks being finalized. Each truck can carry up to ten tonnes of solid waste, equivalent to four traditional ‘tipa’ trucks,” he explained. “Once they’re operational, the system will be more efficient and cost-effective.”
Shehan added that recyclable materials such as plastics will be separated at the transfer centers before the remaining organic waste is taken to Mwakirunge, where composting projects will further reduce landfill volumes and environmental impact.
Lands and Urban Planning CECM, Mohammed Hussein Mohammed, described the initiative as a long-awaited solution to a chronic waste problem in Mombasa.
“The waste menace has been a sore for many years. But with this program, we’re restoring order and discipline in how we handle waste and drainage,” he said.
“Mombasa will regain its status as a habitable and attractive city for both residents and investors,” he added.
The project has drawn praise from community groups across the county.
Ezekiel Kitui from Mikindani’s Majestic CBO said, “We’ve been waiting for such opportunities for a long time. Now youth are being empowered directly within their communities.”
From Likoni, Peris Atieno of Soweto Tujenge Youth Group and Khamisi Bakari Mwamunda of Safisha Timbwani Group expressed gratitude for the county’s support. They noted that the initiative would not only keep neighborhoods clean but also provide regular monthly payments to participating youth groups.
“This is a golden opportunity for us young people. Let’s do it with passion and pride, not just for the money but for our city,” urged Hassan Angir from Miritini.