By Kamadi Amata

August 1, 2025

As negotiations for a global plastics treaty kick off in Geneva, Kenyan waste pickers are calling for a just transition that recognizes their vital role in the fight against plastic pollution.

The second session of the fifth Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC-5.2) runs from August 5–14, 2025, and aims to finalize an ambitious agreement to curb plastic waste worldwide.

“We Are the Backbone of Recycling”

Brian Gisore Nyabuti, Chairman of the Kenya National Waste Pickers Welfare Association, delivered a strong message ahead of the talks:

“In Kenya, waste pickers collect, sort, and recycle up to 60% of the plastics that would otherwise choke our rivers, pollute our soils, and harm our communities,” Nyabuti said. “Yet we work in hazardous conditions, without protective gear, fair pay, or recognition. This must change.”

From Dandora dumpsite in Nairobi to the streets of Mombasa, thousands of waste pickers keep plastics out of the environment but remain largely invisible in policy discussions.

What Waste Pickers Want in the Treaty

The waste pickers’ delegation is pushing for:

• Formal recognition in treaty text
• Integration into waste management systems with fair wages and safe conditions
• Social protections such as healthcare, accident insurance, and paid sick leave
• Funding through Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) to support cooperatives and training

Nyabuti also rejected plastic credits and other market-driven solutions, warning they risk exploiting workers without reducing pollution.

A Call to Global Leaders

“Waste pickers are not just part of the solution—we are the solution,” Nyabuti declared. “We are ready to partner with governments, industries, and civil society to build a world free from plastic pollution. But we cannot do it alone. Fund our work. Protect our rights. Include us in your plans.”

The INC-5.2 talks are seen as a historic opportunity to cap plastic production, eliminate toxic chemicals, and build a circular economy. Waste pickers insist their voices must be included to make the treaty truly fair and effective.