On 30th October, the CEPREC team in Kenya, Dr William Murithi (Country Lead), Gladys Ombati, PhD student, Andrew Adwera, PhD student, and Sheila Chepkorir, Project Assistant, met with John Ayara, the National Coordinator at EPROK, at the Kenya Manufacturers Association (KAM) offices to discuss strategic collaboration opportunities with a focus on e-waste management, circular innovation, and renewable energy access, especially on how electronic waste—batteries and power electronics—can be repurposed to support affordable and sustainable energy solutions across Africa.
Exploring Synergies in Circular Economy and Energy Access
Beginning the discussion, EPROK noted that current concerns about the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) framework include outdated county-level regulations, low producer compliance rates, and the need for more vigorous enforcement and greater public awareness. To address this, the team at EPROK emphasised the need for partnerships that ensure waste is collected and recycled responsibly and that support the advancement of policies and capacity-building in Kenya’s 47 counties.
The CEPREC team also presented ongoing work linking circular economy principles with renewable energy innovation to reuse end-of-life components, such as electric vehicle batteries, to power mini-grids and enhance energy access in off-grid communities.
As Sheila noted, during the meeting at CEPREC,
“We see e-waste as an opportunity to provide affordable and clean energy solutions. By repurposing used batteries and power electronics, we can extend their life cycle while reducing environmental impact,”
Areas of Collaboration
Both organisations identified several areas of cooperation, including:
- Capacity building and certification programs in e-waste management and circular economy skills for technicians and young professionals.
- Joint research and data exchange for strengthening evidence-based policymaking to support circular business models.
- Policy and standards development, specifically frameworks that stimulate innovation in recycling and reuse.
- Knowledge dissemination and public sensitisation through workshops, technical symposia, and community-based awareness campaigns.
- Demonstration projects integrating e-waste-derived energy storage systems into renewable energy solutions.
Jon mentioned that EPROK was interested in tapping into CEPREC’s technical and research capacity to document case studies of success and pilot projects that could inform best practices at a national and regional level.
Linking Research, Policy, and Industry
Dr William Murithi, Kenya Lead at CEPREC, highlighted the commitment of the centre to bridge research, innovation and implementation: He noted that the centres collaboration model connects academia, industry, and policy to drive innovation that is both technically viable and socially inclusive. Working with organisations such as EPROK will allow the stakeholders to create a tangible impact on the ground.
The meeting also drew perspectives from the doctoral researchers at CEPREC: Andrew Adwera and Gladys Kerubo, who presented their studies on battery second-life applications and business model innovations for circular microgrid systems, respectively. Their research aims to make sure that circular energy solutions are economically viable and scalable in African contexts.
Next Steps
The partners agreed to formalise their engagement through a Memorandum of Understanding that outlines specific activities, including joint workshops, proposal development, and policy dialogues. EPROK will share its upcoming work plan, while CEPREC will identify opportunities to integrate the collaboration into its Pan-African circular economy initiative that includes institutions from Kenya, South Africa, Nigeria, Rwanda, Namibia, Sierra Leone, and the UK.
The discussion concluded with a shared commitment to foster collective action on Kenya’s e-waste and energy access challenges. As Sheila summed it, “We cannot afford to work in isolation; collaboration will be key towards the realisation of sustainable circular solutions that create value for people, the planet, and the economy.
CEPREC other Team Members include Prof Izael Da Silva, DVC Research and Innovation, Co-I; Dr Churchill Saoke, Director, SERC, Co-I; and Dr Peter Kimani, UON, Co-I.
Article Written by Sheila Chpekorir, CEPREC Project Assistant
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