Kenya Association of Manufacturers (KAM) has launched the Customer Bora – Taka Banks Programme in partnership with Dandora Hip Hop City (DHC) aimed at facilitating sustainable collection of waste for recycling by establishing trial “taka bank” kiosks to serve as collection stations.
Customer Bora –Taka Bank programme is a collective initiative poised to strengthen proper waste management in Kenya by rewarding responsible consumers as well as connect manufacturing brands with their customers. The programme will extend efforts being realised by the national the government in raising public awareness, especially young people, on proper disposal and recycling waste.
Speaking at the launch, KAM Vice Chairman Mucai Kunyiha expressed his delight for the programme noting that its immediate objective is to conserve the environment whilst empowering local youth by creating employment opportunities.
“The effects of uncollected plastic waste is more apparent here, than anywhere in the country. The customer bora taka-bank is, therefore, timely for the people of Dandora. I urge industry stakeholders and brand owners to support the initiative and motivate youth groups by awarding top collectors, best-performing groups and indeed, most improved groups,” he remarked.
Also speaking during the launch of the programme in Dandora Social County Hall, National Environmental Management Authority Representative hailed the innovative environmental initiative as a step closer to finding local solutions towards waste management.
“Customer Bora-Taka Bank programme indeed speaks of the capabilities that rest among our young people spread across the country. This initiative will go a long way in harmonizing efforts to find a lasting solution to address the perennial issue of plastic waste. I encourage the youth to enroll in this program in numbers to not only take advantage of the incentives set forth but additionally, while doing it, bringing environmental sanity back to your community,” he stated.
Uncollected solid waste is one of the most visible environmental problems facing Nairobi and its environs. Solid waste production in urban centers is relative to population size, location, and income level, proper waste management techniques hence participatory management is vital for efficacy. KAM is leading industry players in partnering with local communities and youth to find lasting solutions.
The unprecedented growth in the use of plastics as packaging materials in Kenya has over the years complicated existing management systems pushing all stakeholders in the value chain for more synergy in responding to growing demands.
At the close of 2018, KAM announced that it’s in line to help collect and recycle up to 20% of disposable and reusable bottles marking a bold and ambitious step towards environmental sanity.
Kenyan music royalty and Founder of Dandora Hip-hop City (DHC), Julius Owino alias Juliani encouraged residents especially out-of-school and unemployed youth to capitalize on the challenge of waste collection in the community and make cents from conversing their habitat.
“This is our home. And, it is our responsibility as young people to take complete care and responsibility of where we live, eat and school. Remember it is in this small but deliberate steps that make the biggest and most lasting impact,” he remarked.
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During the launch, KAM also announced the inclusion of an online platform dubbed Customer Bora that will facilitate correspondence between groups in order to encourage uptake and flow of all communication about the programme.
