Stakeholders in Uasin Gishu County have thrown their weight behind a circular economy drive, vowing to turn agricultural waste, plastics, textiles, construction debris, cartons and electronic scrap into new sources of jobs, investment and environmental protection.
The push comes as the county aligns with the National Circular Economy Strategy and Implementation Plan (CESIP) 2026, aiming to move beyond the traditional “take-make-dispose” model toward recycling, re-use and repurposing that supports green industrialisation.
“We cannot continue treating waste as a problem when it is actually an opportunity,” said County Executive Committee Member for Water, Environment, Energy and Irrigation Anthony Sitienei.
“By recovering value from what we throw away, we create green industries, protect our soils and water, and put money into the pockets of our young people,” explained Sitienei.
The meeting held in Eldoret City and facilitated by Wambui Kuria of Aavishkaar Group and Brian Lagat of the Kenya Private Sector Alliance (KEPSA), brought together county and national government officers, academia, the private sector and youth groups.
“Circular economy is not just an environmental agenda; it is an industrialisation agenda,” Lagat told participants.
“If we get the partnerships and investments right, Uasin Gishu can lead in turning farm residues, plastics and e-waste into products that feed local factories and export markets,” urged Lagat.
County Director of Environment Abigael Kibet stressed the need for practical action on the ground.
“We have the strategy on paper. What we need now is coordinated implementation – recycling facilities, support for green enterprises, and clear roles for every player from the county to the national level and the private sector,” remarked Kibet.
Principal Environment Officer Diffina Salim added, “From cartons and textiles to construction materials and electronic waste, every stream has potential. Our focus is to reduce pollution while creating sustainable businesses that last,”.
Participants included Mercy Kenduiwa, Senior Environment Officer from the national government; Eldoret City Director Isaac Kosgei, representatives from the Ministry of Environment, Climate Change and Forestry, Eldoret National Polytechnic, the University of Eldoret, the City of Eldoret, The X Generation Youth CBO, and Horizon Rivers of Hope Youth CBO.
Stakeholders called for stronger partnerships, targeted investment in waste recovery infrastructure, and deliberate support for green start-ups.
They emphasised that success would be measured by reduced landfill volumes, new jobs for youth, and cleaner production across agriculture, manufacturing and urban services.
“The time for talking is over,” said Wambui Kuria in closing remarks adding, Uasin Gishu has the raw materials, the institutions and the people.
“What we need is collective action to turn CESIP 2026 into real factories, real jobs and a cleaner county,” she explained.
County officials indicated that follow-up engagements will focus on mapping priority waste streams, identifying investment opportunities and linking local innovators with technical and financial support.
by Maurice Aluda
