The counties of Meru, Embu, and Tharaka Nithi have entered into a new regional pact aimed at transforming waste management through shared solutions that will convert waste into useful products and create new sources of income for residents.
The three county governments on Thursday, October 23, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to develop a joint waste management plan, which includes the construction of a regional waste processing and recycling plant.
The signing ceremony, held at the Tharaka Nithi County Headquarters in Kathwana, brought together Governors Cecily Mbarire, Muthomi Njuki, and Isaac Mutuma, who pledged to jointly address the growing waste disposal challenges affecting their regions.
Speaking at the event, Tharaka Nithi Governor Muthomi Njuki said the partnership was a major step forward in inter-county cooperation and would help turn waste into an economic resource.
“We are stronger together than as individuals. Our counties release about 1,350 tonnes of waste daily, and 57 percent of that is organic. We must rethink how to turn this waste into useful products that benefit our people,” Njuki said.
He explained that the project will create new jobs, especially for young people working in waste collection, processing, and value addition through the production of organic fertiliser.
“We import a lot of fertiliser as a country, yet most of our waste is organic. By turning waste into agricultural inputs, we will promote food security, create jobs and enhance useful production,” he added.
The agreement establishes a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) to manage the project in partnership with the Jospong Group from Ghana, an international company known for its expertise in modern waste management. The SPV will coordinate implementation, monitor progress, and attract more investment partners to expand the initiative across the region.
Embu Governor Cecily Mbarire welcomed the partnership, saying it reflected a shared commitment to solving a long-standing problem through teamwork and innovation.
“We have come together with a common development agenda. The issue of waste management is not simple, but by working together, we can turn challenges into opportunities and ensure every county wins,” Mbarire said.
She noted that the initiative will promote clean energy, encourage circular economy practices, and improve environmental conservation in the Mt. Kenya East region.
“The challenge of waste management has long posed a serious environmental and public health concern across our counties. Today, we are taking bold and transformative steps to turn this challenge into an opportunity for growth, sustainability and innovation,” she added.
Meru Governor Isaac Mutuma said the deal aligns with the national Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA) and the country’s wider climate resilience goals.
“This agreement marks a new era of regional cooperation. It is our shared declaration to redefine waste, transforming it from a burden into a resource for energy, innovation, and economic opportunity,” Mutuma said.
He explained that the partnership would allow the three counties to establish shared waste recycling and processing plants, promote clean energy, and create green jobs while protecting natural resources.
The governors agreed that working together gives counties stronger bargaining power when dealing with investors, development partners, and national agencies, enabling them to attract more funding for long-term projects. Njuki added that through joint planning and shared vision, the Mt. Kenya East region could take advantage of economies of scale to deliver environmental and economic gains.
The joint waste management initiative aims to promote a circular economy by recycling both organic and inorganic waste into valuable products such as compost fertiliser, biogas, and reusable materials. The move is expected to create income for communities, reduce pollution, and improve environmental health.
The three leaders reaffirmed their commitment to supporting innovation, sustainability, and a cleaner future for the Mt. Kenya East region.
