Local Actions, Global Impact – Kiseki’s Commitment to the SDGs in Kenya
In 2015, all United Nations Member States adopted the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, a shared blueprint for peace and prosperity for people and the planet, now and into the future. At its heart are the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), an urgent call for action by all countries – developed and developing – in a global partnership. These goals recognize that ending poverty and other deprivations must go hand-in-hand with strategies that improve health and education, reduce inequality, and spur economic growth – all while tackling climate change and working to preserve our oceans and forests. Kenya has demonstrated a strong commitment to integrating these SDGs into its national development plans and policies. While the SDGs are global in scope, their achievement hinges critically on local actions and the dedicated efforts of organizations on the ground.
At Kiseki (K) LTD, we firmly believe that responsible and innovative waste management is not just an environmental service but a powerful catalyst for sustainable development. Since commencing our operations in 2018, our core mission—to develop and provide sustainable environmental solutions—has been intrinsically linked to many of these global aspirations. Our daily work, from diverting waste from landfills to creating inclusive employment and championing a circular economy, directly contributes to realizing several key SDGs within the Kenyan context. This article explores the tangible ways in which Kiseki (K) LTD’s comprehensive waste management practices are “More Than Waste,” actively fueling Kenya’s progress towards a more sustainable, equitable, and resilient future, as envisioned by the UN SDGs.
Kiseki (K) LTD’s Multifaceted Contributions to the UN Sustainable Development Goals:
Our commitment to “Living Tomorrow Today” is reflected in how our operations and guiding pillars—Sustainability, Innovation, and Ethical Business (Diversification)—align with and advance specific SDGs:
- SDG 1: No Poverty & SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth Kiseki (K) LTD’s operations are a direct source of livelihood and economic empowerment. We provide stable, daily employment for over 101 individuals, with current operations supporting 150 employees every day. This creation of decent work is fundamental to poverty reduction. Crucially, our employment practices demonstrate a strong commitment to inclusivity: “7 of every 10 employees are women” and “9 of every 10 employees are youth”. In the Kenyan context, where women and youth often face higher barriers to formal employment, this focus is particularly impactful. By providing skills development (our affiliation with NITA – National Industrial Training Authority underscores this) and stable incomes, we contribute to improved household well-being and stimulate local economies in the numerous counties where we operate, including Nairobi, Mombasa, Eldoret, Kisii, and Nakuru. Furthermore, the growth of the formal recycling sector, which Kiseki actively supports, generates value from waste materials, fostering new economic activities and contributing to Kenya’s overall Gross Domestic Product (GDP). Our mission to transform “waste materials into high-quality sustainable industry input materials or end-customer user goods” directly fuels economic diversification and value addition.
- SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities The rapid urbanization experienced in Kenya brings immense opportunities but also significant challenges, particularly in waste management. Kiseki (K) LTD plays a vital role in making Kenyan cities and human settlements more inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable. Our most direct contribution is the significant diversion of waste from landfills – an impressive “17.4 Million Tonnes of Total Landfills Avoided” between 2018 and 2024. This reduces the pressure on overburdened municipal landfill sites, minimizes land degradation associated with dumpsites, and lessens localized pollution (air, soil, and water) that can affect urban communities. Our services, including “Solid Waste Management & Disposal,” “Industrial & Hazardous Waste Management,” “Waste Recycling & Upcycling,” “Plastic & Can Recycling,” “Electronic-Waste Management,” and “Events Waste Management Services”, cater to a diverse range of clients such as corporates, contractors, shopping malls, county governments, and NGOs. By ensuring professional and environmentally sound waste management for these entities, we contribute to cleaner, healthier, and more aesthetically pleasing urban environments, enhancing the quality of life for residents. Our specialized “Events Waste Management Services” specifically target re-use, repurposing, recycling, and up-cycling at public and private gatherings, promoting sustainable event practices within cities.
- SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production This goal is at the very heart of Kiseki (K) LTD’s operations and our advocacy for a circular economy. We actively promote responsible consumption and production patterns by providing the infrastructure and services necessary to close material loops. Our extensive recycling activities are a testament to this: “5M Kgs of Recycled Cans & Plastics” and “25.4M Units of Recycled Glass for packaging” processed between 2018-2024. Furthermore, our “Glass Repurposing and Re-use” service, which converts “finished product bottles to consumer-use glasses” (1.6M units converted for drinking), directly embodies the principle of extending product life. Our “New Frontiers” initiative, involving the “Installation of a Commercial professional glass cleaning facility with the capacity to clean 24,000 bph” and the future “Installation of a glass manufacturing facility to complete our cyclic glass management process”, will further strengthen our capacity to support responsible production by providing high-quality recycled content and cleaned, reusable packaging to industries. Our work in “Industrial Waste Management,” helping businesses manage paper, wood, and metallic waste towards compliance with EPR regulations, also encourages producers to take responsibility for their products’ entire lifecycle.
- SDG 13: Climate Action The linkages between waste management and climate change are undeniable and increasingly recognized. Kiseki (K) LTD contributes to climate action in several critical ways:
- Reducing Landfill Emissions: Organic waste decomposing in landfills is a major source of methane, a greenhouse gas significantly more potent than carbon dioxide in the short term. By diverting substantial tonnages of waste from landfills, we directly contribute to reducing these harmful emissions.
- Energy Savings through Recycling: Manufacturing products from recycled materials typically requires far less energy than producing them from virgin resources. For example, recycling aluminum can save up to 95% of the energy needed to make aluminum from bauxite ore. Our recycling of metals, plastics, and glass all contribute to these energy savings, thereby reducing the carbon footprint associated with production.
- Carbon Emission Savings Services: Kiseki (K) LTD explicitly lists “Carbon Emission Savings” as one of its key service areas. While the profile notes that “Consultancy on carbon emission” is still in its infancy stage with plans to onboard key partners, this indicates a strategic direction to help clients quantify and reduce their carbon footprints through better waste management and circular economy practices.
- Sustainable Internal Operations: Our commitment extends to our own operational footprint. We are “Embracing Energy Efficient HVAC systems,” investing in “Renewable Energy integration,” and utilizing a “Passive design Concept” for our 24,000 sq ft state-of-the-art warehouse, all aimed at minimizing our own energy consumption and emissions.
- SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation (Indirect Contribution) While not a direct water service provider, Kiseki’s work in “Industrial & Hazardous Waste Management” is crucial for protecting water resources. The improper disposal of hazardous materials can lead to severe contamination of ground and surface water, threatening both human health and aquatic ecosystems. By ensuring these wastes are handled, treated, and disposed of safely and in compliance with NEMA regulations, we help safeguard Kenya’s precious water sources. Furthermore, effective solid waste management prevents the clogging of urban drainage systems, which can exacerbate flooding and the spread of waterborne diseases, thus indirectly supporting better sanitation.
- SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals The achievement of the ambitious SDG agenda requires robust multi-stakeholder partnerships. Kiseki (K) LTD’s entire operational philosophy and strategy are built on collaboration. Our profile explicitly states our strategy is to “Leverage on the power of partnerships and technology to champion circular economy”. We work closely with:
- Our Clients: A diverse range including corporates, contractors, shopping malls, county governments, and NGOs, developing tailored solutions.
- Esteemed Partners: The profile lists significant partners such as EABL (and its KBL Distributors & Partners), KWAL, Nestle, Skanem, Avoil Industries Ltd, Vintz Plastics Limited, icipe, Artcaffè, and Baker Hughes, showcasing our ability to collaborate with leading national and international organizations.
- Regulatory Bodies: We maintain approvals from NEMA and County authorities and are pursuing ISO certification, ensuring our operations align with national standards. Our professional affiliations include KEPRO (Kenya Extended Producer Responsibility Organisation), NITA, and HAPROK (presumably an association related to recycling or waste management).
- Technology Providers: Our use of “Data centric and automated systems,” “Data banks enhancing collaboration with our partners & last mile tracking,” and systems for “data integrity and in-sights generation for future innovations” indicates partnerships in the technology space to enhance efficiency and impact.
The Interconnected Web of Sustainability: Kiseki’s Holistic Impact
Kiseki (K) LTD’s contribution to the SDGs is not a matter of isolated actions but stems from a holistic and integrated approach to waste management and environmental stewardship. Our three pillars – Sustainability, Innovation, and Ethical Business (Diversification) – serve as guiding principles that ensure our activities generate synergistic positive impacts across multiple development goals. For instance, our innovative approaches to glass recycling not only contribute to SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production) and SDG 13 (Climate Action) but also create jobs (SDG 8) and support cleaner cities (SDG 11). Our ethical commitment to fair and inclusive employment directly advances SDG 1 and SDG 8 while fostering a more equitable society (related to SDG 5: Gender Equality, given the high percentage of women employees, and SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities).
Our vision, “Living Tomorrow Today,” is a profound declaration of our commitment to foresight, proactive problem-solving, and building a future where economic development, social equity, and environmental integrity are not competing interests but mutually reinforcing objectives. As Kiseki (K) LTD continues to expand its operations across Kenya and strategically into East & Central Africa, our potential to contribute to the SDGs will only grow.
Conclusion: Partnering with Kiseki for a Sustainable Development Dividend
The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals provide a universal framework for a better world, and it is through the dedicated actions of organizations like Kiseki (K) LTD that these global aspirations are translated into local realities. Our comprehensive waste management services are far more than a logistical operation; they are an integral part of Kenya’s journey towards achieving sustainable development, fostering climate resilience, promoting social inclusivity, and building a thriving circular economy.
By choosing Kiseki (K) LTD, our partners and clients are not just opting for efficient waste solutions; they are actively investing in a company that is demonstrably contributing to a better future for all Kenyans. They are supporting an enterprise that empowers women and youth, protects natural resources, champions innovation, and operates with the highest ethical standards.
We invite you to explore how your organization can collaborate with Kiseki (K) LTD. Let us work together to manage waste responsibly, create shared value, and accelerate Kenya’s progress towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. Contact us today to learn how our solutions can contribute to your sustainability objectives and help build a more prosperous and resilient Kenya.