Kenya: The Scars of Recycling

In Nairobi, the capital's dump has become a daily battlefield. Hundreds of workers, often children, sort tonnes of waste, facing health risks and poor conditions. Their efforts, however, remain insufficient in the face of rising plastic waste. ⏱️ 1 min read Recent developments and facts The history of this strained system dates back to the 2015 law banning waste incineration, without replacing recycling infrastructure. Kenya, despite having regulations, lacks investments to modernize its system. In 2017, a crisis erupted in Nairobi after a dump collapsed, exposing the fragility of the informal approach. These actors, often marginalized, have become essential figures in a survival economy, but also victims of the lack of public policy. In a Mediterranean context marked by similar challenges, Kenya embodies a shared reality: Southern countries lack resources to manage plastic waste. Their dependence on the informal economy, combined with a lack of innovation, aggravates the crisis. Recycling, as a development lever, remains underestimated, while Tunisia and other Maghreb countries face identical challenges. The question of developed countries' responsibility in waste production becomes crucial. Prospects are oriented towards stricter regulations, such as the 2023 waste management law, but implementation remains delicate. Public-private partnerships and investments in recycling technologies are necessary. ⚡ Key points ▸ Only 7% of plastic waste is treated, leaving 93% to landfills or the black market, with health risks for workers. ▸ The absence of infrastructure and effective policies has exacerbated dependence on the informal economy, a recurring phenomenon in the