Kisii Governor Simba Arati has been recognized by UN-Habitat for transforming the Nyambera dumpsite into Etaya Governors Park. The recognition came during the World Cleanup Day 2026 celebrations held in Kisii County. Arati warned that African cities are struggling with waste management, citing recent landfill collapses in Uganda and Guinea that resulted in loss of life. He emphasized the need for swift action to prevent similar disasters in Kisii.
The Nyambera dumpsite, once located in the heart of Kisii municipality, was decommissioned and converted into a green recreational space. The site was surrounded by homes, schools, and businesses, posing a significant risk to residents. Arati's administration worked with the National Environment Management Authority to transform the site into Etaya Governors Park, where residents can walk, rest, and breathe clean air.
Kisii County generates an estimated 200 tonnes of waste daily, with 60% of it being organic. The county's population is projected to hit 500,000 by 2037, making waste management increasingly urgent. Arati's administration has established a Materials Recovery Facility at the Kisii Agricultural Training Centre, capable of processing 50 tonnes of waste daily. The facility has a Black Soldier Fly unit that converts organic waste into animal feed and fertilizer.
The county has also implemented the Kazi Mashinani programme, which engages about 2,000 men and women monthly in cleanup work, drain unclogging, and bush clearing. The programme is projected to benefit an estimated 24,000 residents by next year. Additionally, the county has acquired truck-mounted skip loaders and colour-coded bins to support waste separation at source.
Arati's administration is finalizing by-laws to entrench a circular economy in law. Violators will be prosecuted through the county's Municipal Court, with proceeds reinvested in public education on waste management. The county is also positioning itself to earn carbon credits through organic waste recovery. Arati invited investors to explore opportunities in waste-to-energy, commercial composting, and recyclables value-addition.
The governor appealed to the Kenya Association of Manufacturers and Producer Responsibility Organisations to help establish collection and buy-back centres across the county. Arati thanked the Office of the Controller of Budget for its support in facilitating county programmes. He also acknowledged Citizen Television's coverage of the Nyambera transformation, which helped draw UN-Habitat's attention to the county.
Arati emphasized the need for collaboration with UN-Habitat and the national government to integrate women and youth through community groups. He expressed his administration's commitment to scaling up efforts to address waste management challenges in Kisii County. The event was attended by several high-ranking officials, including Environment Cabinet Secretary Dr Deborah Barasa and UN-Habitat's Ishaku Maitumbi.
Key points
- Kisii Governor Simba Arati's efforts to transform Nyambera dumpsite into Etaya Governors Park have earned UN-Habitat recognition.
- Arati warns of urgent need for effective waste management in African cities.
- Kisii County has established a Materials Recovery Facility to process 50 tonnes of waste daily.
