Nature and Extent of Informal Waste Picking Enterprises in Kenya

Informal waste picking subsector is currently lowly harnessed in Kenya. Apart from Kenya’s capital city, where most informal waste pickers are found, huge and increasing numbers of informal waste pickers have also been registered in major towns. Despite potentials of holistic improvement of urban livelihoods through informal waste picking; the subsector’s growth has remained wanting with informal waste pickers continuing to live in poverty. Examining capacity and nature of informal waste picking enterprises and assessing their contributions to livelihood enhancement in Embakasi Sub-County through a sustainable livelihood approach; this research study has contributed to existing literature on informal waste picking subsector and sustainable development of informal urban livelihood as an avenue of attaining green economy and Sustainable Development Goals 8 and 11. Informal waste picking subsector vitally creates wealth and jobs for the urbanites in Embakasi Sub-County enabling them to expand their enterprises and associations, start-up new business ventures and cater for their household expenditures including education, food, shelter and clothing.