BGN
Brian Gisore Nyabuti
Kenya National Waste Pickers Welfare Association
Chairman
https://www.linkedin.com/in/gisore-nyabuti-knwpwa?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=android_app
Description
Autobiography of Brian Gisore Nyabuti
A Journey Rooted in Purpose
I, Brian Gisore Nyabuti, was born and raised in the Kibera slums, where my journey as an environmentalist began at a very young age. Growing up, at around the age of nine, I made my first steps as a waste picker, finding and collecting scrap metal to sell. To collect as much as possible, we used old speaker magnets to fish out metal nails and pieces from drainage, rivers, and places that used firewood for cooking. We only sold metals then, and for me, it was a way to earn a little money after school and on weekends, a side hustle that exposed me to the vast potential of waste as a resource.
As I grew older, I realized that the challenges we face are not just about protecting the earth but about ensuring that every person has the opportunity to live with dignity and respect. This dual focus on environmentalism and human rights became the cornerstone of my life's work.
Innovating for Change
At the age of 17, I started my own organization, Slums Going Green and Clean, driven by my belief that if you empower the community itself, they will take charge and craft solutions that best suit everyone’s needs. The conditions in Kibera were terrible. Piles of garbage, no formal waste collection, and a marginalized community struggling to make ends meet. Within this chaos, I saw an opportunity to transform waste from a problem into a resource and to uplift the people most affected by it.
Our first project was simple, we developed a system that allowed waste pickers to collect, sort, and recycle materials more efficiently. The aim was not only to reduce the amount of waste ending up in landfills but also to provide a sustainable income for the waste pickers. Over time, our work has expanded to incorporate new methods and approaches to make waste management more effective and scalable in efforts to achieve a fully circular economy.
In 2019, we formed the Nairobi Waste Pickers Welfare Association to unify and protect the interests of waste pickers in the city. One year later, this effort led to the creation of the Kenya National Waste Pickers Welfare Association, where I serve as Secretary General. This platform has allowed us to be the voice for waste pickers across the nation, ensuring their rights and interests are recognized and protected within the circular economy.
Our work garnered recognition, and Slums Going Green and Clean was awarded the Best Environmental NGO in Kibera. This accolade was a testament to the impact we were making on both the environment and the lives of those in the community. Winning multiple awards for our works further solidified our position as a leader in the field.
Empowering the Unseen
As our programs slowly grew, so did my understanding of the challenges faced by waste pickers. Working in dangerous conditions for peanuts, these individuals are the backbone of our recycling efforts, yet they remain invisible to the rest of society. It became clear to me that empowering these workers was not just an environmental issue but a human rights imperative.
I have always been about more than just waste management, giving people agency and dignity has always been a fundamental responsibility to me. Empowering waste pickers to be part of the solution has been a driving force behind my efforts. I have developed sustainable systems where waste pickers are integral to waste management, not as marginalized workers but as contributors to a greener future.
Leadership and Recognition
In recognition of our work, I was honored to be appointed as the Secretary General of the Kenya National Waste Pickers Welfare Association. This role allowed me to advocate more effectively for the rights and recognition of waste pickers within the circular economy. Our efforts to bridge the gap between policy and what's on the ground have ensured that the voices of waste pickers are heard in the corridors of power.
In 2021, my contributions were acknowledged by the Kenya Association of Manufacturers. This accolade was a testament to our success in integrating waste pickers into the formal economy and underscored the importance of our work in the broader context of environmental sustainability in Kenya.
In addition to my work locally, I have had the opportunity to collaborate with international players and experts on waste management and human rights. These partnerships have allowed us to learn from best practices around the world and to share our experiences and innovations with others. In 2024 I received the Youth Eco-Warrior Award from KePRO at the SPICE awards while my organization SGGC was awarded as well. We also got awards and recognitions from KEPSA, CFK, SHOFCO, NCC and more.
In 2025 September I was honored to be elected the national coordinator or chairman serving more than 46,000 members.
A Lifelong Learner and Visionary
An avid reader, I continually expand my knowledge by staying updated on the latest trends in sustainability and innovation through books, podcasts and various media sources. My thirst for knowledge is matched by my desire to share it, making me a sought-after speaker for engagements that require an understanding of the circular economy, community development and the role of marginalized communities in them.
Leadership, to me, is about more than just guiding others; it’s about learning constantly and sharing that knowledge. Throughout my journey, I’ve sought to educate myself on the complexities of waste management, environmental policy, and human rights. This knowledge has informed our strategies and strengthened our impact.
Looking Forward
As I reflect on the past few years, I’m humbled yet proud of what we’ve accomplished. But I know our work is far from over. The challenges we face, degradation, social inequality, and economic injustice, are vast, but so is the potential for change.
I remain committed to this mission, to continue innovating, advocating, and leading. Together, with the communities we serve, I believe we can build a zero waste society, where every person’s rights are upheld, and where our planet thrives for generations to come.
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