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In the bustling town of Ruiru, Kiambu County, innovation is quietly transforming waste into opportunity. Ecorich Solutions, a youth-led social enterprise, is breathing new life into what others discard, transforming garbage and organic waste into organic fertiliser to enhance food security and environmental restoration.
In November 2025, KCDF witnessed firsthand how a bold idea, backed by determination and support, had grown into a thriving example of sustainable entrepreneurship.
Ecorich Solutions is one of the awardees of the Young Environmental Innovators Challenge (YEIC), an initiative that supports young Kenyans with innovative solutions that address environmental challenges in their communities.
The enterprise received a total award of KES 5 million, with KES 2.5 million disbursed so far. Even with half of the funds, the transformation they’ve achieved is nothing short of remarkable.
This initial support enabled the team to set up a production unit, purchase advanced machinery, and strengthen their organisational systems.
Ecorich collects household and market waste, food scraps, peels, and organic matter, and processes it into organic fertiliser that rejuvenates soils and boosts yields for farmers.
What started as a modest operation with a 50 kg machine producing just two bags a day has now evolved into a dynamic production hub.
Through KCDF and YEIC’s financial and technical guidance, Ecorich scaled up to operate a 500 kg electric-powered machine and, more recently, a new 800 kg solar-powered unit, now churning out 32 bags of fertiliser daily. The profits from selling fertiliser produced by their 500 kg electric-powered machine, which generated 20 bags a day, enabled them to purchase an 800 kg solar-powered unit and establish a new fertiliser production facility.
But Ecorich Solutions’ growth story is not just about machines and production figures. It’s about the ripple effect their innovation has had on people, on livelihoods, on hope, and on the environment.
The company’s daily sales have risen from KES 2,000 to over KES 64,000, a growth that has transformed both their business and the lives of those who work with them. Ecorich has created employment for two machine operators, five women who sort waste, four link operators, and two managerial staff members, each with a story of empowerment behind their role. Many of these women, previously unemployed, now have a steady source of income and a renewed sense of dignity, all while contributing to a cleaner environment.
Their market reach tells an equally powerful story. From humble beginnings with a single distributor per county, Ecorich Solutions now boasts seven distributors in Machakos, 22 in Kiambu, 15 in Murang’a, and 16 in Nyandarua Counties. Farmers across these regions have embraced their product, not just because it’s eco-friendly, but because it works. To date, more than 10,000 farmers have benefited from Ecorich Solutions’ fertiliser, and 7,000 returning customers stand as a testament to its effectiveness. In Machakos County, where soil acidity has long affected yields, the fertiliser has become a game-changer, restoring productivity and hope.
During the visit, Emilly Omudho, KCDF’s Programmes Team Lead, engaged deeply with the Ecorich Solutions team. Together, they reflected on the journey so far, including the milestones, challenges, and lessons learned. Emily offered practical guidance on strategies for sustainable growth and emphasised the importance of strengthening internal systems.
She advised the team to hold regular weekly meetings with staff to discuss challenges, celebrate progress, and identify new opportunities.
The visit was a learning moment for both Ecorich Solutions and KCDF, reaffirming how young innovators, when trusted and supported, can drive real change from the ground up. “It was an eye-opening experience for both KCDF and Ecorich,” Emilly reflected. “Their passion, resilience, and innovation show the immense potential of youth-led solutions in tackling environmental and economic challenges.”
Reflecting on their journey, Robinson Irekwa, Head of Research and Development at Ecorich Solutions, shared:
“Thanks to the Participatory Organisational Capacity Assessment (POCA) tool that KCDF introduced to us, we have been able to realise so many gaps in our structure and addressing them has enabled us to seek partnerships with other organisations confidently. We have also been able to get more partnership opportunities thanks to this, and because of winning the Young Environmental Innovative Challenge.”
For Ecorich Solutions, the story is still being written. The remaining funding from YEIC will be used to scale up production even further, invest in research and innovation, and expand their reach to more countries. But beyond the figures and the machines, what stands out most is the spirit behind the enterprise, a belief that Kenya’s environmental challenges hold within them the seeds of opportunity.
Through dedication, mentorship, and partnership, Ecorich Solutions is proving that youth-driven innovation can not only clean the environment but also create jobs, empower communities, and enrich the land that sustains us all.
#organicfertiliser #environmentconservation #youthled #communityleddevelopment
