The government has hinted at plans to formally recognise waste pickers working in dumpsites as part of efforts to improve the country’s waste management system. Environment, Climate Change and Forestry Cabinet Secretary (CS) Deborah Mlongo Barasa said the sector will play a key role in building a cleaner and more sustainable environment.

In a statement shared on X on Tuesday, March 10, 2026, Barasa said the government is focusing on reforms to promote recycling while ensuring that people working in the waste sector receive proper recognition and support.

“The Government of Kenya is committed to transforming the waste management system of our country by promoting sustainable practices, strengthening recycling and ensuring that those who work within the sector are recognised and supported,” the statement reads.

The CS explained that she recently held discussions with waste pickers to better understand their daily work, struggles and the opportunities that exist in the waste management sector.

“Today I met and held discussions with waste pickers to better understand their work, challenges and the opportunities within Kenya’s waste management sector. Their voices, experiences and contributions are essential as we work to build a cleaner environment while creating sustainable livelihoods,” the statement reads.

She also noted that the meeting brought together waste pickers from several Nairobi neighbourhoods who shared their experiences and ideas on how the sector can be strengthened.

“I engaged with waste pickers in a consultative meeting aimed at strengthening Kenya’s waste management system. Waste pickers from areas such as Kamukunji, Dandora and Kayole participated in the engagement, sharing their experiences and perspectives on how the sector can be improved,” the statement reads

Barasa acknowledged that waste pickers have played an important role for many years in supporting recycling efforts and helping keep communities clean.

“During the meeting, I acknowledged the important role waste pickers have played for many years in supporting recycling and maintaining cleaner communities. Many of them have worked in the sector for a long time and therefore possess valuable knowledge and experience that must be considered when designing policies and programs. Waste management is now being given deeper consideration as the government works to build a more organised and sustainable system,” the statement reads.

She further said the engagement created space for open discussions about how to improve waste collection and recycling systems while ensuring the workers involved are recognised and supported.

“During the engagement, I took time to listen carefully to the experiences, concerns and proposals from waste pickers who play a vital role in keeping our communities clean and supporting recycling efforts. The discussion provided a platform for open dialogue on how the country can improve waste collection, sorting and recycling while ensuring that those working within the sector are recognized and supported.”

Barasa added that integrating waste pickers into the formal waste management system will help improve safety and create more stable incomes for workers in the sector.

“The meeting emphasised the importance of integrating waste pickers into the formal waste management system so that their work becomes safer, more organised and economically rewarding. Participants shared their daily challenges, including unsafe working conditions, lack of protective equipment and unstable incomes. Through these discussions, the Ministry was able to gain a deeper understanding of how policies and programs can better support waste pickers and improve the overall waste management value chain,” the statement reads.

She also highlighted the potential for waste management to create green jobs and economic opportunities for many young people across the country.

“The engagement also highlighted the opportunity to transform waste management into a source of green jobs, particularly for young people and communities that depend on recycling activities for their livelihoods. By strengthening partnerships between government, counties, recycling industries and waste picker groups, the sector can contribute significantly to environmental protection and economic empowerment,” the statement reads.

The Cabinet Secretary concluded by reaffirming the ministry’s commitment to building an inclusive waste management system that recognises waste pickers as key partners in protecting the environment.

“I reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to building an inclusive waste management system that recognises waste pickers as key partners in environmental conservation while expanding opportunities for employment and sustainable livelihoods across the country,” she concluded.