Meru Governor Mutuma M’Ethinkia, Embu Governor Cecily Mbarire, and Tharaka Nithi Governor Muthomi Njuki display the MoU after signing
In a major step toward regional collaboration and environmental sustainability, the Governors of Embu, Meru, and Tharaka Nithi counties have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to jointly establish a waste processing and recycling plant, aiming to transform waste management across the Mt. Kenya East region.
The signing ceremony, held at the Tharaka Nithi County Headquarters in Kathwana, brought together Embu Governor Cecily Mbarire, Meru Governor Mutuma M’Ethinkia, and Tharaka Nithi Governor Muthomi Njuki, who jointly reaffirmed their commitment to advancing sustainable development through a circular economy approach.
Governor Mbarire said the initiative marks the beginning of a new era of inter-county cooperation anchored on innovation, environmental stewardship, and economic transformation.
“Unity builds synergies, and that is what has brought us together as the Mt. Kenya East counties to manage waste responsibly through recycling and transformation into bio-friendly products,” she said. “Through this partnership, we are not just solving a waste problem, but creating opportunities for clean energy, green jobs, and sustainable livelihoods.”
Meru Governor Mutuma M’Ethinkia, Embu Governor Cecily Mbarire, and Tharaka Nithi Governor Muthomi Njuki signing the MoU
The MoU provides a framework for collaboration among the three counties and their development partners in establishing a regional waste recycling and processing facility. The plant will convert waste into reusable materials and clean energy, promoting environmental conservation while reducing pollution.
Tharaka Nithi Governor Muthomi Njuki hailed the agreement as a practical example of devolution delivering tangible results for citizens.
“For years, waste management has been a public health and environmental concern. Today, we are turning that challenge into an opportunity for innovation, sustainability, and shared prosperity,” he said.
Meru Governor Mutuma M’Ethikia emphasised the importance of regional cooperation in addressing environmental challenges that transcend county borders.
“This partnership is about shared responsibility. It’s about protecting our ecosystems, empowering our youth through green jobs, and ensuring that Mt. Kenya East leads the way in sustainable development,” he stated.
The joint project is expected to reduce landfill waste, boost recycling capacity, and improve environmental health across the three counties. It also aligns with Kenya’s national sustainable waste management agenda and global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly those focused on climate action, clean energy, and responsible consumption and production.
Embu County will take the lead in coordination, with all three counties committing to harnessing innovation, investment, and community participation to ensure the success of the initiative.
“Together,” Governor Mbarire concluded, “we are transforming waste into wealth, challenges into opportunities, and partnerships into prosperity for our people.”
