Kisumu City signs landmark agreement with M-taka on waste management

KENYA – Kisumu City has taken a major step in its Smart City agenda by signing a Framework of Cooperation with M-taka Waste Solutions Ltd to digitize and modernize its waste management systems.

The agreement, signed by City Manager Abala Wanga and M-taka CEO Benson Abila during the Africa Smart Cities and Townships Alliance (ASCA) Summit, positions Kisumu as a regional leader in sustainable urban management.

The framework commits both parties to developing tech-enabled waste systems, operationalizing waste facilities, and embedding real-time data platforms to improve planning, efficiency, and traceability across the city’s waste value chain.

It also emphasizes inclusivity by empowering women, youth, and informal waste actors, ensuring that Kisumu’s journey towards a circular economy creates dignified livelihoods and a healthier environment.

Speaking after the signing, Wanga said the partnership strengthens Kisumu’s reputation as a clean city on the shores of Lake Victoria and aligns it with global best practices in urban sustainability.

“By increasing waste recovery and integrating technology into everyday waste management, Kisumu is setting the pace for other African cities,” he noted.

Abila added that the partnership represents a milestone for the Kisumu Smart City Agenda, showcasing innovation during the inaugural ASCA Summit.

“It demonstrates Kisumu’s practical capabilities in building smarter, greener cities,” he said.

The event was witnessed by Governor Anyang’ Nyong’o and World Smart Cities Forum Chairman & President Jaewon Peter, both of whom reaffirmed the county’s commitment to transforming Kisumu into a model Smart City where waste is harnessed as a driver of opportunity, innovation, and sustainable growth.

Building on regional momentum

This agreement builds on a series of strategic collaborations M-taka has spearheaded in Western Kenya.

Earlier this month, the company signed an MoU with Vihiga County, aimed at piloting digital platforms for community waste collection and recycling hubs.

The initiative has already begun empowering local youth groups and small enterprises to participate in the waste value chain, highlighting how regional partnerships can create scalable models for circular economies.

By replicating such collaborations across counties, M-taka is positioning itself as a leading innovator in waste-tech solutions in East Africa.

Experts say these initiatives not only improve environmental management but also open up new economic opportunities, particularly in recycling and resource recovery.

As Kisumu advances its Smart City vision, the partnership with M-taka signals a shift toward treating waste as a valuable resource, one that powers sustainable urban development while safeguarding the environment of Lake Victoria and beyond.

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