Oliver Sissey, the youthful CEO and founder of Maragrow Kenya, is transforming biodegradable waste into agricultural opportunity, proving that resilience and ingenuity can thrive even in modest rural settings.
With a bold slogan — “One biodegradable scrap at a time” — Sissey is rewriting the local narrative on sustainability, youth empowerment, and green enterprise.
Sissey’s entrepreneurial journey began modestly, with strawberry and rabbit farming. While exploring the potential of rabbit urine as organic fertiliser, he stumbled upon a far more powerful idea – the untapped wealth hidden in waste.
“I saw value in what others were throwing away,” Sissey recalls. “That’s when the idea for Maragrow was born.”
With land generously provided by his uncle, he set up a waste sorting site. Here, both biodegradable and non-biodegradable waste materials are transformed into products that not only support agriculture but also breathe life into a circular economy.
Sugar wrappers are reborn as planting pots, while organic waste is processed into pig feed.
At the core of this waste management innovation is the black soldier fly, a remarkable insect that consumes waste and is transformed into protein-rich animal feed.
It’s sustainable, efficient, and a game-changer for local farmers raising fish, pigs, and poultry.
But Sissey doesn’t stop there. He integrates Azolla and duckweed – aquatic plants with natural water-purifying abilities – into his system.
“These plants not only clean sewage water but also double as nutrient-rich livestock feed, promoting sustainability at every level,” he said.
Through Maragrow, he has become a champion of regenerative agriculture, actively training youth in poultry farming, vegetable production, and waste management.
Under the Youth Resilient Agriculture programme, funded by the MasterCard Foundation and implemented by Practical Action, he is creating practical pathways for young people to become agricultural entrepreneurs.
Support from organisations like SHOFCO (Shining Hope for Communities) has been instrumental. SHOFCO provides vital grants and loans that help young entrepreneurs scale their enterprises. The County Government of Vihiga has also joined hands to support Maragrow’s mission.
At one point, some government officials mistook our site for a dumping ground. It took a respectful explanation to clear the air,” Sissey narrates with a smile.
Still, the results are undeniable. The local community is witnessing a dramatic shift.
Oliver Liyosi, a young employee at the site, expressed his gratitude for the opportunity.
“We are very happy this project came to our area. Before, it was tough. We had no work, no income, and life was difficult. But now, thanks to Mr. Sissey and the support from the government, we have jobs. Even theft in the village is going down because youth are busy and hopeful again.”
Sissey’s vision is ambitious but grounded. He aims to create 200 new direct jobs and improve over 500 existing livelihoods. He’s determined to increase the adoption of organic fertilisers from less than 5% to over 40% per planting season, dramatically improving farm yields while reducing chemical use.
Despite his success, Sissey faces real challenges. Transporting products, scaling operations, and sourcing uncontaminated waste materials remain logistical headaches.
Inadequate waste segregation complicates operations, as hazardous and biodegradable materials often arrive mixed.
Workers also need better protective gear and safer equipment.
Looking ahead, Oliver Sissey hopes to attract new partners and funding to modernize operations and expand impact.
“Waste isn’t the end,” he says, “It’s the beginning-of jobs, sustainability and hope for our youth,”.
By Joy Avilia and Terry Munikah
