Could Kenya benefit from a more circular economy?

As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to have a significant impact on economies across the globe, countries are exploring innovative solutions to aid in their recovery. In Kenya, the concept of a circular economy has gained prominence as a potential avenue for economic growth and sustainability. CNBC Africa recently spoke with Joyce Gachugi Waweru, the Country Manager at Petco, Kenya, to delve into the benefits and challenges of transitioning to a more circular economy model. The discussion highlighted the importance of investment in circular economy practices, such as recycling and reusing materials, to drive local production, create jobs, and mitigate environmental damage. With the current shortage of essential packaging materials like PT containers for sanitizers during the pandemic, the need for in-house recycling plants that can convert materials from 'bottle to bottle' within Kenya has become increasingly evident. This shift towards a circular economy not only facilitates local production and job retention but also reduces dependency on external markets for recycling and manufacturing, ultimately fostering economic resilience. While Kenya has made significant strides in formulating policies to regulate single-use plastics and promote responsible packaging, challenges persist in implementation and enforcement. The National Environmental Management Authority (NEMA) plays a critical role in enforcing regulations and securing funding to combat plastic pollution and leakage across Kenya's borders. Despite these challenges, private sector initiatives and forthcoming extended producer responsibility regulations are set to incentivize businesses to adopt sustainable packaging practices. The COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated the urgency for Kenya to embrace a circular economy, prompting stakeholders to revise their strategies and target timelines for achieving a more sustainable future. The transition to a circular economy holds the potential to not only boost Kenya's economic recovery post-COVID-19 but also pave the way for a more resilient and environmentally conscious society.