At Taka Taka Zero, our model is centred on converting non-recyclable waste into sustainable energy to address critical challenges in low-income communities. We believe that young people in these communities have the potential to drive meaningful, long-term change but often lack the necessary support and infrastructure. By empowering these youths with employment, we enable them to become the first waste managers in their communities.
Our team collects waste from streets and households, which is then incinerated using the Community Cooker (CC)—an innovative Kenyan technology developed by the Community Cooker Foundation. This environmentally safe process not only eliminates waste but also generates heat, which is used to cook food and boil water. The food products created are sold within the community, generating income to pay our employees. We view waste as a renewable resource that fuels a complex value chain, not only cleaning up the streets but also creating economic opportunities and sustaining the community.