FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
SIB-K THE KNOWLEDGE CENTER UNDER KEPSA HOSTS THE 10TH CIRCULAR ECONOMY CONFERENCE AND NO WASTE FESTIVAL.
Nairobi, Kenya – November 19, 2025; The 10th Annual Circular Economy Conference and No Waste Festival officially opened today in Nairobi, marking a decade of accelerating Kenya’s transition to a regenerative circular economy. Co-hosted by Sustainable Inclusive Business Kenya (SIB-K), in partnership with the Kenya Plastics Pact (KPP), the Ministry of Environment, Climate Change and Forestry, and the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) Kenya, the conference is powered by Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung Kenya and supported by a coalition of strategic partners.
The event, themed “Reimagine: Looking Back into the Future,” convened 300+ delegates, including policymakers, industry leaders, innovators, and youth, for a day focused on “Circularity in Action.”
The opening session featured high-level addresses that underscored the urgency and opportunity of circularity for Kenya’s economic resilience and environmental health.
Dr. Eng. Festus K. Ng’eno, Principal Secretary, State Department for Environment & Climate Change, served as the Chief Guest, affirming the government’s commitment to a national framework. “A circular economy is therefore foundational to our national development goals. It is about redefining growth, focusing on positive, system-wide benefits by minimizing waste and pollution by design, keeping products and materials in use for as long as possible and regenerating natural systems,” said Dr. Ng’eno. He announced that the Ministry is prioritizing the development of a comprehensive Circular Economy Strategy this financial year to transform value chains and foster green job creation.
Ms. Carole Kariuki, CEO of KEPSA, highlighted the conference’s role as a catalyst for change over the past decade. “Circularity has moved: From theory to practice, from pilots to programmes, from Nairobi to counties, and from waste management to full systems redesign,” Ms. Kariuki stated. She emphasized that the circular economy is not just an environmental agenda but an economic strategy that drives innovation and strengthens manufacturing.
Ms. Karin Boomsma, Project Director of SIB-K, challenged delegates to adopt a regenerative mindset, rooted in indigenous wisdom. “The question today is really where did we come from, where are we now, and where do we want to go. What is the future we want to create? In the future we choose togetherness and living in harmony with nature, as we are nature. And life is a beautiful delicate and perfect web of interconnection. I am because we are,” she said.
The importance of policy and international cooperation was echoed by key partners. Ms. Anja Berretta of Konrad Adenauer Stiftung emphasized that “Policy dialogue and systems thinking are essential: by strengthening institutions and sharing knowledge we create the enabling environment for circular innovations to thrive.” This sentiment was reinforced by Ms. Kamilla Heden Henningsen from the Embassy of Denmark (Denmark in Kenya), who noted that “Practical cooperation skills, design and enterprise support, turns policy into livelihoods. Denmark remains a committed partner in delivering hands-on circular solutions.”
Day one was also characterized by practical engagement, featuring two Plenary Sessions and six Breakout Sessions that covered critical topics such as Circular Financing, Biodiversity and the Living Economy, and Circular Manufacturing for Inclusive Economies. A highlight was the Practical Workshop on Repair & Refurbish, which included a “doing workshop” focused on mending and redesigning garments and electronics, directly challenging the throwaway culture. Furthermore, the official Launch of the Textile Tool Kit: WearTheGreenFuture was announced, aimed at promoting redesign, slow fashion, and circular social opportunities within the textile industry. The creative potential of closed-loop fashion was also showcased during a Catwalk of Upcycled Textiles by AfroWema.
Other notable guests included Dr. Selly Kimosop – Secretary of the Ministry of Environment, Dr. Mamo – Director General of the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA Kenya), Juliani (Artist and founder Taka Bank), representatives from Kenya Plastics Pact, Kenya Waste Recyclers Association, Prof. Mugendi M’Rithaa, among other guests
Looking Ahead to Day Two: Kenya Plastics Pact Summit
Day two of the conference, November 20, 2025, will be dedicated to the Kenya Plastics Pact (KPP) Summit, focusing on accelerating the transition to a circular economy for plastics.The summit will feature the official Launch of the No Single-Use Plastics Elimination Manual, a landmark initiative designed to accelerate the phase-out of problematic single-use plastics, starting with Kenya’s hospitality and tourism sectors. The manual promotes the adoption of the 5Rs: Refuse, Reduce, Replace, Reuse, and Refill.
Delegates will also focus on the KPP’s ambitious roadmap to 2030, which includes targets for the elimination of problematic plastics, achieving 100% reusable or recyclable plastic packaging, and integrating 15% recycled content across all plastic packaging. The conference concludes tomorrow, with a renewed commitment from all stakeholders to build a more sustainable, prosperous, and resilient future for all Kenyans.
For Media Inquiries:
For more information on the 10th Annual Circular Economy Conference and please contact:
Josephine Wawira, KEPSA Corporate Communications Manager – jwawira@kepsa.or.ke
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