Kisumu has been named among 20 cities globally recognised by the United Nations for demonstrating innovative and ambitious approaches to waste reduction.

Cup pressure peaks as Shabana host Kenya Police in blockbuster quarter-final Football

Upper Hill coach Walgwe unperturbed despite drawing giants in Prescott Cup group phase Rugby

The recognition comes ahead of the International Day of Zero Waste, marked on March 30.

It is marked under an initiative led by the UN Secretary General’s Advisory Board on Zero Waste, with support from UN-Habitat and the UN Environment Programme (Unep).

UNEP executive director Inger Andersen said tackling pollution and waste offers an opportunity to reimagine economies through innovation, circularity, and equity.

“From strong producer responsibility models in San Francisco and Suzhou, to refill systems in Bologna and the inclusion of waste pickers in Kuala Lumpur and Zapopan, these cities are proof that change is possible,” she said.

She commended the leadership of the selected cities, noting they can inspire global action against the growing waste crisis.

Other cities recognised include Accra, Dar es Salaam, Kuala Lumpur, San Francisco, Yokohama, and Suzhou.

Deputy Chair of the Advisory Board José Moller said the cities stood out for turning ambition into practical solutions.

“They are implementing real interventions, such as source segregation, composting, reuse systems, and community engagement. Zero waste is achievable when cities lead from the front,” he said.

UN-Habitat executive director Anacláudia Rosbach said cities are central to the zero-waste transition as they manage waste systems and influence consumption patterns.

“Local governments are not just managing waste; they are reshaping economies and advancing inclusive solutions,” she said.

The International Day of Zero Waste was established by the United Nations General Assembly in December 2022 and is observed annually to promote sustainable consumption and waste management practices.

Globally, more than 2.1 billion tonnes of municipal solid waste are generated each year, underscoring the urgency of urban-led solutions.

The initiative aims to recognise innovation, promote the exchange of best practices, and accelerate the transition toward circular economies.

Despite the recognition, Kenyan cities continue to face waste management challenges.

According to the 2025 Economic Survey by the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics, Mombasa collects about 62.1 per cent of its waste, while Nakuru collects 59.3 per cent.

Nairobi generated over 1,100 tonnes of solid waste annually between 2021 and 2024, while Kisumu’s waste generation rose from 216.5 tonnes in 2020 to 231.6 tonnes in 2024.

However, Kisumu collects only a small fraction of its waste, rising modestly from 65 tonnes in 2020 to 69.4 tonnes in 2024.

The UN initiative highlights efforts such as food waste reduction, recycling, reuse systems, and community-driven solutions aimed at building sustainable and inclusive urban systems.

INSTANT ANALYSIS

Kisumu’s recognition signals growing global acknowledgment of African cities experimenting with circular economy solutions despite resource constraints. However, the data reveals a stark gap between ambition and capacity, with waste collection rates still relatively low. This shows innovation alone is insufficient without investment in infrastructure and systems.