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Mombasa youth create employment and earn income from recycling plastics

Mombasa youth showcase their plastic innovations in anticipation of International Plastic Free Day, observed on July 3, 2024. (Photo: Swahili Pot Hub)

By Farhiya Hussein | Monday, May 13, 2024

The youths under the Mombasa Plastics Prize Incubators (MPP) have made remarkable strides by recycling over 20 tonnes of waste.

Mombasa youth are not only finding income opportunities through the innovative use of plastic but also creating employment, hence contributing to the economy's growth.

The youths under the Mombasa Plastics Prize Incubators (MPP) have made remarkable strides by recycling over 20 tonnes of waste and creating 545 green employment opportunities for young people in the county.

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In anticipation of the International Plastic Free Day observed on July 3rd, the youth have been exhibiting their plastic-made products to spotlight the innovative progress achieved by local businesses.

The ongoing exhibition signifies the end of an intensive 9-month nurturing phase during which startups, including Close the Gap, were provided with essential skills to lead sustainable, community-oriented ventures to address marine plastic pollution.

The Chief Financial Officer of Close the Gap, Ngosa Mupela, stated that aiding the youth in the Mombasa Plastic Prize to establish profitable enterprises from collected plastic, converted into diverse useful products, has been a privilege.

He mentioned that they engage closely with businesses to pinpoint any shortcomings in their business, impact, and social aspects. They also assist in addressing these gaps, crafting strategies, and enabling them to market and generate sales effectively.

Mombasa youth showcase their plastic innovations in anticipation of International Plastic Free Day, observed on July 3, 2024. (Photo: Swahili Pot Hub)

“Despite being a lengthy journey, the innovation groups have become successful enterprises, collectively earning around Sh100,000 in revenue within just six months,” he added.

He cited 'Plastech' as one notable initiative where they transform plastic into biogas for cooking. However, the government has yet to approve the project.

Additionally, 'Twende Green' has also received praise for repurposing plastic waste into school furniture, showcasing creative solutions to environmental and social challenges.

Mupela emphasised that, “Our primary goal is to decrease ocean plastic in our community, and we have found that promoting business development is the most effective approach to achieving this.”

Naomi Whitbourn, leading the Mombasa Plastic Prize initiative for NESTA, the UK-based Innovation Foundation, remarked on the remarkable journey of fostering these businesses, noting their increasing strength.

She mentioned they are now in the process of identifying potential future funding to support the enterprises' growth.

From the Proportion Global Team, Lavender Odeng explained that these grassroots businesses evolved from initial concepts through human-centred design, a process involving idea validation with the community and surveys.

She stressed how this approach transformed these ventures into impactful enterprises, fostering community engagement.

Odeng noted significant accomplishments, such as collecting over 20 tonnes of plastic through beach clean-ups and other initiatives. She also mentioned varying revenue streams, with the top-performing team earning Sh100,000 in the past six months.

Mombasa youth who recycle plastic into finished products will showcase their items during the International Plastic Free Day on July 3, 2024. (Photo: Swahili Pot Hub)