KAM hosts the 3rd edition of the LOOP Forum Kenya

Kenya is making significant strides towards a sustainable future by holding the third edition of the Loop Forum Kenya to deliberate on promoting a circular economy.

Loop Forum, which kicked off yesterday, is dedicated to advancing circular economy solutions, minimising waste generation, and enhancing resource efficiency.

Themed ‘Driving Kenya’s Transition to a Circular Economy through Collaboration, Innovation, and Sustainability,’ the two-day forum brings together key stakeholders, including government representatives, private sector leaders, investors, development partners, and research institutions to foster collaboration, drive investment, and facilitate knowledge exchange to accelerate the adoption of circular economy principles.

Speaking at the forum, National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) Compliance Director, David Ongare, noted that the dialogue is paramount as he added that it will create a potential long-lasting change.

“NEMA and the Ministry of Environment have introduced several regulatory instruments, such as the National Waste Policy, EPR regulations, and plastics regulations, among others, to support initiatives like this one. Discussions on circularity are therefore crucial for advancing our shared goals,” he stated.

According to Kenya Association of Manufacturers (KAM) Chief Executive Officer Tobias Alando they recognise that accelerating the transition to a circular economy is one of the surest ways of securing the future.

“As KAM, we are focusing on sustainability because this is our world, and we must protect it through sustainable processes. Through the Centre for Green Growth and Climate Change,” Alando stated.

“KAM offers programs and initiatives to drive the circular economy. This includes the circular economy resource mapping program, which entails changing design, management, and/or practices to reduce waste, the negative impacts on the environment, strengthening re-generative processes and creating industrial symbiosis loops in industrial processes,” he noted.

The manufacturers organisation has also developed practical, creative, and easily applicable avenues to drive Kenya’s circular economy.

“Our initiatives include the partnership with PAKPRO, to reduce waste in the environment, and the formation of the Kenya Extended Producer Responsibility Organization (KEPRO). KEPRO’s mandate is to support manufacturers’ collective efforts to address plastic waste management and act as a Producer Responsibility Organisation to engage stakeholders in the packaging and/or manufactured goods value chain,” The CEO explained.

Through the Loop Forum, KAM offers to continue to building on Kenya’s commitment to a circular transition.

Today, the forum will feature the Kenya Fashion and Design Week, a platform to showcase sustainable and circular fashion innovations.

They will also highlight eco-friendly designs, upcycled materials, and circular business models shaping the future of Kenya’s fashion industry.