Kimani Wa Makaratasi: A Kenyan Businessman Leading the Charge for Environmental Sustainability
Charles Kimani, popularly known as Kimani Wa Makaratasi, is revolutionizing the fight for a cleaner, greener Kenya through his eco-friendly initiatives. Based in Thika, Kimani is the founder and owner of Jamii Products, a company renowned for producing eco-friendly carrier bags. These bags, which are crafted from recycled materials, have earned the company its nickname “Makaratasi,” highlighting its commitment to environmental conservation.
With waste management becoming an increasingly critical issue in Kenya, particularly in urban areas, Kimani’s work could not have come at a more pivotal time. Cities like Nairobi, which generate around 2,400 tons of waste daily, face significant challenges in managing the ever-growing pile of refuse. Despite this, only 38 percent of the waste is collected, and a mere 10 percent is recycled. The rest ends up in dumpsites, is illegally dumped on streets and waterways, or is burned – contributing to severe air pollution and environmental degradation.
Kimani, who has long been a champion for waste management, believes in the power of recycling to combat these issues. His company manufactures a variety of products from recycled waste materials, including charcoal briquettes, dustbins, and trays. By transforming waste into useful products, Jamii Products not only contributes to reducing the volume of waste but also provides an alternative to environmentally harmful practices such as open burning and improper disposal.
“Waste can be turned into wealth,” says Kimani, who has implemented various empowerment programs aimed at creating job opportunities for Kenyans. His efforts have directly and indirectly created thousands of jobs, helping many individuals and families escape the cycle of poverty while promoting environmental sustainability. “Through the recycling process, we’re creating jobs, preserving our environment, and helping the country adopt a more sustainable approach to waste management.”
The need for sustainable waste management in Kenya is underscored by reports from the Kenya National Climate Change Action Plan (2018-2022), which reveals that solid waste generation in urban areas has been increasing at a pace faster than the country’s rate of urbanization. Between 2011 and 2014, daily waste generation in urban centers rose from 4,950 to 5,990 tonnes, a clear sign that Kenya must act fast to implement integrated waste management systems.
In line with these observations, Kimani continues to push for innovative solutions, including composting and other waste-to-energy technologies, as ways to combat the growing waste crisis. His belief in a green future goes beyond his business ventures, extending to the broader push for environmental awareness and responsible consumption.
Kimani’s efforts serve as a reminder that with creativity, commitment, and collaboration, solutions to the pressing environmental challenges of waste management are possible. As the country grapples with waste disposal, it is individuals like Kimani who are leading the charge towards a cleaner, more sustainable Kenya.
For more information or to contact Kimani, you can reach him at 0728884303.
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