Project summary

In low-income communities in Kenya, proper sanitation is a critical challenge, impacting public health, the environment, and quality of life. This project seeks to address inadequate waste management by incentivizing proper disposal habits and providing low-cost, accessible waste management options. By implementing community engagement strategies, establishing partnerships with local waste service providers, and introducing low-cost disposal solutions, we aim to make waste management affordable, accessible, and sustainable in these areas.

What are this project's goals? How will you achieve them?

1. Promote Proper Waste Disposal Habits: Through education, incentives, and accessible disposal options, we aim to reduce open waste dumping and promote community-wide participation in waste management practices.

2. Provide Affordable Waste Disposal Solutions: Offer sustainable, low-cost waste collection options, such as community drop-off points, collection partnerships, and subsidized disposal bags.

3. Foster Long-Term Behavior Change: Establish a self-sustaining system of waste management that encourages proper waste disposal practices across low-income areas.

How We’ll Achieve These Goals

1. Community Awareness Campaigns: Conduct educational workshops in partnership with local leaders and community groups, emphasizing the health and environmental risks of improper waste disposal.

2. Incentive Programs: Implement a points-based system where community members earn rewards (discounts, vouchers, etc.) for responsible waste disposal at designated sites.

3. Affordable Disposal Options: Set up designated waste drop-off sites and offer low-cost collection services in collaboration with local waste management organizations.

4. Partnerships with Local Waste Collectors: Partner with waste collection services to provide cheaper and more frequent waste pickups in target neighborhoods, reducing waste accumulation.

5. Waste Sorting and Recycling Initiatives: Promote waste sorting at the household level by offering easy-to-use disposal bags for different waste types, with collection rewards for recyclables.

How will this funding be used?

Primary Use of Funds

1. Community Workshops & Education Materials: $2,000 for awareness campaigns, workshops, and production of educational materials to distribute in neighborhoods and schools.

2. Incentive Program Setup: $1,500 for rewards, digital tracking of disposal habits, and establishing a point redemption system with local businesses.

3. Waste Drop-Off Points & Equipment: $2,000 to build or rent designated waste drop-off points, signage, and collection materials.

4. Waste Collector Partnerships: $3,000 to subsidize partnerships with waste management companies, ensuring affordability for low-income residents.

5. Monitoring & Evaluation: $1,000 for data collection, tracking impact, and adjusting the program based on community feedback.

Our focus is on cost-effectiveness by prioritizing local partnerships, community-led engagement, and recyclable materials to minimize expenses and maximize reach.

Who is on your team? What's your track record on similar projects?

• Project Leader: Stephen Muthuri, Founder of Dman.ltd, 10+ years of experience in sustainability consultancy and environmental advocacy.

• Field Coordinator: Alex, experienced in community outreach and waste management logistics in Nairobi’s informal settlements.

• Education & Outreach Specialist: Scholar, skilled in creating community-driven campaigns and managing incentives for social change.

Track Record: Though this is our first time launching a project of this nature, our team has traits, skills & experience in successful implementation of projects, focusing on sustainable design, construction & infrastructure, funded by private & public partners.

What are the most likely causes and outcomes if this project fails?

Community Resistance: Limited engagement or distrust in external programs may affect participation.

Mitigation: Involve local leaders and community representatives from the start to foster buy-in and ownership.

Insufficient Funding for Sustained Incentives: Insufficient resources could limit the reach or continuity of the incentive program.

Mitigation: Targeted budgeting and partnerships with local businesses to ensure ongoing incentives.

Logistical Challenges in Waste Collection: Limited coordination with waste collection companies could disrupt the waste disposal schedule.

Mitigation: Establish detailed agreements with collection partners and community monitors to ensure accountability.

How much money have you raised in the last 12 months, and from where?

So far $0, since we've just started on the month of November 2024. However, our team has justed started efforts to raise funds from:

NGOs: We will approach World Vision for funding of sanitation initiatives.

Local Donations: We will organize community events and try to garner local supporters.

Corporate Partnerships: We will seek material contributions from EcoWaste Solutions, supporting collection and disposal materials.

With Manifund’s support, we aim to scale up our efforts to create sustainable, community-driven waste management solutions that empower low-income communities in Kenya.