Posted on :Friday , 1st March 2024

The Kenyan government has issued an invitation to producers to break free from the constraints of traditional manufacturing and create a new paradigm that incorporates circular design principles.

The Kenya Association of Manufacturers (KAM) in collaboration with the Kenya Private Sector Alliance (KEPSA), the Ministry of Environment, Climate Change and Forestry (MoECCF), the Royal Danish Embassy, the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA), the Danish Industry, and the Government of the Netherlands hosted a cross-sector meeting in Nairobi at which the Principal Secretary of the State Department was giving a speech. The goal of this year's forum was to hasten the shift to a Circular Economy by promoting partnerships, policy discussions, and creative circular business solutions.

The PS stated that the conference in Kenya gave participants a forum to consider and devise practical ways that the private sector might contribute to addressing the triple planetary crisis of pollution, biodiversity loss, and climate change.

Dr. John Wandaka, Vice-Chairman of the KEPSA Environment, Water, and Natural Resources Sector Board, spoke on behalf of the Kenya Private Sector Alliance and emphasized the vital role KEPSA plays in promoting innovation and change in the circular economy. He emphasized KEPSA's commitment to integrating climate action across company value chains by highlighting their initiatives, such as the Kenya Private Sector Strategy on Climate Change Solutions.

He challenged those there to grasp the chance to create new coalitions, spark innovation, and pass laws that will turn the idea of a circular economy into a workable reality. "Our strength lies in our unity, and it is through collaboration between government, industry, and civil society that we shall usher in an era of sustainable prosperity," stated Dr. Wandaka.

While recognizing the particular difficulties small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs) frequently encounter in obtaining funding, Loopworks Ventures' Dr. Michael Kalo emphasized the vital role SMEs play in economic growth and employment creation. We can enable #SMEs to prosper while achieving our sustainability goals by creating financial products that are suited to their needs and encouraging sustainable practices," he said.

The meeting also included a panel discussion on circular business solutions, led by Ebenezer Amadi. A number of business executives promoted sustainable practices, stressing that big changes can start with small but important actions.