Kenya: Waste Crisis & disease

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

DECO is piloting a nature-based solution to manage waste and reduce diseases in south coastal Kenya. Diarrheal and arboviral diseases like dengue are major health challenges, worsened by environmental conditions such as unmanaged trash. Kenya also faces significant food waste, with 40% of food lost between production and consumption due to inefficiencies in the supply chain - which significantly contributes to the trash problem. Black soldier flies (hermetia illucens) are a natural and innovative intervention that can improve sanitation and thus mitigate both environmental and human health impacts of food waste.  

In partnership with the Health and Environmental Research Institute-Kenya (HERI), with whom DECO has a strong relationship, and the Diani Sustainability Collective, DECO is piloting a community-owned black soldier fly (BSF) farm. This project converts organic waste into high-protein animal feed and nutrient-rich fertilizer, addressing waste management and reducing disease risks. By establishing a circular economy model, DECO’s approach supports climate resilience, improves sanitation management, and creates local economic opportunities through BSF rearing training and curriculum. This scalable model enables communities to manage solutions independently, aiming to build healthier, more resilient Kenyan communities and enhance public health for the long term.

Team

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

Partners 

_{Image Credit: Heri-Kenya}