A week-long knowledge exchange between Kenya and Rwanda has positioned Kenya’s Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) system as a benchmark for regional circular economy efforts.
Held in Nairobi, the peer-to-peer learning program brought together policymakers, industry leaders, and environmental experts under the theme “Collaborating for Circularity: Advancing EPR and Innovation Across East Africa.”
Organized by the Kenya Plastics Pact (KPP), in partnership with Rwanda’s Ministry of Environment and GIZ’s Waste and Circular Economy (WCE) Project, the initiative aimed to equip Rwandan stakeholders with practical tools and insights for shaping their own national EPR framework.
The exchange featured intensive training sessions, site visits, and deep dives into Kenya’s EPR success stories—ranging from legal frameworks and producer responsibility organizations (PROs) to innovations in public-private partnerships and circular economy strategies.
Dr. John Wandaka, Chair of the Environment Sector Board at the Kenya Private Sector Alliance (KEPSA), described EPR as a “business strategy, a compliance requirement, and a sustainability enabler.” He highlighted Kenya’s 2024 EPR Regulations, the release of an official EPR Guidance document, and the revamped National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) website as key milestones supporting producer responsibility in the country.
“The value of this workshop lies in mutual learning,” said Dr. Wandaka. “It strengthens our collective regional push towards a sustainable, circular future.”
Leading the Rwandan delegation, Mr. Dismas Karuranga, Climate Mitigation Specialist at Rwanda’s Ministry of Environment, praised Kenya’s model as a blueprint. “Kenya’s experience offers both inspiration and practical guidance. The systems in place here will help shape Rwanda’s national EPR roadmap,” he said.
Other Rwandan delegates included Anita Hodari of the Rwanda Utilities Regulatory Authority (RURA), Djuma Nsanzimana from CPCIC, and Joy Amata of the Private Sector Federation (PSF).
Their visit included discussions with key Kenyan waste actors, including KEPRO CEO James Odongo, L’Oréal East Africa’s Enid Kirui, and leaders from the Kenya Association of Waste Recyclers.
Private sector engagement was a focal point, with Akshay Shah, Executive Director at Sila Africa and Chairperson of KEPRO, underscoring the power of business-government collaboration. “The success of EPR depends on collective ownership and innovation across sectors,” he noted.
During a courtesy call at NEMA headquarters, Dr. Ayub Macharia, Director of Environmental Enforcement, shared Kenya’s regulatory journey and the lessons learned in scaling up EPR implementation.
This regional collaboration reflects growing momentum among East African nations to combat plastic waste and transition to sustainable production and consumption models.
By sharing best practices, Kenya and Rwanda are reinforcing their shared commitment to a circular economy future.