CECM SHARON MUTUA LEADS MACHAKOS' GREEN REVOLUTION: TURNING WASTE INTO WEALTH THROUGH CEMENT BAG RECYCLING

Machakos County is setting a new standard in environmental conservation and youth empowerment through an innovative recycling initiative that transforms used cement bags into valuable products. The program, spearheaded by the County Government of Machakos under the leadership of H.E. Governor Wavinya Ndeti, and championed by the CECM for Gender, Youth, Sports, and Social Welfare, Hon. Sharon Mutua Muasya, is being implemented in partnership with Bamburi Cement Company.

The groundbreaking project, dubbed “Turning Waste Into Wealth,” aims to reduce pollution by upcycling discarded cement bags into items such as school bags, shopping bags, gym bags, and college handbags. The initiative was showcased today at Kyeemutheke Vocational Training Centre, where CECM Sharon Mutua Muasya led a delegation of top government officials and representatives from Bamburi Cement for a progress evaluation of the pilot phase under the upcoming Machakos Recyclers Chapter.

Speaking during the event, Sharon Mutua Muasya commended the trainees for their dedication and urged them to stay focused on their mission of protecting the environment through recycling and innovation. “This program is not just about cleaning up our environment — it’s about transforming lives,” she said. “We are empowering young people and women to see opportunity where others see waste. When we turn waste into wealth, we are not only saving our planet but also creating jobs and building sustainable livelihoods for our people.”

The training goes beyond recycling, offering participants lessons in computer skills, financial literacy, soap making, and other essential life skills to equip them for both personal and economic growth. Chief Officer for Gender and Social Welfare, Bernadette Wavinya, lauded the spirit of teamwork among the trainees, noting, “When you put ten candles in a dark room, the room will be brighter,” symbolizing the collective power of collaboration and purpose.

Representatives from Bamburi Cement, including Mr. Mohamed Mahsen, Manager of the Nairobi Grinding Plant, emphasized that the company’s mission is to empower communities through sustainable solutions. “Our goal is to teach people how to fish — to help them achieve self-reliance and prosperity through recycling,” he said. Ms. Jane Wangari, Director of Sustainability and Corporate Affairs, highlighted the importance of environmental clean-up as a gateway to youth and women’s empowerment, while Ms. Lilian Njiru, Head of CSR, commended the Machakos County team for their vision and partnership in promoting sustainability.

Also in attendance were senior county officials from the Department of Gender, Youth, Sports, and Social Welfare, who reaffirmed their support for expanding the initiative to other sub-counties.

As the pilot project gains momentum,CECM Sharon Mutua Muasya continues to champion a sustainable future for Machakos — one where waste management, environmental conservation, and economic empowerment go hand in hand.