This study examines the management of municipal solid waste (focusing on the organic fraction) in the urban areas of Nairobi, Kenya, and Italy through a comparative analysis of current technologies, regulatory frameworks, and institutional practices. It analyses the significant yet underutilized potential of anaerobic digestion (AD) in Kenya, particularly in the urban area of Nairobi, where abundant organic waste derived from household, food, animal, agricultural, municipal, and wastewater streams offer promising opportunities for sustainable waste-to-energy recovery. According to estimates reported by the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA), 2024 Kenya generates approximately 22,000 tons of municipal solid waste per day, while Italy generates more than 82,000 tons daily.