Kenya: Waste Crisis & disease

Transforming Waste Management and Reducing Diseases in Kenya with Black Soldier Fly (Hermetia illucens) Larvae

In South Coastal Kenya, communities face a double burden: unmanaged organic waste fuels the spread of diarrheal and mosquito-borne diseases like dengue, while inefficiencies in the food system mean nearly 40% of food is lost before it is ever consumed. This waste problem is not just an environmental issue—it is a public health challenge and a missed opportunity for local economies.

DECO, in partnership with the Health and Environmental Research Institute-Kenya (HERI) and the Diani Sustainability Collective, is piloting an innovative, nature-based solution: farming the Black Soldier Fly (Hermetia illucens). These insects transform food waste into high-value resources—nutrient-rich fertilizer and protein for animal feed—while reducing the health and environmental risks of unmanaged waste.

At its core, this project is about more than waste conversion. It is a community-owned model that improves sanitation, reduces disease risks, and creates new livelihood opportunities. By pairing ecological innovation with local leadership, the initiative builds circular economies that align health, environment, and economy.

The program also invests in education and engagement—developing training curricula, school materials, and creative outreach tools—to ensure knowledge and practices spread across generations. Rooted in women’s leadership, the model empowers communities to grow sustainable businesses that link environmental stewardship with economic opportunity. With support from an SDSS Engagement Grant, the project is expanding its reach through workshops, community engagement, and capacity-building for women-led circular economy initiatives—bringing together social scientists, local partners, policymakers, and philanthropists to strengthen impact.

Looking ahead, the project aims to scale community adoption, deepen evidence on disease suppression and climate benefits, and engage policymakers and partners across Kenya. By advancing this approach, DECO is showing how circular economy solutions can simultaneously protect public health, strengthen local economies, and build resilience for the future.

Team

Desiree LaBeaud, Samantha Bunke, Amelia Meyer, Francis Mutuku, Juma Nasoro

Partners 

_{Image Credit: Heri-Kenya}