TURNING WASTE INTO VALUE IN DADAAB REFUGEE CAMP

#191 - TURNING WASTE INTO VALUE IN DADAAB THROUGH CIRCULAR CREDITS

ABOUT

The Dadaab Refugee Complex is located in Dadaab constituency, Garissa County with three camps (Ifo, Dagahley and Hagadera), with a combined population of 209,584 (UNHCR statistics, June 2018). It is estimated that almost 80% of recyclable waste in the camp is made up of polythene bags, jerry cans and PET bottles, translating to over 270,000 jerry cans wasted every year. With no designated nor enclosed dumpsites in the area, this recyclable waste is burnt, posing a severe threat to humans and animals through the toxic smoke given off. As the bulk of the waste is non- biodegradable, it remains in the environment for decades, thus polluting the environment. In response to this challenge, Kenya Red Cross (KRCS) in collaboration with the International Committee of Red Cross and Red Crescent (ICRC) initiated the plastic waste recycling pilot project in the camps in November 2017. The pilot has provided useful experience and lessons for setting up a financially sustainable recycling business. It has provided a solution towards proper waste management, successfully demonstrating that pre-processed plastics can create value for local communities by generating revenue and safeguarding their environment and health at the same time. It has also created job opportunities for youth and women in Dadaab refugee complex to collect waste from the community, segregate, clean and process it at the recycling facility.

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USE OF PROCEEDS

For the expansion of activities into the entire Dadaab sub-county, additional collection points will be established, including in public facilities (schools, market areas) and donor agencies (UNHCR complex). This will also involve engaging more community groups who are already collecting the waste. The scale-up will require the recruitment of 4 more workers (total 12) from the host community and additional waste pickers for collection of waste. Health and Safety training will be provided to both existing and newly recruited workers. The following equipment will also be required:

• Protective gear (industrial gloves, overalls, gumboots, protective googles, helmets and nose masks)
• Consumables (collection bags, wheel barrows, rakes, bailing wire, pliers, machetes);
• Shade / storage facility for processed material
• Annual repair and servicing of the machinery
• Project vehicle/ logistical support- mileage

ABOUT THE ORGANIZATION

The Kenya Red Cross Society (KRCS) was established on 21 December 1965 through the Kenya Red Cross Society Act. (Chapter 256 Laws of Kenya). Its Constitution is based on the Geneva Conventions of 1949 and their Additional Protocols of 1977 to which Kenya is a signatory. The National Society was officially recognized by the Government in the Kenya Red Cross Society Act (Chapter 256 Laws of Kenya) as a voluntary aid Society auxiliary to the public authorities in the humanitarian field and as the only National Red Cross Society that carries out its activities in the Kenyan territory. In relation to public authorities, the Society maintains an autonomy, which allows it to act at all times in accordance with the Fundamental Principles of the Red Cross and Red Cresent Movement. As auxiliary to the national and county governments, we work with our communities, volunteers and partners to ensure we prepare for and respond to our humanitarian and development needs. We focus our collective capabilities and resources to alleviate human suffering and save lives. Over the years, KRCS has remained the leading humanitarian agency and the strongest humanitarian brand in Kenya, the East Africa region and Africa. This is evident with the level of expectation and confidence that the communities in Kenya have bestowed on the Society. At national level, operations are spearheaded by a management team led by the Secretary General while at county level, KRCS is governed by boards and administratively managed by a Regional Manager