In a bid to drive sustainable growth and innovation in Kenya’s bioeconomy sector, the Kenya Private Sector Alliance (KEPSA) and the Stockholm Environment Institute (SEI) Africa convened a strategic meeting at the SEI Head Office, located within the World Agroforestry Centre. KEPSA was represented by Dr. Jackson Kinyanjui Koimbori, PhD, Head of KEPSA Consult for Circular Economy & Climate Change, while the SEI team was led by Dr. Philip Osano, Centre Director of SEI Africa. Additional SEI representatives included Dr. Romanus Opiyo, Dr. Alphayo Lutta, and Charity Waeni.

The discussions centered on mapping key stakeholders in Kenya’s bioeconomy sector as part of the "Advancing Bioeconomy Development in Kenya" project. This collaborative initiative seeks to strengthen the country’s bioeconomy through increased investments in biobased sectors such as food security and youth employment. The project prioritizes micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) as critical drivers of economic growth, emphasizing knowledge and technology exchange between Kenyan and Swedish bioeconomy stakeholders at local, national, and global levels.

Dr. Koimbori emphasized KEPSA’s commitment to fostering partnerships that bolster Kenya’s circular economy and climate change resilience. SEI Africa’s team, under Dr. Osano’s leadership, highlighted the importance of aligning bioeconomy initiatives with national development goals. The collaboration between SEI and KEPSA aims to create a robust framework for stakeholder engagement, ensuring that the bioeconomy sector’s growth is both inclusive and sustainable.

The meeting marked a significant step forward in advancing Kenya’s bioeconomy agenda. By leveraging the expertise of SEI Africa and KEPSA’s extensive network of private sector stakeholders, the partnership aims to unlock new opportunities for investment, innovation, and employment. As both organizations continue to champion sustainable development, their combined efforts promise to transform Kenya’s bioeconomy landscape, positioning the country as a leader in biobased industries across Africa and beyond.