- Study by Aspen Network of Development Entrepreneurs (ANDE) reveals youth unemployment remains a critical global issue.
- However, environmentally friendly ventures represent untapped market potential across the country.
Image: HANDOUT
In a bid to tackle the unrelenting issue of marine plastic waste, the Mombasa Plastics Prize Incubator (MPP) programme has mobilised the collection of over 23 tonnes of waste since October last year.
This is against the approximated 120 metric tonnes of plastic waste that is generated daily in the county.
The programme, which is a flagship initiative funded by the USAID, has been working with nine select youth-led firms, resulting in creation of at least 500 jobs during the period.
It had also been mandated to catalyze efforts towards realizing SDG 12 on responsible production and consumption by 2030.
Generally in Kenya, an average of 2,000 tonnes of plastic objects are imported or produced every day, with 100 tons of related wastes ending up in rivers and the Indian Ocean, making plastic waste one of the biggest challenges to solid waste management in the country.
In 2020, when the Covid-19 pandemic struck, countries across the globe reported a tripling in plastic waste due to the high production and consumption of single-use plastics and Personal Protective Equipment (FPE), such as gloves, masks and sanitiser bottles and online delivery packaging.
Specifically in Mombasa county, an increase in waste volumes has been recorded, although there is a lack of a waste management data system, which deters proper tracking and analysis.
Anna Ghnouly, from USAID Kenya’s environment office, has commented the initiative saying it underscores the agency's zeal to address complex global challenges.
“USAID's partnership with Kenya is driving positive environmental change. Our investment of over $2 million (Sh261.4 million) has helped nearly double the amount of plastic collected and recycled nationwide over the past ten years,” Ghnouly said.
She added that the nine firms have set a benchmark for sustainable development in Mombasa and the country at large.
On his part, Mombasa deputy governor Francis Thoya said the youths' commitment to green entrepreneurship alleviates unemployment and is a big leap towards shaping a sustainable future.
“Mombasa county is looking forward to building on the legacy of the MPP through supporting future related initiatives,” he said.
"The MPP incubator also serve as a call to action to continue supporting local initiatives that create and support green jobs."
According to a recent study by Aspen Network of Development Entrepreneurs (ANDE), a global network of organisations that propel entrepreneurship in developing economies, youth unemployment remains a critical global issue.
However, environmentally friendly ventures represent untapped market potential across the country.