Refugee-Led Organisation Recycles 10 Tonnes of Plastic Waste in Overcrowded Kakuma Camp
Kakuma, 29 January 2026
A remarkable environmental transformation is underway in Kakuma refugee camp, where over 400 women and disabled individuals have recycled more than 10 tonnes of plastic since 2019. The refugee-led initiative by FRADI has sold 38 tonnes of semi-recycled materials to Nairobi companies, generating income whilst tackling waste crisis in a camp housing 200,000 people—nearly triple its intended capacity of 70,000.
Community-Driven Environmental Action
The initiative began from a simple observation of deteriorating conditions. Rafael Basima, a Congolese refugee serving as project manager for Fraternity for Development Integrated (FRADI), explains the motivation behind the programme: “Kakuma was so dirty, so we took the initiative and mobilized the community with an intention to clean our community and protect the environment” [1]. This grassroots approach has mobilised over 400 women and 11 disabled individuals who now collect and recycle plastic and non-degradable products across the four camps of Kakuma Refugee Camp and three villages of Kalobeyei settlement [1].
From Pilot to Production
The current success story builds upon earlier foundations, with Kakuma Refugee Camp having piloted a waste management project in 2019 [1]. FRADI’s recycling project specifically commenced operations in Kakuma 2, learning from a previous initiative that was discontinued in 2013 due to lack of waste disposal space [1]. The organisation has secured crucial infrastructure, obtaining one hectare of land in Kakuma 2 and another in Kalobeyei Village 1 to support its operations [1]. By 2025, FRADI had expanded its reach beyond the camp boundaries, extending operations to Kakuma and Kalobeyei towns [1].
Measurable Environmental and Economic Impact
The quantifiable results of FRADI’s efforts demonstrate both environmental restoration and economic opportunity creation. Since November 2019, the organisation has recycled over 10 tonnes of plastic waste across Kakuma, Kalobeyei and surrounding towns [1]. The commercial viability of the initiative is evidenced by FRADI having sold 38 tonnes of semi-recycled materials to eight companies in Nairobi [1]. Rafael Basima emphasises the dual benefits: “Since the project was launched in November 2019, more than 10 tons of plastic have been recycled, improving living conditions and generating income for the members” [1]. The environmental restoration extends beyond waste management, with FRADI planting over 5,000 trees in refugee camps and host communities during 2022 [1].
Scaling Ambitions Despite Financial Constraints
FRADI’s expansion plans reflect the urgency of environmental challenges in the overcrowded camps. The organisation has requested a 5 million Kenyan shillings loan through the Kakuma Kalobeyei Challenge Fund (KKCF) to plant 10,000 trees and create 2,000 jobs for refugees and local youths [1]. However, accessing traditional financing remains a significant barrier. “The major problem now for the organisation is access to capital from local banks. However, banks are demanding assets to keep as security and FRADI does not have assets to offer to the local banks as security,” explains Rafael [1]. These financial constraints occur against a backdrop of mounting environmental pressures, with high demand for firewood, inadequate waste disposal, and water shortages creating ongoing challenges as over 200,000 refugees put increasing pressure on available resources [1].