Kenya has made significant progress in downstream circular economy (CE) interventions, including waste management policies and recycling programs. However, upstream circular economy (UCE)—designing out waste before it is created—remains nascent. This paper presents findings from the UCERA (Upstream Circular Economy Readiness Assessment) validation workshop held in Nairobi on 1st April 2026, organized by UNIDO, the Ministry of Industry of Kenya, and Demos Helsinki. Drawing on participatory assessment involving six Kenyan government entities (SDTVET, MECCF, SDEP, NEMA, KNCPC, and MITI), the paper identifies key gaps in coordination, policy focus, and skills development. It offers recommendations for strengthening upstream CE governance, including digitizing assessment tools, introducing anonymous feedback mechanisms, leveraging Kenya's mobile money infrastructure (M-PESA), integrating upstream principles into TVET curricula, and planning for a just transition for informal sector workers (e.g., Dandora waste pickers, mitumba traders). The paper concludes that Kenya is ready for upstream CE, provided that enforcement, capacity building, and institutional coordination are prioritized. The findings are relevant to policymakers, development partners, TVET institutions, and researchers working on circular economy transitions in emerging economies.
Beth Mbesu Muroki (2026) studied this question.