“I would like to call on young people to commit themselves to activities that contribute toward achieving their long-term dreams. They have the energy and creativity to shape a sustainable future. To the young people, I say, you are a gift to your communities and, indeed, the world. You are our hope and our future.” Twenty years later, these inspiring words by the late Wangari Maathai during her December 10, 2004 Nobel Lecture have become a reality.
In the heart of Kisumu’s Nyalenda informal settlement, the Kisumu Young Agripreneurs (KIYA), a community-organized group, is using innovative techniques to design a sustainable future by tackling the environmental impacts of organic waste, notably food waste.

According to a publication on food systems emissions in Kenya and their reduction potential, food losses and waste account for around 8-10 percent of global greenhouse gas emissions. This is mainly from the production and disposal of wasted food. Approximately 40 percent of all food produced in Kenya annually goes to waste, amounting to 10 million metric tonnes of lost food. When the food waste ends up in landfills, it produces methane, a potent greenhouse gas contributing to the worsening climate change. In addition, organic waste poses a threat to human health and the environment.

Roy Odawa, a co-founder of KIYA, says that organic waste from local markets and households that ends up in the Kasese landfill has been a problem in his neighborhood. Recognizing the harmful effects of this waste and its power to contribute to ecological and environmental restoration and sustainability, the KIYA team saw an opportunity to transform organic waste into a valuable product, making healthy, organic food, building soil health, and helping farmers improve their livelihoods.

Using composting and black soldier fly production as innovative solutions
KIYA employs composting, a simple yet effective technique to convert waste into rich compost. At least once per week, they collect organic waste, such as fruit and vegetable peelings from Kibuye market, and bury it with soil or chopped leaves. This method produces organic manure that enhances soil health.

In addition, KIYA breeds Black Soldier Fly (BSF) larvae using the organic waste. A 2024 study demonstrated that BSF larvae have the ability to break down organic matter, effectively transforming it into high-quality frass fertilizer and a sustainable and affordable source of protein-rich feed for poultry, aquaculture, plants, and pigs. The BSF are bred to produce eggs, which are then incubated in containers. BSF mating and egg-laying occur in the love cage, a metal or wooden cage covered with netting. The eggs are laid in one specific location in the love-cage for ease of harvesting.
Egg-laying occurs in material called eggies, which are placed close to an attractant (decomposing matter producing a pungent smell) that attracts female BSFs to deposit their eggs in the eggies. Eggies vary from small strips of carton boxes to compacted small wooden planks attached. The important thing is that the eggies should have crevices where the female BSFs can insert their ovipositors and deposit the eggs. The eggies are collected from the love cages every 2-3 days to prevent the eggs from hatching while in the love-cage and are placed in hatching containers filled with a high-quality food source. This food source for the new hatchlings should be of higher nutritional value than the food used in the subsequent stages of larvae growth. BSF production addresses waste management and provides a renewable and sustainable input for food production.

An empowerment program for farmers
KIYA also trains local farmers in composting and BSF production techniques, equipping them with the knowledge and tools they need to reduce their dependence on costly synthetic fertilizers and livestock feed. Farmers participating in the project can sell the organic compost and BSF products, generating additional revenue streams.
This initiative mirrors the inspirational story and journey of William Kamkwamba, a thirteen-year-old Malawian boy who, as depicted in the film “The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind,” built a wind turbine to save his village from famine. Like Kamkwamba, the Kisumu Young Agripreneurs have demonstrated talent, resilience, innovation, and determination in working on community-driven solutions.

By Felistus Mwalia