The Kenya Investment Authority (Invest Kenya) has unveiled a new investment prospectus titled Waste Management and Circular Economy: Investment Pathways and Opportunities in Kenya, designed to attract investment into the country’s waste management and circular economy sectors.
The prospectus highlights the untapped economic potential of materials currently discarded as waste.
The launch took place at the Kenya International Investment Conference (KIICO 2026), where policymakers, investors, entrepreneurs, and development partners gathered to explore opportunities for scaling circular economy solutions and accelerating private investment.
Kenya generates approximately 22,000 tonnes of waste daily, yet only around 4% is recycled. The prospectus estimates that redirecting this waste into five strategic sectors could create more than $700 million in economic value and contribute roughly 0.5% to Kenya’s GDP by 2030, while supporting job creation and strengthening domestic supply chains.
The document reframes waste not only as an environmental challenge but also as a strategic economic opportunity. Kenya already hosts over 120 circular economy businesses operating across the value chain.
The prospectus identifies opportunities for private capital to support scalable solutions over the next three to seven years.
Recent policy developments, including the Sustainable Waste Management Act and Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) frameworks, have created a more enabling environment for investment. Global shifts in supply chains are also driving demand for recycled and secondary materials.
However, fragmented information and limited visibility of emerging businesses have often constrained investment in the sector. The prospectus seeks to address these gaps by mapping opportunities across packaging, electronics, textiles, and other value chains, while highlighting emerging companies and pipeline projects.
The report was commissioned by Invest Kenya and developed in collaboration with global advisory firm Systemiq, law firm ALN Kenya, and tech-enabled social enterprise TakaTaka Ni Mali.
“Kenya has a significant opportunity to unlock economic value from materials that are currently lost through our waste systems,” said John Mwendwa, CEO of Invest Kenya.
“The Circular Economy Investment Prospectus shows how circular economy solutions can strengthen manufacturing value chains, create jobs, and attract new investment. It positions Kenya as a regional hub for circular materials and recycling, supporting our ambitions for green industrialisation and sustainable growth.”
Ben Dixon, Partner and Head of Materials and Circular Economy at Systemiq, added: “Kenya has all the ingredients for a thriving circular economy: strong policy momentum, a growing ecosystem of businesses, and significant investor interest. The prospectus translates this momentum into a clear investment story by identifying where capital can support circular infrastructure, services, and businesses.”
Rosa Nduati Mutero of ALN Kenya emphasized the importance of a supportive regulatory environment. “Consolidating insights from across the ecosystem, the prospectus clarifies the policy frameworks needed to support long-term investment in the circular economy,” she said.
Mary Ngechu of TakaTaka Ni Mali highlighted the role of entrepreneurs and innovators. “Kenya already has a vibrant ecosystem recovering value from waste. The prospectus provides a platform for stronger coordination, partnerships, and sustained investment to help these solutions scale.”
The prospectus is intended not only as a reference document but also as a catalyst for coordinated action, partnerships, and investment to accelerate the development of circular economy projects across Kenya.
