Circular Economy Breakfast: Pathways Towards Building Circular Value Chains in Kenya

The circular economy business model aims to reduce waste, maximize resource use and create sustainable value chains. The adoption of circular economy practices in organization is not only crucial for addressing environmental and social challenges but also offers significant opportunities for economic growth and sustainable development.

It is against this backdrop that we hosted the Circular Economy Breakfast on Monday, 31st July, just two days to Earth Overshoot day, a phenomena that can be equated to the mismatch between demand and supply that ails most supply chains globally. To curb such challenges, we need to be innovative and creative, while investing in pathways that can build circular and stable supply chains.

This event brought together key players, stakeholders and enthusiasts in the circular economy space. The event was timely and created a much needed platform for the discussion of how to create pathways to circular value chains in Kenya.

The event featured a rich mix of panelists, pulled from various sectors such as technology, manufacturing, education, youth, SMEs, and waste management, who took us through circular practices that can help create better circular value chains. The panel discussion touched on in-depth topics ranging from education and skills for the circular economy, opportunities & challenges in the circular economy, government policies on the circular economy and waste management(waste mapping, waste audit and electronic-waste)among others.

Dr. Caesar Mwangi, Executive Dean, Strathmore University Business School (SBS), emphasized the immense potential of Africa to thrive through sustainable practices. He emphasized the need to shift mindsets collectively. “By embracing innovation, collaboration, and communication, Africa can break free from its ‘sleeping giant’ stereotype and lead the way in sustainability,” Dr Mwangi noted.

At the end of the day, through collaborative efforts among government, companies, communities, and individuals, Africa can pave the way for circular practices that benefit both the environment and society.