A young Kenyan lawyer has won the 2021 Sankalp Africa Award for his effort in tackling development challenges in Kenya.
Boniface Mbithi, who is the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment Centre (WEEE Center), was recognized for the contribution and impact his company has had in the society.
The Sankalp Awards is an annual event that seeks to showcase and promote innovation of successful business in Africa.
Mbithi graduated with a law degree from the Catholic University of Kenya in 2014, before joining the Kenya School of Law for 2 years.
Mbithi is also an expert in e-waste recycling and circular economy and has in the past worked with information technology companies, Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) and players in the service industry.
The lawyer was in the past also listed among the top 35 under 35 Kenyans, an award that sought to recognize youths involved in leadership, governance and empowerment development advocacy.
WEEE Center has created over 600 green jobs and managed over 10,000 tonnes of e-waste in Kenya.
According to Mbithi, it was very necessary for WEEE to take part in the government's effort to manage e-waste while at the same time creating awareness about it.
“We stepped in to offer proper ways of e-waste management using technology and through creating awareness,” Mbithi said.
After winning the 2021 Sankalp award, WEEE will meet Investors, Development Finance Institutions (DFIs) and multilateral corporate practitioners to pitch ideas that put them in a good position for financial aid.
In this years’ Sankalp Awards, Iyeza Express of South African emerged the winner in the health category while Tanzania’s natural oil processing enterprise became the second runner's up.
Arielle Molino, Sankalp Lead in Africa, said that the forum focuses on solving problems with modern technology while at the same time encouraging innovations amongst the youths.
“Sankalp Forum is one of our largest initiatives that aim to bring the community together to help solve the problems that face us through cutting-edge innovation and high potential entrepreneurship,” said Molino.
Molino also added that improper disposal of electronic waste involves throwing them in the dumpsite and burning them. This should be avoided completely as it has a tendency of resulting in toxins resulting in elevated risks of cancer.
