Transforming Sanitation in Malindi: A Collaborative Milestone
Since 2019, we’ve been thrilled to lead Malindi’s ambitious journey towards City-Wide Inclusive Sanitation (CWIS). The city has already made significant strides in expanding non-sewered sanitation services, ensuring more residents have access to safe, reliable sanitation. Now, with the Malindi Treatment Plant Project, we’re delivering the critical final piece—a cutting-edge facility to safely manage and treat waste. Alongside key partners like Design Master Plan (DMP), Studio Galli Ingegneria (SGI), Abgale Contractors, and Sanivation, we are turning this vision into a reality, creating a lasting impact for the city and setting a new standard for sustainable sanitation.
Originally a $1 million initiative, the Malindi Treatment Plant Project has been reimagined and expanded to an $8 million endeavour serving both Malindi and Watamu with state of the art waste treatment and reuse. The initial scope of the project was limited to a sludge handling facility, but it has since evolved into a waste-to-value treatment plant that can not only cover its own operational costs but also generate revenue, thereby lessening the operational burden on the utility. This leap in scope, which Sanivation designed in 2021, represents our commitment to pushing boundaries in sanitation and delivering meaningful, lasting impacts.
Catalyzing Change for Malindi
MAWASCO, supported by the World Bank, identified an opportunity to enhance the project’s scope and effectiveness. The primary focus was on establishing project sustainability by creating revenue streams from waste to offset operational expenses. This approach ensures long-term access to safely managed sanitation for beneficiaries in Malindi and Watamu. The redesign of the project was subsequently entrusted to Design Master Plan, SGI, and Sanivation to actualize this potential.
The tangible impacts of the Malindi project are already evident, and we’re only just beginning. The expanded treatment plant will serve hundreds of thousands of residents across Malindi and Watamu, improving public health and contributing to environmental sustainability. Beyond the immediate benefits of safe waste treatment, the project will have long-term ripple effects, including:
- Increased capacity for waste management: About 3000 tons per month of faecal sludge will be safely treated between the two plants, protecting the local environment.
- CO2 emissions reduction: Through the conversion of waste into solid fuel, the facility will make a substantial contribution to carbon offsets, thereby aiding in the reduction of climate impact. It is anticipated that the plant will produce approximately 1,000 tons of solid fuel per month and offset around 2,200 tons per month of CO2 equivalent.
- Community health and safety: Improved sanitation facilities can reduce disease transmission and enhance residents’ overall quality of life.
Through collaboration with the DMP, SGI, and Sanivation, we have tackled the sanitation challenges and broader sustainability objectives in the area. Our strategy involves the integration of waste-to-value technologies, specifically the conversion of faecal sludge into energy, to facilitate the establishment of a circular economy model. This innovative approach not only minimizes the environmental footprint of waste but also delivers economic advantages for the local communities.
Navigating Challenges to Deliver Results
The project partners have been steadfast in ensuring that this project meets expectations. Challenges have naturally emerged—from operational delays to complex decision-making processes. Still, we’ve used each obstacle to reinforce our dedication to quality and long-term impact.
We are delighted to see how our commitment to operational excellence and waste-to-value systems has resonated with stakeholders. From local leaders to international funders like the World Bank, the shared enthusiasm for creating a sustainable sanitation model has kept the momentum strong. We believe that delays are not just hurdles but a valuable opportunity to ensure that the infrastructure is robust and delivers lasting benefits to the people of Malindi.
Looking Forward: A Growing Legacy of Impact
“Sanitation has been an underexplored area in Malindi. With this project, we will have the opportunity to unlock its potential—not only by generating income but also by elevating the dignity of our community through improved sanitation solutions. We’re tackling major environmental challenges caused by wastewater and sludge while tapping into the full value chain, from water management to sanitation and beyond.”
— Isaac Chibule, Technical Manager, MAWASCO
Together with Sanivation and our partners, we are equipping the community with the tools and knowledge to maintain these gains well into the future.
This project represents the future of sanitation in fast-growing cities like Malindi. It’s about collaboration, innovation, and sustainable solutions with a far-reaching impact. With the continued support of stakeholders at every level—local and international, public and private—the project is well-positioned to serve as a model for similar initiatives across the continent.
The excitement around this project comes from its potential to showcase how integrated, scalable sanitation solutions can drive significant environmental and social benefits. The World Bank’s enthusiastic support underscores the broader importance of initiatives like these for Malindi and the global conversation on waste-to-value solutions.
Mr. Felix Wanje, our Managing Director, eloquently stated, “We have seen a positive impact on the community and environment. Today, people can access good toilets instead of going to the forests. This makes them healthier and is good for the environment.” These words capture the essence of what we aim to achieve: a healthier, more sustainable future through the power of innovative sanitation solutions.
This project marks a major leap for Malindi and Watamu, demonstrating the power of collaboration and innovation in transforming sanitation. As we approach the final stages, we’re excited to share more milestones and the full impact of the Malindi FSTPW2V. Follow along for updates as we near completion and bring lasting change to the region’s communities.