Transitioning circular economy from policy to practice in Kenya

Abstract

Policies are imperative in assessing how certain proposed actions or practices can be implemented. In the context of the circular economy, public policies have been influential in determining the way practices are adopted and implemented. In specific contexts, policies can be used to assess a country's preparedness to transition to the circular economy by examining how those that are formulated support the transition. This study examines Kenya's circular economy policy landscape by looking at the strides made by the country to embrace the concept and principles of the circular economy and focusing on the policies formulated so far. Using the thematic analysis approach, the study examines relevant circular economy laws, policies, and regulations to capture the initiatives the country has taken to embrace circular economy principles. The study's overall finding points to environmental sustainability, resource efficiency, sustainable economic development, and stakeholder engagement as the four primary policy areas shaping Kenya's transition to a circular economy. However, there persist certain obstacles to the effective implementation of circular economy principles. These challenges encompass the prevailing dominance of the government in the circular economy sector, which ought to be a collaborative endeavor involving both the private and public sectors. Furthermore, there is a scarcity of financing mechanisms to support circular economy initiatives, inadequate infrastructure to effectively implement circular economy practices, and a lack of capacity to propel progress in both the public and private sectors. Given that many of these challenges revolve around the financial aspect, the study recommends that the Kenyan government considers providing financial incentives to foster dynamism in harnessing the environmental and economic potential offered by the emerging circular economy.

From waste to resource: demystifying the policy challenges and identifying opportunities for a circular economy in Zambia

“…As noted by other scholars in an African context, there is an opportunity for more proactive governance to foster circular value creation (Muriithi and Ngare, 2023). In agreement with Banda et al (2023), the findings point to opportunities to support investment interest through SIs for sector-specific tax exemptions and benefits; tariff-free imports on equipment; investment funds and other fiscal incentives; and dedicated registration codes.…”

“…Many CE advocates stress the importance of a multistakeholder approach for inclusive circularity (Barford and Ahmad, 2021;EMF, 2021a;Muriithi and Ngare, 2023). In agreement with suggestions in the literature (Schröder et al, 2023), the findings point to the importance of including the informal workforce in a future CE agenda.…”

“…The leapfrogging perspective suggests that more sustainable development pathways can be realized from the outset, avoiding unsustainable impacts and technological lock-in associated with the linear economy (Preston and Lehne, 2017;Lemille, 2021). There is, however, sparse research on policy aspects in the African context (Nijman-Ross et al, 2023), although some studies are emerging, for example, focused on Ghana (Asare et al, 2023); Kenya (Muriithi and Ngare, 2023); Rwanda (Ogutu et al, 2023); South Africa (Godfrey et al, , 2021; and Tanzania (Rweyendela and Kombe, 2021). The limited literature reflects of the nascent diffusion of CE-specific terminology into policy.…”

“…In Kenya, there is a clear policy agenda, but there remains a lack of financial incentives, which must be enhanced to improve institutional participation. A top-down, prescriptive approach means there is limited collaboration with other relevant stakeholders (e.g., the private sector) (Muriithi and Ngare, 2023).…”

The potential contribution of end-of-life fishing nets, lines and ropes to a circular economy: the Namibian perspective

“…However, the concept is still novice in Africa (Mhlanga et al, 2022). Kenya (Muriithi and Ngare, 2023), South Africa (Republic of South Africa, 2020) and Nigeria (Olukanni et al, 2018) are among the few countries in Africa reported having policies and practices that align with CE.…”