Nairobi is taking a big step forward in handling its waste problem, which is common in most African cities. Thanks to a new partnership with China National Electric Engineering Co (CNEEC), Governor Sakaja Johnson recently announced that they are finally turning waste into electricity at the Dandora dumpsite. The project will produce 45 megawatts of power, enough to power many homes and businesses in Nairobi County.
The project isn’t just about making electricity—it’s part of a bigger plan to clean up Nairobi and make it a destination for international companies looking to invest in Africa. The city will get 200 new trucks to collect garbage, and workers will put new waste bins all around the city center and in neighborhoods. This will help keep the streets cleaner and ensure there’s enough waste material to turn into power.
To ensure this project runs smoothly, Nairobi is creating a new organization called the Nairobi Green Company. This company will collect waste and turn it into energy. It will work independently, which means it can make decisions quickly and run more efficiently than if it were part of the regular city government.
The project will also help create better jobs. Currently, over 3,500 people work in the Green Army. When the new waste-to-energy facility opens, these workers will have the opportunity to learn new skills and secure better-paying positions operating the facility or managing the improved waste collection system.
This investment helps Nairobi deal with its waste, which has become a growing problem as the city grows. It also creates a new source of electricity, which the city needs as more businesses and homes are built. Third, it encourages international investors to invest in Nairobi, which could help the city grow.
Construction is planned to start before May 2025, and the city is already talking with the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) about how they’ll produce and distribute the electricity generated to the city’s neighborhoods. This project shows how the city is looking for solutions and this could help Nairobi grow faster in a way that’s better for the environment.
The waste-to-energy project could also serve as an example for other African cities having waste and energy problems. As Nairobi continues to grow, projects like this showcase how the city is using modern technology to solve its problems.
Here At Visit Nairobi we’ll be showcasing and informing you How Nairobi is embracing modern Technology to keep its streets clean.