Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja on Friday signed a landmark agreement with a Chinese company to advance the long-awaited Dandora Waste-to-Energy project. The deal, finalized following a high-level meeting, also involves the Ministry of Energy and the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA), moving the 45 Megawatt (MW) project closer to signing a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA).
Speaking after the meeting, Governor Sakaja described the milestone as a “breakthrough decades in the making,” noting that previous administrations had struggled to push the project this far. “This project will transform the city while creating green jobs for Nairobi’s youth,” he said.
The Dandora Waste-to-Energy plant aims to address Nairobi’s persistent solid waste challenges by converting refuse into electricity. Once operational, it will provide a sustainable solution to waste management while generating clean energy, supporting environmental sustainability, and fostering economic opportunities for local communities.
Officials say the plant will not only reduce the strain on Nairobi’s overflowing dumpsites but also create numerous jobs in operations, maintenance, and supporting industries, especially for the city’s youth. The initiative aligns with Kenya’s broader vision of promoting green energy solutions and sustainable urban development.
Governor Sakaja emphasized that the project’s advancement reflects Nairobi’s commitment to modern infrastructure and environmental innovation. “We are moving from waste to wealth, turning a long-standing challenge into an opportunity for economic growth and a cleaner city,” he noted.
The signing of this agreement marks a significant step toward realizing Nairobi’s first large-scale waste-to-energy facility. Stakeholders are optimistic that the project will serve as a model for other cities in Kenya and the East African region seeking to combine sustainable energy production with effective waste management.
With construction and implementation now underway, Nairobi residents can look forward to a greener, cleaner, and more economically vibrant city in the coming years.
