Kilifi Women Turn Coconut Waste Into Zero-Waste Enterprise

Women in Kilifi County have developed a community enterprise that turns coconut waste into income while promoting environmental sustainability. The Garithe Mangrove Conservation and Nuts Value Addition Initiative started in 2009 as a small self-help group.

Founder Getrude Uba Kombora recalls how farmers sold mature coconuts at very low prices or discarded them when they had no water. The group began manual processing of coconut oil with limited equipment. Early production reached only about 20 litres per month.

Support from the Kenya Climate Innovation Centre through its Agribiz Programme in 2023 changed the trajectory. Training covered value addition, financial management and marketing. Guidance on Kenya Bureau of Standards certification and market linkages followed.

Infrastructure improvements included a new operations facility and a cold press machine. Production has grown dramatically. The group now makes more than 600 litres of coconut oil per week under the Lainisha brand. Members process about 100 coconuts daily and earn up to Sh400 each.

The initiative follows a zero-waste approach. Coconut shells are carbonised into smokeless cooking briquettes. This reduces pressure on mangrove firewood. Husks are tested for use in mats and ropes. Ash from processing serves as organic fertiliser for local farms.

The model supports more than 30 women members. It also includes mangrove conservation efforts in northern Malindi and Watamu. These activities protect coastlines and support marine biodiversity.

Solar drying technology donated by the Micro Enterprises Support Programme Trust has improved product consistency and cut post-harvest losses. The group now sells packaged oil and explores expansion into urban markets.

Challenges persist. Consistent raw material supply and market competition from imports remain issues. Getrude says an upcycling machine could multiply processing capacity and create jobs for 50 more women.

The enterprise demonstrates how community groups can reclaim value from abundant local resources. It combines economic gains with environmental goals in the coastal coconut economy.