Earlier today, we convened key stakeholders to discuss pathways for implementing Kenya’s EPR regulations. The discussions highlighted both opportunities and challenges in driving Kenya toward a circular economy and green future. Some key highlights: 1️⃣ Multistakeholder Collaboration is Key: Successful implementation of EPR demands collective action. Stakeholders must come together to have practical and constructive conversations about how to adapt the regulations to Kenya’s unique realities. 2️⃣ EPR is Not a Magic Bullet: While EPR regulations are a critical step toward achieving a circular and green economy, they are not a cure-all. Significant effort is required to operationalize the framework effectively and tackle Kenya’s broader waste management challenges. 3️⃣ Opportunities for Enterprises and Job Creation: EPR creates fertile ground for entrepreneurship and innovation in waste management. The framework presents vast opportunities for businesses and job creation, particularly in recycling, product design, and circular value chains. 4️⃣ Consumer Responsibility Matters: EPR doesn’t absolve consumers of their role. Instead, it emphasizes their active participation in responsible waste management and circular practices. Achieving circularity requires everyone to contribute. 5️⃣ Beyond Financial Incentives – Behavior Change is Critical: Kenya’s experience with the plastic bag ban showed that financial incentives alone aren’t enough. Building a culture of circularity requires education and consistent public engagement to drive lasting behavior change. 6️⃣ Capacity Building and Awareness Creation: From regulators like NEMA to PROs, producers, importers, and the general public, capacity building and awareness creation are paramount to ensuring EPR implementation is effective and inclusive. 7️⃣ Speak the People’s Language: "Majukumu ya Ziada ya Mzalishaji" (Extended Producer Responsibility). It resonates deeply when we communicate in language everyone understands. Simplicity and clarity in messaging are essential to avoid alienating communities. 9️⃣ Incentivizing SMEs and Startups: EPR compliance shouldn’t favor only large businesses. Startups, SMEs, and waste workers must be supported through incentives and capacity-building programs to thrive in this evolving sector. 🔟 Leveraging Technology and Innovation: EPR opens doors to tech-driven solutions, such as blockchain, digital waste management systems, and other innovations that can transform how waste is tracked, collected, and processed. KEPRO Kenya James Odongo Sarah Njau Joseph Oliech Joseph Murabula IKEA Foundation Patrick Obonyo Msc, MBA Felix Mwaki Vincent Ogaya Jabez Mutune #EPRKenya #CircularEconomy #Sustainability #Innovation #WasteManagement #Collaboration
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Python | Django
3wMy biggest take away during this very Insightful session was that EPR is not the 'magic bullet' and there is need for behavioral change among consumers to take personal initiative to care for their environment. To all producers, as much as your companies are reporting profits, how are your activities impacting people and the planet?