Transition to circular economy will reduce plastics nightmare

A section of River Ndarugu was completely clogged by plastic bottles near Lake Nakuru National park on June 5, 2021. [Kipsang Joseph, Standard]

Every morning, Francisca Mwende and two other members of New Genesis, a community-based organisation in Mukuru in Nairobi County, set out into the expansive settlement in search of polythene bags.

In a day, they collect about 120 kilogrammes from dustbins, landfills and rivers, and delivers it to Vintz Plastics, a local recycler, who pays them for every kilogramme collected. This has become a source of livelihood for New Genesis, enabling them to meet their basic needs.