In the climate crisis we are globally facing, waste management turns out to be a crucial issue which needs valuable solutions. A key element of this effort is turning waste into green energy, which helps reduce environmental impact while providing a renewable energy source, thus building a sustainable future.
This is the core business of our E4Impact entrepreneur John Irungu, co-founder of Nawasscoal Co. Ltd, a company which is committed to transform waste into valuable resources, driving sustainability and creating a greener future for Kenya and beyond. In particular, it is focused on the recycling of fecal sludge as a sustainable and alternative feedstock for bio-energy and bio-fertilizer.
The entrepreneur joined the last edition of our Accelerator Program in Nairobi in order to scale-up his business, expand his network and improve advance his strategies. During the program he managed to promote NAWASSCOAL’s mission and objectives, positioning the company for future success and sustainability.
“The program has significantly enhanced the skills and professionalism of our staff, leading to more efficient and effective business operations. Moreover, through the implementation of comprehensive marketing training, we have been able to create new market channels, broadening our customer base and increasing sales. The Accelerator has also facilitated the establishment of a rich network of connections both locally and internationally.” he said.
Let’s have a look to the interview we made to John.
1. What services, activities, solutions and/or benefits has your business provided over the last years?
Since its formation, NAWASSCOAL has produced and sold over 700,000 kg of briquettes, benefiting more than 10,000 households and protecting over 10,000 trees. This is equivalent to properly managing over 1 million cubic meters of fecal sludge.
2. Which are the main achievements in the last 3 years and the main desired goals in the next 3 years?
The main achievements are the recognition by the International Water Association (IWA) as the best innovation in fecal sludge management through a circular economy approach, the conduction of pilots for industrial briquettes and seedballs derived from fecal sludge and the beginning of the commercial production of domestic briquettes which successfully penetrated the market.
As regards the next three years we want to scale up the production of industrial briquettes and seedballs from fecal matter, establish the largest tree nursery in the country using fecal sludge and treated wastewater and set up a modern fecal sludge treatment plant in Nakuru, with the aim of replicating it in at least three other counties.
3. How was your business idea born?
The idea of using fecal sludge as an alternative feedstock by NAWASSCOAL originated from the need to find sustainable solutions within the Nakuru Sanitation Programme (NCSP). Supported by the European Union and implemented by NAWASSCO in collaboration with Nakuru County, VEI, SNV, WSUP, Umande Trust, and Egerton University, the NCSP aimed to enhance Nakuru City’s sanitation by ensuring the proper capture, containment, transportation, and treatment of fecal sludge.
Although the use of biomass for bioenergy and bio-fertilizer is well-established in Kenya and globally, heavy reliance on locally available biomass raised concerns about sustainability due to resource competition and depletion. To address these challenges, the project team sought innovative ways to close the sanitation loop, leading to the concept of reusing fecal sludge. This sparked dedicated research and product development, resulting in unique, sustainable solutions that transform waste into valuable resources.
4. What has been the main challenge you had to overcome in your entrepreneurial experience?
Our main challenge was sourcing appropriate technologies for fecal sludge processing due to the lack of benchmarks, coupled with the high cost of investment. However, through extensive research, resource mobilization, and strategic partnerships, we successfully developed innovative solutions to address this challenge. Additionally, there were perception issues regarding the use of fecal sludge-based products, which we addressed through extensive awareness generation, market studies, and customer sensitization, ultimately leading to acceptance and adoption of our products.
5. Could you tell us a particular satisfactory moment you had in your entrepreneurial activity?
One of the most fulfilling moments in my entrepreneurial journey was during the testing phase of our domestic and industrial briquettes. Seeing them outperform traditional fuels both in laboratory tests and practical trials filled me with hope. It was a breakthrough moment that reinforced my belief that there are viable solutions to combat climate change, and that our products are part of that solution.
6. Could you tell us more about the impact you saw in your entrepreneurial environment and the impact you are making in turn and wish to make in the near future, especially for the beneficiaries of your business?
Through our innovative approach to waste management, particularly in converting fecal sludge into valuable resources like briquettes and seedballs, we’ve seen a significant reduction in environmental pollution and a shift towards more sustainable energy sources.
Looking ahead, we aim to amplify our impact even further. Our focus is on scaling up production to reach more households and industries, thereby increasing access to clean energy alternatives while simultaneously reducing greenhouse gas emissions and deforestation. We are also committed to expanding our reach beyond Nakuru County to other regions in Kenya and potentially to other countries facing similar waste management challenges. Ultimately, our goal is to continue empowering communities, especially those in low-income areas, by providing affordable and eco-friendly energy solutions.
7. In your opinion, what are the main qualities an entrepreneur should have?
I think an entrepreneur should be resilient, creative and innovative, while also having strong skills in effective communication and collaboration is essential.
8. Is there a person you are inspired by, like an entrepreneur or a particular mentor?
Chris Kirubi‘s entrepreneurial journey exemplifies resilience and creativity, serving as an inspiration for me and aspiring entrepreneurs.
9. Finally, what would you suggest to a new-born entrepreneur?
For a new-born entrepreneur, I would suggest fostering resilience, embracing creativity, and seeking mentorship to navigate the challenges and opportunities ahead.
10. Any final comment/suggestion you’d like to share?
I highly recommend aspiring entrepreneurs to consider participating in accelerator programs like E4Impact’s, as they offer inestimable opportunities for capacity building, networking, and access to resources that can significantly accelerate business growth and success.
