Kamakowa Jam Taka CBO

29/04/2026

22/04/2026

Turning a liability into an asset: We are engineering a cleaner, wealthier future for Obunga, one upcycled material at a time. Read the full story here:

A youth and women cooperative in Kisumu’s Obunga is converting waste into organic fertiliser and income through recycling and Black Soldier Fly farming.

20/04/2026

Kamakowa Jam Taka CBO , through Kisumu Waste Pickers Welfare Association (KIWAPWA) and in partnership with Kisumu County Government, had a successful benchmarking visit to Griinscom Farm in Nakuru.
The visit focused on learning and exchanging ideas on advancing zero-waste practices and organic waste management as part of our pilot project funded by Centre for Environmental Justice And Development - CEJAD

We were inspired by the innovative approaches and practical solutions demonstrated at the farm. We also looked into how we can embark on market waste management and the commercialization of products from organic waste, such as frass fertilizer from Black Soldier Fly (BSF) production, to ensure long-term sustainability.

04/04/2026

Big thanks to Orinda Roseline, Nick Koyoo, Radz Favorite, Okebe Syprose II

for all of your support! Congrats for being top fans on a streak 🔥!

23/03/2026

"Big wins from small changes!
Since introducing our clients to the simple 2 bin system for waste separation at source, we've seen the volume of recyclable materials double.Cleaner streams mean higher-quality recyclables, less contamination, and better value when sold — translating directly to more income for us as waste pickers.

This is proof that when households separate waste properly, everyone benefits: the environment stays cleaner, recycling becomes more efficient, and informal workers like us earn a fairer living.

Thank you to our amazing clients for embracing this change — you're making a real difference in our communities and livelihoods! Let's keep building a circular economy together.

20/03/2026

The Centre for Environmental Justice And Development - CEJAD team, led by Executive Director Mr. Griffins Ochieng, paid us a visit to assess the proposed space for the Advancing Zero Waste and Organic Waste Management Project in Obunga settlement.

The project promotes a circular economy approach at the grassroots level, reducing landfill burden, mitigating greenhouse gas emissions from decomposing waste, and fostering economic resilience through sustainable, local based enterprises.

18/03/2026

Today, on 2026, we join the global community in celebrating the transformative power of recycling under the inspiring theme: “Don’t Think Waste. Think Opportunity.” This year’s theme challenges us to reframe discarded materials not as end of life refuse, but as valuable resources that drive innovation, sustainability, and economic growth.

What we once viewed as waste is now recognized as the "Seventh Resource" a key to building a circular economy, reducing pollution, conserving natural resources, and creating new opportunities for businesses and communities worldwide.

Let’s shift our mindset: every item we recycle today can become tomorrow’s raw material, job creator, or solution to climate challenges. Small actions like proper sorting, supporting recycling initiatives, and choosing sustainable products—add up to massive impact. Together, let’s turn waste into opportunity and build a greener, more prosperous future for all.

16/03/2026

We have distributed special segregation bags to our clients — made possible through the generous support of KEPRO Kenya under their flagship Consumer-Led Transformation (CLT) initiative.
This powerful program places consumers at the heart of Kenya's circular economy, driving awareness and action for sustainable waste management. The bags are for recyclables & dry waste only — perfect for home segregation, the waste then gets further sorted at collection and the different categories of recyclables and organic waste are measured and their volumes recorded.
By tracking the recoverables this way, our life is made easier and our work faster, safer, and we're able to earn a more sustainable livelihood while keeping our communities cleaner. Huge thanks to KEPRO for backing initiatives like this that empower communities and advance responsible waste practices across Kenya.

11/03/2026

We were truly honored when Safaricom PLC CEO, Peter Ndegwa, stopped by our stand during M-Pesa Foundation Wezesha Mama program engagement in Nairobi. Our remarkable women from the Kamakowa Wezesha Mama Program had the chance to proudly demonstrate their innovative bar soap making and glass cutting enterprises, hands-on skills that are empowering them to generate income and create sustainable livelihoods for their families.
Through this initiative, proudly supported by our partners Hand in Hand Eastern Africa and Safaricom, these talented women are driving economic empowerment and community transformation one product at a time.
The CEO showed genuine interest in their work and the impact it's creating. He expressed appreciation for the innovation and indicated he would like to visit Kamakowa Jam Taka CBO in Kisumu in the future to see the program firsthand and connect directly with the women. Encouraging moments like this fuel our mission: when women are empowered, entire communities rise.

05/03/2026

Ever wondered what happens to the organic waste our clients carefully segregate? Here's the beautiful full circle in action: We feed it to Black Soldier Fly (BSF) larvae, nature's powerhouse recyclers. These efficient larvae transform the waste into nutrient-rich frass — a premium organic fertilizer.

And the result? We use that frass to grow vibrant vegetables right here at our hub, turning even small urban spaces into thriving food-producing areas. From kitchen scraps to larvae to frass fertilizer to fresh, homegrown harvests.

Look at these moments of joy: our team and community members harvesting the very vegetables nourished by this circular system.
This is circular waste management at its best , reducing landfill waste, regenerating soil health, producing local food, and proving sustainability works in limited spaces. From waste to wonderful harvests , the proof is in the picking

02/03/2026

We successfully concluded a transformative 2-day training for waste pickers on Segregation at Source, organized by KEPRO Kenya as part of their Consumer-Led Transformation Program. This initiative aims to drive sustainable consumer behavior and advance circular economy principles in Kenya's waste management sector.

Day 1 focused on empowering waste pickers with the "Waste Redefined" toolkit—a practical guide to sustainable waste management services in Kenya—alongside NEMA's newly introduced national color-coded bin system for effective segregation. We were honored by the presence and support of key stakeholders: Deputy City Manager, Kisumu City – Mr. Charles Omollo
Nema Kenya Kisumu County Director – Mr. Leonard Ofula
Kisumu City Department of Environment Director – Mr. Bernard Ojwang

Day 2 shifted to hands-on community training, where waste pickers directly educated residents on applying the Waste Redefined principles ensuring waste is sorted correctly at source to make collection, recycling, and recovery more efficient and effective. By equipping both waste pickers and communities, we're building a stronger foundation for cleaner neighborhoods, reduced contamination, and a more sustainable Kisumu. We are grateful to KEPRO for championing this change, and to all participants for their commitment to a greener future

01/03/2026

Honoring Waste Pickers on International Waste Pickers Day

Article 42 of the Constitution of Kenya affirms that every person has the right to a clean and healthy environment. Achieving this constitutional promise requires collective responsibility — and waste pickers play a pivotal yet often overlooked role in making this right a reality.

Through their daily efforts in waste collection, sorting, and recycling, waste workers significantly contribute to environmental protection, public health, and sustainable development. Despite the essential nature of their work, they frequently face stigma, unsafe working conditions, and limited recognition.

Today, on , we acknowledge and appreciate the invaluable contribution of all waste workers. As we mark this day under the theme “Dignity, Safety, and Recognition,” we reaffirm our commitment to eradicating stigma, improving working conditions, and ensuring that waste pickers receive the respect and protection they deserve.

A clean and healthy environment is a constitutional right — and waste workers are among its strongest champions.

Let us honor their dedication today and every day.