🌍 Kenya's First Circular Economy Movement — Kahawa West, Nairobi

Turning Waste Into Opportunity in Kenya's Urban Communities

A youth-led movement transforming Kenya's waste crisis into dignified jobs, cleaner neighbourhoods, and a circular economy — one collection point at a time.

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Trash Mtaani Our Mission

About the Project

Trash Mtaani is a bold, youth-driven initiative committed to transforming Kenya's waste crisis into a force for economic and environmental change. Born out of Nairobi's informal settlements, where unemployment and pollution collide, our project empowers communities to view waste not as a burden but as a resource. Through a pioneering digital points system, residents are rewarded for sorting and delivering waste, earning redeemable credits for essential goods like food and household supplies. This approach not only addresses immediate needs but fosters a culture of sustainability, dignity, and collective responsibility. By creating jobs for youth, supporting local businesses, and promoting environmental stewardship, Trash Mtaani is reimagining the future of urban waste — one community at a time.

3+
Communities Engaged
8
Core Team Members
4
Local Partners
1
Pilot Hub — Kahawa West
Trash Mtaani The Process

How It Works

1Sort Waste: Community members sort household waste into plastics, organics, and metals.
2Drop-Off: Sorted waste is taken to staffed Trash Mtaani collection hubs.
3Earn Points: Waste is weighed and participants earn digital points through our system.
4Redeem: Points can be exchanged for food items like maize flour, rice, or cooking oil.
5Process Waste: Plastics are sent to recyclers, and organic waste is converted into compost and fertilizer.
Trash Mtaani What Changes

Our Impact

🌍 Environmental Cleanup: Trash Mtaani has significantly reduced illegal dumping and promoted clean, safe neighbourhoods in underserved areas.
👷 Youth Employment: We create dignified jobs for local youth as waste collectors, sorters, digital system operators, and community educators.
👪 Community Empowerment: Families gain access to essential products by simply participating in responsible waste disposal.
♻️ Sustainable Waste Use: Our model ensures that collected waste is properly recycled or transformed into environmentally friendly products.
Trash Mtaani The People

Meet the Team

Eve Wanjiku
Eve Wanjiku
Founder & CEO
Driven by a commitment to impactful leadership, I bring 10 years of progressive experience, with 7 years successfully building and guiding high-achieving teams. My BSc in Biochemistry from Nairobi University and MBA in Global, Sustainable & Social Enterprise from United States International University provide a robust framework, enabling me to combine analytical insight with a strong drive to deliver sustainable solutions and make meaningful societal contributions.
Dawn Damaris
Dawn Damaris
Project Manager
Project Manager with a background in Project Management and a passion for inclusive development. Experienced in coordinating community-based initiatives, partner engagement, and programme logistics across health, gender, and governance sectors. Driven by values of collaboration, accountability, and purpose-led growth.
Joseph Kihonge
Joseph Kihonge
IT Officer
With a strong foundation in Information Technology and a passion for community empowerment, I bring experience working in various IT roles at the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA), Sidian Bank, Tausi Assurance Agency and Parklands Baptist Church. During my time at these organizations I was actively involved in key areas such as systems administration, cybersecurity, data management, and IT project coordination — equipping me with both technical expertise and strategic thinking. Beyond my professional career, I am deeply committed to giving back to society. I believe in using technology not just as a tool for efficiency, but as a bridge to create opportunity and inclusion. This alignment of purpose and skill makes me well-positioned to lead IT strategy for a growing non-profit organization, ensuring that its technology infrastructure is secure, scalable, and impactful for the communities it serves.
Dennis Nyaga
Dennis Nyaga
Chief Finance Officer
Dennis is a seasoned financial professional with a BSc in Finance – Investment Management and at the advanced level CIFA certification. He is also pursuing his MBA in Finance. His career journey has spanned various facets of the financial industry, including a significant tenure in the banking sector. He has a strong background in portfolio management, honed through his experience as a financial research analyst and a negotiator. This expertise has allowed him to excel as an investment banker and dealer, where he has been responsible for managing complex financial transactions. In addition, he serves as a director at KD Gaming, citing his entrepreneurial spirit.
Karen Ndabari
Karen Ndabari
Marketing Head
I'm a results-driven Marketing and Graphic Designer with a passion for blending creativity and strategy to build memorable brand experiences. With a background in digital marketing and visual communication, I specialize in crafting compelling content, impactful campaigns, and eye-catching designs that connect with audiences and drive engagement. From social media graphics to full-scale branding projects, I bring both artistic vision and analytical thinking to every project I take on. Whether working solo or collaborating with a team, I'm committed to delivering designs that don't just look good — they get results.
Collins Njunia
Collins Njunia
Chief Facilities Officer
As a Graduate Civil Engineer, my career is driven by a deep desire to build sustainable infrastructure that directly improves lives. As a member of Trash Mtaani, I combine my technical background in project design and environmental systems with our mission to empower local communities. I work alongside an incredible team to help turn urban waste from an environmental burden into a catalyst for youth employment and community dignity. For me, Trash Mtaani is about using engineering, innovation, and collective action to reimagine the future of our urban informal settlements.
Sheila Nkatha
Sheila Nkatha
Resource Mobilisation Officer
I am a dedicated Resource Mobilisation Officer with a strong background in program management and community development. I bring a wealth of experience in designing and implementing donor engagement strategies, grant writing, and building strategic partnerships. My expertise lies in aligning fundraising efforts with organizational goals to support impactful and sustainable programs. Passionate about creating positive change, I am committed to empowering communities through innovative and results-driven resource mobilisation.
Precious Mwangi
Precious Mwangi
Chief Technical Officer
As the Chief Technical Officer at Trash Mtaani, I lead the development and integration of technology solutions that drive the project's efficiency, scalability, and impact. My work focuses on streamlining data collection, optimizing internal systems, and leveraging digital tools to enhance community engagement and environmental accountability. With a strong foundation in tech and a passion for sustainable innovation, I ensure that our technical infrastructure aligns with our mission to create cleaner, smarter neighbourhoods. I am committed to harnessing the power of technology to transform waste management into a dynamic, data-informed, and community-driven solution.
Trash Mtaani On the Ground

Our Projects

Kahawa stakeholder engagement
Community Engagement
Kahawa Stakeholder and Community Engagement
Read more →
 Soweto community awareness engagement
Awareness Campaign
Soweto Community Awareness Engagement
Read more →
 Kamae site visit
Site Assessment
Kamae Site Visit
Read more →
Trash Mtaani Skills Building

Black Soldier Fly Training

The Trash Mtaani team took part in a hands-on Black Soldier Fly (BSF) farming training, learning how organic waste can be converted into a low-cost, high-protein feed ingredient for poultry, pigs, and fish. The training covered the full production cycle: sourcing and pre-processing waste, rearing and feeding the larvae, harvesting and drying them, and maintaining a breeding colony to keep the cycle going. It's a practical example of the circular economy in action, turning waste that would otherwise end up dumped into a genuine income stream.

Trash Mtaani Flagship Event

Trash Mtaani Eco Run 2026

Kenya's First Circular Economy Running Event. Run green, live clean, and help close the loop.

20th September 2026

Run For a Cleaner, Greener Kenya

Every element of the Eco Run reflects the circular economy — from upcycled wooden medals to on-site waste segregation and recycling demonstrations. Join individuals, families, schools, and corporate teams at Karura Forest for Kenya's first race built entirely around sustainability.

20 Sept
Date
Karura Forest
Gate C, Limuru Rd
5 KM 10 KM 21 KM
Register / Pay Now Ask a Question
QR code to pay Eco Run registration via Nobuk
Secure Payment

Scan to Pay via Nobuk

Registration and entry fee payments for the Trash Mtaani Eco Run 2026 are processed securely through our Nobuk collection page. Scan the QR code with your phone camera, or use the button below to pay directly.

Pay With Nobuk paywith.nobuk.africa/qnu75x33nr
Trash Mtaani Working Together

Our Partners

Furaha Infinity logo

Furaha Infinity

Kahawa West MCA's Office

Kamae Flying Women

Sports for Greener logo

Sports for Greener

Trash Mtaani Reach Us

Contact Us

📧 Email: trashmtaani@gmail.com

📞 Phone: +254 728 012 083 · +254 736 564 200

📍 Location: Nairobi, Kenya