How Mukuru's young innovators are transforming trash into treasure

A heap of uncollected garbage dumped on the road in Mukuru Slums on 28th February 2021. [Edward Kiplimo,Standard]

In Mukuru estate in Nairobi, Alexander Muendo and a team of young entrepreneurs are driving innovation as garbage advocates with a significant impact on society.  Their efforts to collect organic waste from households within the estate and its environs have not only transformed the environment but also addressed food security issues.

Mukuru slum is home to close to a million people and comprises about 30 villages. For a long time, there has been no formal garbage collection system, leading residents to dispose of their rubbish haphazardly, resulting in environmental pollution and health risks.

Muendo and his team launched waste collection activities in 2007 under Gateway CBO. They operate a workshop in Gateway village within Reuben estate, Embakasi South which is in form of a greenhouse. The main goal is waste management, focusing on Black Soldier Fly (BSF) farming from organic waste.

The team collects organic waste from households and dumping grounds within the estate, transporting it to their greenhouse for processing.

“At the greenhouse, we process the organic waste into valuable products including Black Soldier Fly (BSF) larvae, frass, BSF oil and artificial fertilizer,” reveals Muendo. He adds that the BSF larvae, which is an animal feed, is the primary products and a rich source of protein.  Frass, a kind of fertilizer rich in nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium is beneficial for soil health. The oil extracted from BSF larvae can also be used to produce biodiesel.

Additionally, Muendo and his team generate chitin, a form of bioplastics and biocomposite. Chitin, a natural polymer found in the larvae’s exoskeletons, can be used to create biodegradable plastics and other bio-based materials. Chitin has potential medical applications, including wound healing and drug delivery.

In terms of waste reduction, Muendo explains that BSF farming helps reduce the amount of organic waste that ends up in landfills, hence promoting sustainability.

 “Black soldier flies are natural waste recyclers, converting organic waste into valuable products,” he tells The Nairobian adding that, “Overall, BSF farming offers a wide range of valuable products that can contribute to a more sustainable and environmentally friendly future. The industry is constantly evolving, with new applications and products being developed all the time.”

The business has seen notable growth, prompting plans to construct more greenhouses to accommodate their expanding project. “Yeah, we are planning to construct two more greenhouses for BSF by the end of next year. We also aim to educate more youths on BSF farming and employ them,” Muendo explains.

This expansion will allow them to enhance waste collection activities, employ more youth, and increase the quantity of valuable products for the benefit of society. They are seeking financial support from the government and stakeholders to realise their vision, including expanding their operations and diversifying their product line

Despite their successes, Muendo’s group faces challenges including insufficient resources for expansion and inadequate organic waste to feed BSF. Another challenge is competition from feed production entities that occupy their market space.

Through their CBO, Muendo and his team are proud of creating jobs and generating economic opportunities within the communities they are working on.

A kilo of BSF larvae costs Sh1,200 while a similar quantity of oil costs Sh220. Frass costs Sh50 per kilo.

They sell these products to various clients, including urban and rural farmers who require animal feed, oil, frass or compost. The proceeds are shared among members, helping them sustain and improve their lives and those of their families.