Korogocho, Nairobi – 6 March 2026 – The Government of Italy, through the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation (AICS), in partnership with UN-Habitat, Nairobi City County, AVSI Foundation, and Miss Koch Kenya, today officially launched a Material Recovery Facility (MRF) in Korogocho settlement under the Waste Wise Nairobi – Korogocho Chapter project.
The newly launched facility will serve as a central hub for sorting and aggregating recyclable materials, including plastics such as Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET), High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE), and Low-Density Polyethylene (LDPE), as well as paper. These materials will be sold to recycling companies, creating income-generating opportunities for local waste actors while contributing to a cleaner environment.
The Material Recovery Facility is the first of its kind in the area and marks a significant milestone in improving solid waste management and promoting recycling in urban informal settlements. The initiative responds to the growing waste management challenge in Nairobi, where, approximately 4,000 tons of municipal solid waste are generated daily, yet only 65% is collected and just 5% recycled.
Informal settlements such as Korogocho face significant challenges in waste management, related to limited access to formal collection services and existing drainage systems. These conditions contribute to environmental degradation and increase health risks for residents. The Waste Wise Nairobi – Korogocho Chapter project addresses these challenges by strengthening community-based waste management systems and promoting resource recovery.
Through the project, 29 Community-Based Organizations (CBOs) involved in waste collection in Korogocho have received training, equipment, and technical support to professionalize their operations. Community awareness campaigns have also been conducted to promote waste segregation at the household level and encourage responsible waste management practices. Of the 29 CBOs, 21 have come together to form an umbrella union, with elected leadership, that will manage the facility for the benefit of the community.
To complement inorganic waste management, a pilot black soldier fly project has also been initiated and is hosted by Komb Green Solutions, a local organization that supports the community through environmental initiatives and a feeding programme for children. The black soldier fly project will help process organic waste into useful by-products such as organic manure and protein-rich animal feed.
The launch event was officiated by Ms. Maureen Njeri, County Executive Committee Member for Environment, Nairobi City County, and brought together representatives from national and county government, development partners, and community organizations.The establishment of the Korogocho MRF is expected to improve solid waste management services in Korogocho, create employment and income opportunities for waste workers, increase recycling and material recovery rates, promote a cleaner and healthier environment as well as provide a replicable model for sustainable waste management in other informal settlements.
Material Recovery Facility – view of the building, Korogocho, Nariobi
“The Material Recovery Facility embodies Italy’s strategic vision for Africa—in alignment with the Piano Mattei —of supporting sustainable development, energy transition, and climate resilience in fast‑growing urban settings and recognizing that environmental sustainability and economic development are complementary and mutually reinforcing goals.”
H.E. Vincenzo Del Monaco, Ambassador of Italy to Kenya
The Waste Wise Nairobi – Korogocho Chapter project demonstrates how partnerships between local communities, government, and international partners can deliver sustainable and inclusive environmental solutions for rapidly growing cities.
“The MRF is a tangible example of how development cooperation can actually improve daily life in vulnerable urban areas. By investing in local capacities and creating economic opportunities for waste workers, this initiative brings hope to Korogocho, and support its residents to build a cleaner, healthier and more dignified future, reflecting our strong belief – as Italian Cooperation – in partnerships that place people at the centre of sustainable urban development.” Ms. Valeria Buoninfante, Deputy Head of AICS Nairobi.
“The Material Recovery Facility in Korogocho represents more than just improved waste management — it is an investment in people and in the future of this community. By working closely with local groups and strengthening their capacity, we are creating opportunities for dignified livelihoods while contributing to a cleaner and healthier environment, especially for children and everyone. This model is built to inspire greater collaboration among institutions and partners to expand inclusive and sustainable waste management across Nairobi.”
Romana Koech, Country Representative, AVSI Foundation, Kenya.
About Waste Wise Nairobi – Korogocho Chapter
Waste Wise Nairobi – Korogocho Chapter is funded by the Government of Italy through the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation (AICS) and implemented by AVSI Foundation in partnership with UN-Habitat, Nairobi City County, and Miss Koch Kenya. The project aims to improve solid waste management and resource efficiency in Korogocho through community engagement, capacity building, and improved recycling infrastructure.