Harnessing Climate Finance for Solid Waste Management in Nairobi:

The Circular Economy, Carbon Credits and Emissions Reduction Approach

Abstract

This paper explores harnessing climate finance, particularly carbon credits, to address Nairobi's solid waste management challenges. The city generates approximately 3,500 tonnes of waste daily, with over 60% organic, yet only 45% is recycled or reused, leading to pollution and health risks from unmanaged dumps. The study examines waste-to-energy, composting, and recycling as means to generate carbon credits for funding sustainable infrastructure. Key projects, such as the proposed 45 MW Nairobi Waste-to-Energy Plant (projected to reduce 1.8 million tonnes of CO₂ over 20 years) and the Circular Economy Composting Project (diverting waste, creating 12,000 jobs, and benefiting 50,000 farmers), demonstrate emission reductions and economic gains. Challenges include insufficient funding (cited by 30% of respondents), regulatory gaps, and institutional fragmentation. Recommendations involve strengthening public-private partnerships, enhancing regulatory frameworks, and integrating carbon finance strategies to promote sustainability, resilience, and alignment with global climate goals.