Circular bioeconomy and closed-loop circular solutions

While the specific figures on the contribution of organic waste to the Republic of Kenya’s gross domestic product (GDP) are not available, the economic potential of this waste is locally and regionally recognised and is growing.

Large volumes of organic waste stem from agriculture, food and beverage industries, households, and commercial sources. In Nairobi, organics make up around 70% of municipal solid waste (~4,000 tonnes/day). Once mixed with general waste, recovery becomes difficult and decomposition results in methane and other emissions, odours, pests, and water pollution. While this waste is generally disposed of to landfills, these are nearing capacity and disposal services are often unreliable, creating high costs and compliance risks for food and beverage manufacturers.

As a result of this increasing economic potential of the organic waste sector, a growing number of Kenyan start-ups are exploring and demonstrating the commercial potential of organic waste valorisation through, for example, through methods like black soldier fly (BSF) farming, pyrolysis, and composting. Pilots, often supported by soft finance and donor funding, show that scalable and sustainable business models are possible, combining economic returns with social and environmental benefits.

However, these waste valorisation solutions can be labour- and capital-intensive. Seed funding and start-up finance for new business models present a barrier, especially with long lead time for proof of concept and revenues generation. Success, therefore, depends on a multi-pronged approached which includes connecting start-ups with appropriate financiers as well as start-ups choosing the right technology, improving efficiency, and developing market-ready products that generate sustained revenue.

This interactive event, co-hosted by the SMEP Programme and the African Circular Economy Network-Kenya Chapter, will explore practical, market-ready waste valorisation solutions emerging from projects piloted through SMEP Programme funding. Through knowledge sharing and dialogue, participants will examine the business models and conditions that enable viability – such as market access and carbon credits – and that can support wider adoption in Kenya and across sub-Saharan Africa. The event aims to connect actors across the bioeconomy to accelerate circular solutions that work for both people and the planet.