RESOURCES
Access a wide range of resources designed to inspire action, support sustainable waste management, and create lasting impact. Whether you’re a donor, volunteer, or partner, our guides, reports, and tools will help you make informed decisions and contribute to a cleaner, greener future.
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In collaboration with the Aspen Network of Development Entrepreneur-ANDE, Kenya Association of Waste and Recyclers -KAWR, has established a Multisectoral Policy Working Group on Circular Economy to work with key stakeholders in Kenya to tackle policy challenges affecting the waste sector, including on how to reduce barriers and increase incentives for enterprises in this sector to formalize and attract financing. Under the Access to Green Finance Initiative supported by IKEA Foundation, KAWR and ANDE are convening stakeholders in Kenya to address system challenges in the sector and identify policy reforms that catalyse the growth of the recycling industry. You can access the Terms of Reference of the Multiscetoral Working group here.
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Policy Tracker
Below is a summary table of key national policies and regulations related to waste and circular economy in Kenya:
| Policy / Instrument | Year | Key Features and Relevance to Circular Economy |
|---|---|---|
| Kenya Vision 2030 and Medium Term Plans | 2008 (launch) | Long-term development agenda emphasizing sustainable environmental management and improved waste infrastructure as part of a clean environment goal. Lays foundation for green economy initiatives. |
| Climate Change Act | 2016 | Establishes climate governance; led to NCCAPs that include circular waste management for mitigation. Provides legal mandate for low-carbon development across sectors (including waste). |
| National Climate Change Action Plan (NCCAP) 2018–2022 | 2018 | 5-year climate action plan calling for transition from linear to circular waste management. Supports development of waste policy and CE integration in climate actions. |
| Updated NDC (Nationally Determined Contribution) | 2020 (update) & 2025 (submission) | Kenya’s international climate pledge committing to 32% GHG reduction by 2030 (35% by 2035), including waste management as a mitigation measure. Aligns CE with national climate targets. |
| Green Economy Strategy and Implementation Plan (GESIP) | 2016 | National strategy endorsing green growth and circular principles until 2030. Highlights waste hierarchy, resource efficiency, and green job creation. |
| National Sustainable Waste Management Policy | 2021 (approved) | Comprehensive policy introducing waste hierarchy, zero-waste vision, and CE integration. Basis for legislation, sector formalization, recycling, and EPR promotion. |
| Sustainable Waste Management Act | 2022 | Landmark law mandating EPR for producers, requiring corporate waste management plans, and establishing Waste Management Council. Enforces waste hierarchy and penalties for non-compliance. |
| EPR Regulations (Draft) | 2021 (draft) | Draft regulations detailing Extended Producer Responsibility obligations (collection, recycling, and PRO formation). Expected finalization under SWM Act. |
| Plastic Bags Ban | 2017 | Nationwide ban on single-use plastic carry bags. Achieved ~80% reduction in plastic bag pollution; enforced by NEMA. |
| Kenya Plastic Action Plan (Private Sector) | 2019 | KAM-led plan promoting circular plastics economy via industry recycling commitments and EPR support (led to KEPRO creation). |
| Kenya Plastics Pact | 2022 | Multi-stakeholder voluntary initiative setting 2030 targets for circular plastics (100% recyclable packaging, 40% recycling rate). |
| National E-waste Management Strategy | 2019 | Government strategy (2019–2024) for e-waste collection, awareness, and regulatory framework. Draft e-waste regulations in progress. |
| Basel / International Conventions | — | Kenya adheres to Basel Convention and supports global waste initiatives, showing alignment with global circular economy goals. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Volunteers
Do I need prior experience to volunteer?
Not at all. We provide training, guidance, and protective gear. Anyone passionate about creating cleaner communities is welcome.
What kind of activities can I join as a volunteer?
Volunteers participate in clean-up drives, awareness campaigns, recycling initiatives, and community education programs. You can choose activities based on your availability and interest.
How can I get involved as a volunteer
You can sign up through our volunteer program to join clean-up drives, awareness campaigns, and recycling projects.
Is there a minimum time commitment for volunteering?
We understand that everyone has different schedules. There is no strict minimum time commitment — you can join for a single cleanup activity, contribute a few hours each month, or take on longer-term projects if you wish. We value every contribution, big or small, and will work with you to match opportunities to your availability.
Donors & Corporate Partners
How will my donation be used?
Your donation goes directly into funding waste recovery projects, community cleanups, recycling innovations, and awareness programs. We also provide regular impact updates so you can see the difference you are making.
Can my company partner with you on sustainability initiatives?
Yes. We collaborate with businesses to design tailored waste management solutions, recycling programs, and corporate social responsibility (CSR) projects that align with your sustainability goals.
How do you use donations and support from partners?
Every contribution directly funds waste recovery projects, community education, job creation in recycling, and scaling sustainable waste solutions. We also provide impact reports to show measurable results.
Do you work with businesses and corporate partners?
Yes. We offer tailored waste management solutions, recycling programs, and sustainability partnerships. Companies can also sponsor specific initiatives and receive sustainability impact reports.
General Inquiry
What impact have you created so far?
So far, we have recovered thousands of tons of waste, supported local green jobs, and educated communities on sustainable waste management. Our long-term goal is to achieve a circular economy where nothing goes to waste.
What does your organization do in waste management?
We provide end-to-end waste solutions — from collection and recycling to awareness campaigns — ensuring that waste is transformed into valuable resources while reducing environmental pollution.
Can you help communities set up recycling or waste collection systems?
We work with communities to design and implement practical recycling and waste collection systems. Our support includes providing technical expertise, training local groups, and helping secure the right infrastructure and partnerships. By doing this, we not only improve waste management but also create opportunities for livelihoods and long-term sustainability
What long-term vision does your organization have for a zero-waste future?
Our long-term vision is to create a circular economy where waste is no longer seen as a burden but as a valuable resource. We aim to reduce the amount of waste going into landfills by promoting reuse, recycling, and responsible consumption. Through partnerships with communities, governments, and the private sector, we are working toward a future where every product and material is recovered, repurposed, or returned safely to nature.