Closing the Loop: Rafiki PEPS joins coastal startups to combat waste

KENYA — Rafiki PEPS has stepped up its environmental impact by delivering two additional recyclable waste cages to Tudor Primary School and Mbheni Primary School in Mombasa, reinforcing its commitment to source-level waste segregation in learning institutions.

The installations are part of the company’s “Cage for Change” initiative, which aims to equip every school in Mombasa with recycling cages.

This project forms the heart of Rafiki PEPS’ mission: to foster environmental responsibility among young learners who can carry the message of sustainability into their homes and communities.

“In each school we reach, we see the seeds of change taking root,” the company stated. “This marks a significant step forward in our efforts to combat plastic pollution through education and practical tools.”

Founded in 2023, Rafiki PEPS is a youth-led startup driving sustainable waste management through community engagement.

The organization promotes waste segregation at the source by distributing color-coded bins for recyclables, organics, and non-recyclables to households, schools, and businesses.

This strategy not only simplifies recycling but also streamlines waste flow to proper processing facilities—effectively contributing to a circular economy.

“Our mission is to instill environmental responsibility within communities,” says Juma Said, founder of Rafiki PEPS.

“By educating residents and providing practical solutions, we’re making sustainable waste management accessible and actionable.”

Beyond infrastructure, Rafiki PEPS prioritizes community education. The Cage for Change program, specifically targeting schools, encourages students to adopt better waste disposal practices early.

Collected plastics are sent to recycling partners, reinforcing a culture of sustainability from a young age.

Rafiki PEPS is part of a growing ecosystem of coastal startups addressing waste and plastic pollution.

Initiatives like Twende Green Ecocycle—turning marine plastic waste into school furniture—and Capapo Solutions—repurposing plastic into eco-friendly construction materials—are redefining how waste is viewed and used.

These ventures not only protect the environment but also generate green jobs and stimulate local economies.

Partnerships with organizations like Close the Gap Kenya have amplified these efforts. Through initiatives such as the Mombasa Plastics Prize, startups receive critical support to scale their innovations, especially in underserved urban areas.

As Kenya advances toward its circular economy goals, Rafiki PEPS and its peers exemplify the strength of community-driven solutions—transforming waste challenges into opportunities for lasting environmental and social change.

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