Konza Technopolis unveils automated pneumatic waste collection system

The automated pneumatic waste collection system is designed to serve residents and commercial users in Phase 1 of developing Konza Technopolis, which will host approximately 30,000 residents. [Courtesy]

Konza Technopolis has unveiled its first automated pneumatic waste collection system, delivered by global environmental technology leader Envac.

The EUR8 million system places the smart city, located approximately 60 kilometres from Nairobi, at the forefront of digital and green transformation in East Africa.

John Paul Okwiri, Chief Executive Officer of Konza Technopolis, while speaking during the unveiling of the system, said it is a major milestone in sustainable urban development.

Mr Okwiri said the innovative system was implemented through Italian construction firm ICM S.p.A., as part of the Technopolis's commitment to building a smart, clean, and efficient city.

The automated pneumatic waste collection system is designed to serve residents and commercial users in Phase 1 of developing Konza Technopolis, which will host approximately 30,000 residents. [Courtesy]

"By integrating Envac's state-of-the-art waste management solution, the smart city aims to elevate the quality of life for residents while demonstrating global best practices in sustainable urban infrastructure," said Mr Okwiri, adding, "The integration of this pneumatic waste management system enhances sustainable urban living and promotes a modern, eco-conscious city."

According to the CEO, the system is designed to serve residents and commercial users in Phase 1 of developing Konza Technopolis, which will host approximately 30,000 residents.

It can manage up to 40 tons of solid waste per day, with the waste separated at source into organic, mixed, plastic, and paper categories.

Key features of the automatic waste collection system include 100 waste disposal points connected to buildings throughout the city, a 15-kilometre underground pipe network, 880 automated valves and 220 additional disposal points, sensor-activated inlets that trigger a vacuum cycle when full and a centralised waste collection station for sorting and dispatch.

Mr Okwiri said once the inlets reach capacity, the system automatically activates a vacuum process, transporting the waste through underground pipes to a central collection station where it is stored in designated containers before removal.

An aerial view of the Konza Technopolis development. [Courtesy]

"By eliminating the need for traditional garbage trucks, the system not only reduces carbon emissions and noise pollution, but also ensures a cleaner, more hygienic and organised environment for Konza Technopolis residents," he said.

This, the CEO said, aligns with Konza's broader vision of becoming a zero-emission smart city that prioritises sustainability, innovation, and livability.

"We are very proud to contribute to the Konza Technopolis project by incorporating our pneumatic waste collection technology," said Carlos Bernad, CEO of Envac Iberia and President of Envac EMEA.

He added, "The Envac system will help improve essential services, boost recycling rates, reduce CO2 emissions, and protect the environment for future generations."

With this deployment, Konza Technopolis sets a new benchmark in urban planning for Africa, demonstrating how intelligent infrastructure can transform cities into hubs of innovation, sustainability, and well-being.