Kathwana, Tharaka Nithi County
In a display of unity and foresight, the Governors of Embu, Meru, and Tharaka Nithi Counties have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to jointly establish a regional waste recycling and processing plant, marking a major step toward cleaner cities and a circular economy in the Mt. Kenya East region.
The agreement—signed at the Tharaka Nithi County Headquarters in Kathwana—brings together Governor Cecily Mbarire (Embu), Governor Mutuma M’Ethinkia (Meru), and Governor Muthomi Njuki (Tharaka Nithi) in a first-of-its-kind inter-county partnership aimed at tackling solid waste sustainably.
Speaking during the ceremony, Governor Cecily Mbarire said the joint effort would not only solve a long-standing waste management problem but also unlock new economic opportunities for the region.
“When we pool our resources, we attract bigger investors and achieve better results,” said Mbarire. “This partnership will turn a major problem into an opportunity.”
The plant will convert household and industrial waste into reusable materials, compost, and clean energy. By reducing landfill dependency and promoting recycling, the counties aim to make waste management both environmentally sound and economically viable.
Tharaka Nithi Governor Muthomi Njuki, who has been a strong advocate for practical environmental action under devolution, described the deal as a turning point in local governance.
“We can no longer look at waste as useless,” he said. “It must now become a source of income, jobs, and cleaner towns.”
Njuki added that the partnership proves how counties can deliver tangible results when they think beyond political boundaries and embrace innovation.
Meru Governor Mutuma M’Ethinkia emphasized that the initiative reflects the spirit of shared responsibility and regional integration.“Environmental challenges don’t stop at county borders,” he said. “This partnership is about protecting our ecosystems and empowering our youth through green jobs.”
Under the MoU, Embu County will take the lead in coordination, while Meru and Tharaka Nithi will contribute technical expertise and mobilize investors. The project will also engage development partners, private investors, and local communities in the design and implementation of the facility.
The Mt. Kenya East recycling project supports the Sustainable Waste Management Act (2022) and Kenya’s National Climate Change Action Plan (NCCAP), both of which call for integrated waste systems and the adoption of circular economy practices.
Experts note that such regional plants could help Kenya achieve its Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)—particularly Goal 11 (Sustainable Cities), Goal 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), and Goal 13 (Climate Action)—while improving public health and creating local employment.
The joint initiative is expected to reduce landfill waste, improve recycling efficiency, and boost environmental health across the three counties. More importantly, it stands as a symbol of counties working together under devolution to deliver lasting, citizen-centered impact.