TİKA’s “Zero Food Waste” Initiative in Kenya

Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TİKA) donated a refrigerated “Zero Food Waste” truck to Food Banking Kenya as part of its efforts to combat food waste and enhance food security in the country.

The truck was officially handed over during a ceremony held at the Food Banking Kenya warehouse in Nairobi.

Attendees included TİKA’s First Legal Counselor, Nergis Sağlık; TİKA’s Coordinator in Nairobi, Yasemin Cansuz Kurt; Food Banking Kenya Chairman, John Gitau; Business Development Director, Moses Nyoro and numerous beneficiaries.

This project focuses on “second harvesting” fresh fruits and vegetables left behind in the fields of small-scale farmers across various Kenyan provinces. These surplus crops, which would otherwise go to waste, will be collected by volunteers and distributed to families in need, boarding schools, and orphanages.

Preventing food waste

Speaking at the ceremony, TİKA’s First Legal Counselor, Nergis Sağlık expressed her satisfaction with the implementation of the Zero Waste Project in Kenya. Originally launched by Türkiye in 2017, the initiative has received international recognition and awards.

Sağlık emphasized that the refrigerated truck provided by TİKA will help prevent food waste during harvest and ensure that fresh produce is delivered to those in need efficiently and in optimal condition.

Contributing to sustainable development goals

Mr. John Gitau, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Food Banking Kenya, highlighted that the support provided by TİKA aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG-2, “Zero Hunger”; and SDG-12, “Responsible Consumption and Production”.

Gitau emphasized that the refrigerated truck supplied through TİKA’s support is expected to save 140,000 tons of fresh fruits and vegetables from being wasted within three months.

At the conclusion of the ceremony, a plaque of appreciation was presented to TİKA on behalf of Food Banking Kenya in recognition of its valuable contribution.