Introduction

Mombasa is Kenya’s second-largest city, home to over 1.2 million people. It deals with high population density, limited disposal capacity and significant plastic leakage into the environment and generates around 708 tonnes/day of waste. The Waste Flow Diagram (WFD) and Wastewise Cities Tool (WaCT) assessments were carried out and which highlighted that over half (51%) of all plastic waste remains unmanaged, with nearly 10,000 tonnes/year leaking into the environment. As a coastal city, these figures highlight the pressure placed on both land and marine ecosystems.

Despite these challenges, Mombasa has made noticeable progress in strengthening its solid waste management (SWM) system. Below is a short overview of the actions carried out by the County Government and development partners to take Mombasa in the right direction.

1. County Government Leadership

• Solid Waste Management Act (2021): This legislation provides the guiding framework for how waste should be managed across the county. It outlines roles, responsibilities, and expectations for service delivery, supporting the city’s aim to improve municipal waste management;
• Registration and licensing of waste collectors: The County Government has introduced a structured process for registering and licensing companies, individuals, and groups involved in waste collection, helping formalise the sector and improve service organisation;
• Construction of an MRF in Mvita: The County has constructed a Material Recovery Facility (MRF) in the Mvita area. This supports formal sorting and recovery activities, important in a system where only 40.5 tonnes/day of waste are currently sorted for recovery.

2. Support From Partners

Mombasa has benefited from several partnerships that have provided technical and financial support.

• WWF & Coca-Cola Foundation: Their work in the city has includes building a second MRF in Likoni, training and capacity building for waste collectors, provision of PPE, support for motorised waste collection equipment and helping collectors form associations/cooperatives. These interventions have supported both the efficiency of the system and the livelihoods of those working in it.
• European Investment Bank (EIB): The EIB funded a feasibility study on wider MSWM system, focused on improvements across Mombasa’s entire municipal solid waste management system.

3. Data Insights

The WFD and WaCT assessments how the following key baseline data points:

• Total MSW generation: 708 tonnes/day
• Collection rate: 56%
• MSW sent to disposal: 355 tonnes/day
• Recovered material: 40.5 tonnes/day
• Controlled facilities: 4% of MSW
• Plastic in the waste stream: 7.54%
• Plastic leakage: 9,961 tonnes/year unmanaged
• Plastic to water systems: the equivalent of 3 kg/person/year or 99 PET bottles per person

Major leakages also are attributed to uncollected waste, leakage within the collection system and at point of disposal. The city disposes of waste across five recognised disposal sites, including the main site at Mwakirunge, all of which are uncontrolled disposal sites.

This data has already been used to inform discussions at international events and guide the development of new investment proposals.

4. Key Takeaways for Other Cities

Mombasa’s experience shows that even without a complete overhaul, several practical actions can strengthen a city’s waste system with the first being the collection of baseline data, using the WFD and WaCT methodologies to identify their biggest leakage points. Key lessons include:

• Start with accurate baseline data: Tools such as the WFD and WaCT help cities clearly identify leakage hotspots and quantify system performance.
• Formalise and regulate the collection workforce: Licensing and clearer operational rules help improve service delivery.
• Increase sorting capacity: New MRFs in Mvita and Likoni provide additional opportunities for recovery and reduce pressure on uncontrolled disposal sites.
• Support the informal sector: Training, PPE, equipment support and the formation of cooperatives strengthen the value chain and improve working conditions.

Mombasa still faces challenges, but the combination of county leadership, targeted investments and good baseline data provides a strong foundation for next steps. Other cities, especially coastal ones with similar pressures, may find useful lessons here as they work towards reducing leakage and improving overall system performance.