On June 5th, 2025, TakaTaka Ni Mali marked World Environment Day with a stakeholder breakfast forum under the theme “Shaping the Future of Waste: A Stakeholders’ Dialogue on Opportunity and Impact.”
The event, hosted at the TakaTaka Ni Mali Training Hub in Lavington, brought together waste collectors, aggregators, waste management companies, and green finance professionals for a morning of reflection and forward-looking dialogue. The conversations underscored the critical role of collaboration, innovation, and sustainable finance in transforming Kenya’s waste sector.
A Platform for Dialogue and Action
Participants engaged in dynamic discussions on both the challenges and opportunities in waste management. From first-hand experiences of collectors and aggregators to policy insights and financing strategies, the forum highlighted the sector’s resilience and creativity.
Among the recurring themes was the urgent need for education and awareness on waste segregation at source, a step seen as vital for efficiency and sustainability. Equally emphasized was the growing market for recycled materials, offering viable business prospects across the value chain.
Highlights from the Speakers
The forum featured an impressive line-up of thought leaders, each offering valuable perspectives on shaping the future of waste:
- Mary Ngechu, MBS (Founder, TakaTaka Ni Mali) emphasized the role of policy in accelerating sectoral growth and urged stakeholders to engage actively in regional and global platforms such as the East Africa Waste Management Coalition and the ISWA-Kenya Chapter.
- Irungu Waggema (Business Development Sector Leader – Agriculture, Nairobi Securities Exchange) highlighted the vast opportunities in sustainable and green finance, showing how tailored financial instruments can support scaling and innovation in waste management.
- Judith Mwangangi (Senior Partner, Tactive Consulting Group) facilitated engaging group sessions that enabled participants to reflect on existing gaps and collaborate on practical solutions for the sector.
- Evance Abok (Head of Waste Management and Circular Economy, TakaTaka Ni Mali) showcased how digital tools and data are revolutionizing the sector by enhancing efficiency, transparency, and compliance with Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR).
- Brian Kalekye (Lead, Partnerships and Regional Development, East Africa Waste Management Coalition) stressed the need for regional and global cooperation, underscoring that partnerships are critical to achieving long-term sustainability.
- Jane Achieng (Head of ESG Advisory and Technology Solutions, TakaTaka Ni Mali) skillfully guided the discussions, ensuring inclusive participation and a smooth flow of the day’s conversations.
Key Takeaways
- Financing is within reach – Green finance presents untapped opportunities for scaling waste management operations.
- Segregation at source is non-negotiable – Education and awareness are crucial for efficiency.
- The sector is resilient – Collectors and aggregators continue to innovate despite challenges.
- Markets are opening up – Demand for recycled materials is rising, creating fresh opportunities for entrepreneurs.
Looking Ahead
The breakfast forum was not just a celebration of World Environment Day, but also a call to action. The conversations made it clear: Kenya’s waste sector holds immense potential, and realizing it will require bold investments, innovative tools, and stronger collaborations across stakeholders.
As TakaTaka Ni Mali emphasized, the journey forward demands positioning ourselves strategically, working together, and taking decisive action to drive sustainable change.