BahariSafi

BahariSafi advances environmental justice and dignified livelihoods within coastal ecosystems. Implemented in Kilifi County with support from UMI Fund, the project responds to the challenge of mismanagement of organic waste and the marginalisation of informal waste workers.

In Kilifi, organic waste from fish remains and coconut husks from local markets is routinely dumped in public spaces, beaches, and near mangrove ecosystems. According to the National Environment Management Authority, over 60% of solid waste generated in Kenya is organic. When unmanaged, this waste pollutes marine ecosystems, accelerates methane emissions, and exposes informal waste workers to unsafe and undignified working conditions.

BahariSafi addresses this gap by establishing a community-run composting hub that transforms organic waste into biofertilizers while embedding dignity, safety, and recognition into local waste systems. The project directly supports 100 informal youth waste workers (60% women, 10% persons with disabilities) through structured capacity building, provision of personal protective equipment (PPEs), recognition IDs, and worker-led standards of practice. 

BahariSafi envisions a clean, resilient coastal community where organic waste no longer pollutes the ocean, informal waste workers are recognised as circular-economy leaders, and waste systems generate livelihoods while restoring soils and sustaining mangroves. Through people-powered, zero-waste solutions, the project demonstrates how youth-led climate action can deliver both environmental and social justice in Africa.