CHIPUKIZI MAZINGIRA FANS: Environmentalists in Action
The LIMBUA Foundation addresses this challenge through its initiative CHIPUKIZI MAZINGIRA FANS. In collaboration with 37 partner schools, we involve students in an environmental project that combines awareness with practical solutions. Many of these students come from the families of our contract farmers. As part of the project, the young environmentalists collect non-biodegradable waste and bring it to their school, where LIMBUA organizes proper disposal. This hands-on approach teaches them how recycling and environmental protection go hand in hand.
Students at one of the participating partner schools receive an introduction to the waste collection project
The project name is no coincidence: CHIPUKIZI MAZINGIRA FANS is made up of Swahili words. CHIPUKIZI means "to sprout" or "grow," MAZINGIRA means "environment," and FANS symbolizes the community of supporters. The name expresses the idea of a young generation actively standing up for environmental protection.
The Waste Management Challenge in Rural Kenya
In rural regions, there is no organized municipal waste collection system. Instead, alternative waste disposal approaches exist: while the tea and coffee industries provide collection points for recyclable materials, and traders resell valuable resources, non-biodegradable waste remains a challenge. LIMBUA is working to close this gap by offering a practical and environmentally friendly solution through CHIPUKIZI MAZINGIRA FANS. The goal goes beyond just collecting waste – it’s about creating long-term awareness for sustainable practices.
Quite a pile: non-biodegradable waste collected and ready for pickup by LIMBUA
The Goal: Raise Environmental Awareness and Protect Resources
Plastic and polythene residues can degrade soil quality and contaminate water sources over time. By involving students—many of whom come from farming families—as environmentalists, the project fosters awareness for eco-friendly behavior from a young age. In this way, sustainable practices are passed down across generations.
Student Environmental Ambassadors:
Students collect non-biodegradable waste from their surroundings and bring it to designated school collection points. On project days, the waste is weighed, and students are actively involved in the environmental process. The focus is on making participation fun and meaningful for the children.
Responsible Disposal:
LIMBUA organizes the transport of the collected waste and hands it over to a specialized partner for professional processing.
Local Partnerships:
The collected waste is handed over to Green Pine Agency, a recycling company. Recyclable materials are sorted and processed, while non-recyclables are disposed of safely.
Project Scope & Long-Term Vision
Since its launch in February 2025, 37 partner schools have actively participated, and the project already shows success. Around 200 smallholder families benefit directly from the initiative. Feedback has been overwhelmingly positive—students show strong commitment and look forward to the collection days. Their enthusiasm proves that the project is effective not only on a practical level but also in shifting mindsets toward sustainability.
The program is set to expand further to reach more schools and families. The long-term goal is to establish a sustainable, organized structure for collecting and recycling non-biodegradable materials—one that goes beyond local initiatives and serves as a model for future environmental projects.
Excitement is high—the collected material is weighed
Positive Impact on the Whole Community
This project not only delivers environmental benefits but also strengthens community bonds and promotes regional sustainability:
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Education as the Key to Change: Students learn early on the importance of using resources responsibly—a message they carry into their homes and wider communities.
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Sustainable Disposal over Short-Term Fixes: By integrating waste into a structured disposal system, the project creates long-term impact beyond one-off actions.
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Collective Engagement: The initiative brings together students, schools, and farming communities to develop sustainable solutions together.
Students at a participating primary school bring collected waste for weighing
Personal Perspectives
The project is coordinated by two dedicated LIMBUA staff members through the LIMBUA Foundation. Through close collaboration with schools, teachers, and communities, they ensure the program not only runs smoothly but also delivers lasting impact.
Luka Macharia, LIMBUA’s Demeter & Special Projects Manager, leads the project and integrates it into the company’s sustainability strategy.
"This initiative is not only helping to create a cleaner environment, but also raising awareness about the value of recycling and sustainable practices," he explains.
Bilha Wanjira, LIMBUA Field Admin, coordinates the collection activities, communicates with the schools, and oversees project implementation.
"It's inspiring to see how engaged the students are. Their enthusiasm in collecting and bringing materials to school shows that they truly understand the importance of their contribution," she says.
Bilha Wanjira (center) is one of the project leaders supporting these dedicated young environmentalists
Young Environmentalists: Next Steps and Long-Term Goals
LIMBUA plans to expand the initiative further, bringing in more schools and farming families. The aim is to embed environmental awareness in the community and create a lasting system for collecting and responsibly recycling non-biodegradable waste. Additional partnerships with local recycling firms and environmental initiatives are also being considered to further increase efficiency and impact.
Through its close partnership with schools, CHIPUKIZI MAZINGIRA FANS plays an essential role in building a responsible waste management culture—another important step in protecting agricultural land and preserving the environment for future generations.
Collected waste from a LIMBUA partner school is prepared for pickup on collection day