By Antonina Nasieku

Founded in 2013, the Naivasha Grassroots Waste Management (NAGAWAM) Group is a collective of like-minded individuals dedicated to improving their environment through sustainable waste management practices. Driven by the urgent need to combat climate change, NAGAWAM focuses on recycling, reusing, and reducing waste, making significant strides in creating a cleaner and healthier community.

Motivated by the changes brought about by the impacts of climate change and how it affects the environment, NAGAWAM’s primary objective is to transform the social challenges locals face into income-generating socio-economic activities that can help improve their livelihoods. This goal has been achieved in various ways through the group’s daily activities. Over the years, NAGAWAM has grown and given rise to 28 small sub-groups operating in different localities within and around the Naivasha constituency. These sub-groups engage in garbage collection, smart farming, and developing small business enterprises for their members.

Their affiliation with Muungano wa Wanavijiji has increased the group’s visibility and provided learning and networking opportunities within the movement and with other stakeholders. This has led to a substantial increase in the protection, restoration, and sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems in the localities where the group operates. Through these opportunities, the group has been able to achieve its goals and ensure its members' dreams are realized through their day-to-day activities.

The group is involved in various activities, including the collection of solid waste materials from households, waste separation, and recycling for economic gain. Janesesther Mwangi, one of the members, says, “There is no such thing as waste; everything we collect is valuable. When we throw anything away, it eventually finds its way into our lake, which we rely on for fish—a crucial means of survival for many Naivasha residents. When you consider the whole picture, recycling becomes essential for saving our environment and ecosystem.” Waste that is recycled can be sold after being transformed into new products. The group is also engaged in tree farming and operates a tree nursery where seedlings are cultivated and nurtured for sale, generating income to fund other group activities and improve living standards.

Additionally, the group practices animal husbandry, including poultry and livestock, with proceeds from the sale of these products contributing to economic gains. Smart farming is another focus area, enhancing food production for locals and ensuring adequate food supplies, such as vegetables, for both consumption and sale.

The group participates in regular monthly clean-ups to ensure the local environment remains clean and the ecosystem is well-maintained. This includes daily waste collection activities to prevent pollution and maintain a clean, disease-free environment. The community benefits from these efforts, as well as from the smart farming initiatives that support food security. Daily waste collection helps maintain a clean environment and unpolluted air, providing a serene and healthy setting for residents. Additionally, NAGAWAM engages local community members in regular team-building exercises and training on solid waste management, actively involving them in reducing climate change impacts. One of the group’s members shares, “We cannot solve our problems with the same thinking we used when we created them; we need the entire community. More people must be aware and empowered regarding the role they play in keeping our environment clean.”

NAGAWAM has a well-established leadership structure that ensures activities are completed on time and organizational goals are met efficiently. The group also maintains a savings account where funds generated from their activities are saved and used according to the group’s rules and objectives. This system allows members to access manageable loans to improve their living standards.

NAGAWAM has achieved significant success, including the formation of the Naivasha Women Federation, which empowers women and young ladies. The group’s networking efforts have been highly beneficial, resulting in grants from SDI and other organizations, including a recent grant of forty thousand Kenyan shillings, which is used to support their activities.