Innovative Waste Solutions Take Root in Kakamega

In a corner of Kefinco Estate where garbage once dominated, Benn Udoto embarked on a quiet revolution.What began as a battle ground against mounting waste has evolved into a sanctuary of hope and renewal.

Udoto’s garden, now vibrant and alive, stands as a powerful encouragement to man’s ability to turn the detritus of neglect into a beacon of environmental transformation.

For years, Kenya has grappled with the challenges of waste management, with many turning a blind eye to the growing piles of trash. But in Kakamega County, Benn Udoto has become a beacon of change.

According to Udoto, a lot of waste not only kills millions of aquatic animals annually but may also spread harmful algae and other invasive species in the environment.

Udoto’s journey began 25 years ago, upon his retirement from teaching at Kaimosi Teachers Training College. Faced with a small plot in Kefinco Estate, Udoto was dismayed to find it overrun with waste that seemed to encroach on every inch of his land.

“The sight was overwhelming. My land was slowly being buried under layers of garbage. I knew I had to act not just for myself but for my community. I got alarmed by the situation and opted to embark on environmental conservation in a bid to rescue my land by managing the waste littering the place,” said Udoto. 

Determined to make a difference, Udoto established a waste management unit at his home. He began by collecting trash from his compound and that of his neighbors and sorting it meticulously.

Biodegradable waste was transformed into organic fertilizer, which he used to nourish his garden. The remaining non-reusable waste was incinerated in a specially built structure he dubbed the “Takataka House.”

Udoto standing outside the Takataka House, where waste is meticulously sorted and managed

“I convert organic waste into fertilizer for my farm. It’s amazing to see how something considered useless can bring life back to the soil. The rest is incinerated to prevent it from ending up in landfills,” Udoto explained. 

“Imagine something like diapers. There are only four babies in the homestead, but there are many. What if they are thrown into toilets? How long will it take for the toilet to fill up?” he posed.

Udoto recalled his students giving him a nickname related to environmental conservation: “I remember I was once given a nickname by my students back then because they thought I was too strict while enforcing environmental conservation rules.” 

Udoto’s efforts have not gone unnoticed. His innovative approach to waste management has become a model for others in Kakamega County. Despite his successes, he has struggled to garner support from the local government in order to prevent looming landfill cases.

Non-reusable waste was incinerated

His work directly supports global sustainable initiatives, particularly sustainable development goal 12: responsible consumption and production. By transforming waste into valuable resources like organic fertilizer, Udoto promotes more sustainable consumption and waste management practices within the county.

“The county government should take waste management seriously and enforce existing laws because lives must be protected by the devolved unit by creating a clean, protected environment. The ultimate solution to waste pollution is clear; we need to end overreliance on disposable plastic items and packaging materials,” he said.

Udoto has called upon the Kakamega town residents to embrace waste management in their homes by recycling and segregating their waste right from the household level to the point of disposal to make it easy for the county administration. 

Udoto confirmed that he had approached the county government and shared his idea with them, but the devolved unit has been reluctant to embrace it.

“I believe and hope that Kakamega County will respond to my proposal so that I can help them keep our town clean. It is a simple process that doesn’t require machines,” he added.

His actions align closely with the country’s recent initiatives to tackle the challenges of waste management.

On July 7, Kenya signed the Sustainable Waste Management Act, which instituted the legal and institutional framework to sustainably and effectively manage the country’s waste.

The Waste Management Bill was signed into law by President William Ruto, committing to reduce short-lived climate pollutants from the sector.

The Climate and Clean Air Coalition (CCAC) funded a consultant team to draft the National Waste Management Bill to help build domestic capacity in waste management and ensure successful implementation.

Udoto’s commitment to waste management ties into Sustainable Development Goal 13: Climate Action. By reducing waste and preventing harmful materials from entering landfills, he contributes to lowering emissions and combating climate change. His actions, through locals, reflect a global movement and climate resilience.