Kenya - Business creation project

Describe your project or startup in a few words

BinKijani is a digital platform connecting households and businesses with relevant waste management and recycling services while offering education and incentives for proper waste sorting and disposal.

01.01 Describe your project in more detail

BinKijani is a digital solution that connects households and businesses in Kenya with local waste management companies and recycling facilities. The platform features a user-friendly mobile app and web interface that encourages proper waste sorting and disposal through an incentive system, educational content, and gamification elements. BinKijani partners with environmentally conscious organizations to offer rewards for sustainable waste management practices. BinKijani also offers real-time feedback on users' environmental impact to promote environmentally conscious living.

01.02 What is the main problem you are trying to solve?

The main problem addressed by BinKijani is the lack of proper waste sorting and disposal practices in Kenya. This mismanagement leads to missed opportunities for recycling, increased waste in landfills, and environmental degradation. This poses immediate environmental hazards and long-term negative impacts on soil fertility, water quality, and biodiversity. BinKijani seeks to tackle these challenges by making it easier and more rewarding for households and businesses to adopt sustainable waste management habits. This includes waste sorting at the source, education content, gamification, and engagement in proper waste management. The aim is to cultivate a sense of environmental stewardship and responsibility in Kenya.

01.03 Tell us the major benefits and/or advantages of using the product/service that your project intends to provide (at least 3).

1. Simplified waste sorting: BinKijani provides users with clear guidelines and a user-friendly interface for sorting their waste to encourage the adoption of sustainable waste management practices. 2. Convenience: BinKijani makes it easy for users to schedule waste pickups, learn about proper waste sorting, connect with recycling facilities, and track their waste management efforts. 3. Incentives: Users earn points for sustainable waste management practices, which can be redeemed for rewards such as discounts, free services, or eco-friendly products. 4. Education and awareness: BinKijani provides users with valuable information and resources on sustainable waste management practices through educational content and gamification to raise awareness of the importance of reducing, reusing, and recycling. 5. Environmental impact: BinKijani helps reduce waste in landfills, conserve resources, and lower greenhouse gas emissions by promoting proper waste sorting and recycling.

01.04 Please describe who exactly your project is aimed at serving. Who are the targeted beneficiaries?

BinKijani is aimed at serving households and businesses in Kenya who want to adopt sustainable waste management practices. The targeted beneficiaries include environmentally conscious individuals, families, and organizations who are looking for convenient and rewarding ways to reduce their waste footprint and contribute to a cleaner, greener Kenya.

01.05 When did you start working on your project?

2023-05-29

01.06 How many other partners are associated with your business venture?

3

01.07 Among the other partners, how many are female?

1

01.08 Please describe the profile of each of the other partners (skills, experience, etc.)

1. Miriam Muthui, Nurse: 4 years of experience in healthcare, with a passion for community outreach and promoting public health through environmental initiatives. 2. Jones Lukorito, Software Engineer: 4 years of experience in web and mobile app development, with expertise in user experience design and agile methodologies. 3. Felix Kipng'etich, Conservationist: 6 years of experience in environmental conservation projects, with a focus on wildlife and sustainability education.

01.09 If you have a website, a social media page (Facebook, Instagram, Linkedin…), or app, please provide the link here:

01.10 Which industry best describes your project?

h) IT (digital services, equipment and software)

02.01.01 My project contributes to the No poverty goal

5

02.01.02 No poverty - Justification

BinKijani indirectly contributes to poverty reduction by creating job opportunities in the waste management and recycling sectors, providing additional income streams for households through rewards for proper waste sorting, and promoting a cleaner environment that can lead to improved health outcomes and economic productivity.

02.02.01 My project contributes to the Zero hunger goal

2

02.02.02 Zero hunger - Justification

02.03.01 My project contributes to the Good health and well-being goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.03.02 Good health and well-being - Justification

BinKijani promotes good health and well-being by encouraging proper waste management practices, which reduce the spread of diseases caused by unsanitary conditions. By having a nurse as one of our partners with experience in community outreach and public health, the project aims to raise awareness about the health benefits of a clean environment and provide education on waste management's role in disease prevention.

02.04.01 My project contributes to the Quality education goal

6

02.04.02 Quality education - Justification

BinKijani contributes to quality education by providing users with valuable information and resources on sustainable waste management practices thus promoting lifelong learning opportunities related to environmental stewardship and responsible consumption.

02.05.01 My project contributes to the Gender equality goal

5

02.05.02 Gender equality - Justification

BinKijani promotes gender equality by involving women in leadership roles and encouraging female participation in the waste management and recycling sectors. The project aims to empower women by providing them with equal opportunities for employment, entrepreneurship, and decision-making in the green economy.

02.06.01 My project contributes to the Clean water and sanitation goal

6

02.06.02 Clean water and sanitation - Justification

BinKijani contributes to clean water and sanitation by promoting proper waste management practices. This reduce the risk of water pollution caused by improper waste disposal. By encouraging recycling and waste reduction, the project helps conserve water resources and maintain the cleanliness of water bodies.

02.07.01 My project contributes to the Affordable and clean energy goal

2

02.07.02 Affordable and clean energy - Justification

02.08.01 My project contributes to the Decent work and economic growth

6

02.08.02 Decent work and economic growth - Justification

BinKijani promotes decent work and economic growth by creating green job opportunities in the waste management and recycling sectors, stimulating the local economy, and encouraging sustainable business practices. The project's focus on waste reduction and resource efficiency contributes to sustainable economic growth.

02.09.01 My project contributes to the Industry innovation and infrastructure

7 - Strongly Agree

02.09.02 Industry innovation and infrastructure - Justification

BinKijani fosters innovation in the waste management industry by introducing a digital platform that connects households, businesses, and waste management companies to streamline the waste sorting and collection process. The project's use of technology, such as mobile apps and web interfaces, helps build resilient infrastructure for sustainable waste management.

02.10.01 My project contributes to the Reduced inequalities goal

5

02.10.02 Reduced inequalities - Justification

BinKijani helps reduce inequalities by providing equal access to waste management services and recycling opportunities for households and businesses in different socio-economic backgrounds. The project's reward system offers financial incentives for proper waste sorting thus also benefiting low-income communities and promoting inclusive growth.

02.11.01 My project contributes to the Sustainable cities and communities goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.11.02 Sustainable cities and communities - Justification

BinKijani directly contributes to the Sustainable Cities and Communities goal by promoting sustainable waste management practices, reducing waste in landfills, and encouraging recycling. By connecting households and businesses with waste management and recycling services, the platform helps create cleaner, more sustainable cities and communities in Kenya.

02.12.01 My project contributes to the Responsible consumption and production goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.12.02 Responsible consumption and production - Justification

BinKijani promotes responsible consumption and production by encouraging users to properly sort and dispose of their waste, reducing the demand for raw materials and minimizing the environmental impact of waste. By incentivizing sustainable waste management practices and providing educational content, the platform helps foster a culture of responsible consumption and production in Kenya.

02.13.01 My project contributes to the Climate action goal

6

02.13.02 Climate action - Justification

By reducing waste in landfills and promoting recycling, the Waste Management and Recycling Platform indirectly contributes to climate action. Proper waste management and recycling help lower greenhouse gas emissions associated with landfills and the production of new materials from raw resources.

02.14.01 My project contributes to the Life below water goal

6

02.14.02 Life below water - Justification

BinKijani contributes to the conservation of marine resources by reducing the amount of waste that ends up in rivers, oceans, and other water bodies. By promoting proper waste management and recycling, the project helps prevent the pollution of water bodies and thus protecting aquatic ecosystems.

02.15.01 My project contributes to the Life on land goal

6

02.15.02 Life on land - Justification

BinKijani promotes the sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems by reducing waste in landfills, conserving natural resources through recycling, and promoting responsible consumption. The project aims to combat land degradation and protect biodiversity by encouraging proper waste management.

02.16.01 My project contributes to the Peace justice and strong institutions goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.16.02 Peace justice and strong institutions - Justification

BinKijani contributes to the building of stronger institutions by fostering partnerships between households, businesses, waste management companies, and recycling facilities. The project promotes transparency and accountability in the waste management sector thus encouraging peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development.

02.17.01 My project contributes to the Partnerships for the goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.17.02 Partnerships for the goal - Justification

BinKijani actively promotes partnerships for sustainable development by collaborating with various stakeholders, including households, businesses, waste management companies, recycling facilities, and environmentally conscious organizations. The project leverages these partnerships to achieve its aims of promoting more sustainable waste management practices in addition to contributing to creating a greener and cleaner environment.

05.01 There are a large number of customers who already use a product/service very similar to the product/service we envision creating.

2

05.02 The product/service we envision creating represents an entirely new type of product/service.

7 - Strongly Agree

05.03 The product/service we envision creating could be described as a new technology.

7 - Strongly Agree

05.04 The product/service we envision creating is an improvement on an existing product or service.

4

05.05 The product/service we envision creating could be described as an extension of a range of products or services.

6

05.06 The product/service we envision creating responds to a demand or need that has not been satisfied by other products/services.

7 - Strongly Agree

05.07 The product/service we envision creating is a new version of an old product/service.

1 - Strongly Disagree

05.08 Justification

BinKijani is an innovative solution that improves upon existing waste management and recycling services by integrating them into a user-friendly digital platform. While waste management and recycling services exist in Kenya, the platform responds to the unmet need for a convenient, incentive-driven system that encourages widespread adoption of sustainable waste management practices.

05.09 Who are your main potential competitors and what makes you stand out from them?

The main potential competitors are existing waste management companies and recycling facilities in Kenya. However, the BinKijani stands out by offering a comprehensive, user-centric digital solution that combines convenience, incentives, education, and real-time feedback to drive behavior change and promote sustainable waste management practices on a large scale.

10.06 Are you initiating actions within your community to promote the role of female entrepreneurs?

Yes, BinKijani is committed to promoting the role of female entrepreneurs in the waste management and recycling sectors. We actively seek out and engage women-led waste management companies and recycling facilities as partners and will provide them with increased visibility and business opportunities through our platform. Additionally, we host workshops and training sessions specifically designed for female entrepreneurs with a focus on topics such as business management, financial literacy, and leadership skills. BinKijani aims to inspire and empower more women to pursue entrepreneurship in the sustainable waste management industry by showcasing success stories of women in the green economy and offering mentorship programs.