Why Circular Economy Projects in Africa Fail — And Why Kenya Is Still at Risk

In this episode of Jijuze, Brian directs the discourse on the challenges facing Africa's circular economy, particularly focusing on Kenya. Despite the presence of revolutionary ideas, technologies, and goodwill, most initiatives falter due to poor execution. Indiscipline in governance, misalignment of incentives, scarcity of reliable data, and low accountability are among the key hurdles for these projects. Brian further underscores the problem of institutional fragility, which often cripples waste systems and creates ineffective workspaces. He asserts that Kenya, with its structural weaknesses, can either learn from these failures or risk falling into the same trap, emphasizing on the need for strong institutions and strict enforcement. Brian ends the discussion highlighting the urgency of making rhetoric actionable and ensuring a sustainable circular economy in Kenya. https://www.oecd.org/en/topics/extended-producer-responsibility-and-economic-instruments.html New documentary exposes recycling fallacy and health impacts of plastic pollution on Kenya’s waste workers - Greenpeace Africa https://theexchange.africa/africas-smes-innovation-africa-growth/Silafrica Kenya’s Akshay Shah on Sustainable Packaging and the Future of the Circular Economy in Africa - MarcoPolisCounties blamed for failure to adopt waste management plants - The StandardFrontiers | Transitioning circular economy from policy to practice in KenyaWaste Management in Africa: What's Working and What's Next | EnvynatureThe Role of Circular Economy in Kenya’s Waste Management Future – ENVACO