Circular Economy in Africa-EU Cooperation: Country report for Kenya

European Union (EU)


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Abstract: Within Africa,Kenya can be seen as one of the frontrunners in furthering a transition to circular economy (CE). At the same time,the country still has important steps to make to mainstream it further in its broader economic policy framework. In Kenya,CE-related developments are mostly driven by the national government,which has been very active during the last five years in introducing policies to address waste-related problems and lately it is starting to develop a CE policy approach that goes beyond waste. Kenya’s economy is still strongly dependent on its agriculture sector,which accounts for 34% of the country’s GDP. Tourism is also an important contributor to the country’s economy. Even though the share of manufacturing in Kenya’s economy is still rather limited,the government is actively supporting its development as one of its four key economic priorities. Kenya ranks as the 6th African country in the latest edition of the World Competitiveness index,ranking 95th of the 141 countries assessed. From a circular economy perspective,the aforementioned sectors also hold substantial potential for further implementation of CE-related principles. Next to these sectors,there is significant potential for CE measures in the construction sector,which stands for the challenging task of addressing the current housing deficit of 2 million houses. Lastly,as in all countries,the waste sector will play a key enabling role for a further shift to a CE. Although this sector is limited in terms of its economic size,the CE transition can strengthen the links with the manufacturing sectors and strengthen the position of informal waste workers,both from an economic as well as from a social perspective.

Theme/Sector:
Circular Economy
Year
2020

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