KEPSA as part of the Denmark Kenya Strategic Sector Co-operation engaged with Ms. Karen   Ellemann – The Deputy Speaker of the Danish Parliament and Mr. Rasmus Peterson- Head of Committee of Climate and Energy during an exchange program on the week of 25th April 2022 in Denmark. 

Ms. Ellemann said, that Denmark’s circular economy best practices sprung from expert dialogue between legislators, the private sector and citizens. She said action happens when these groups are aligned. She lauded Kenya’s bold steps in making a legislative framework for transitioning to a circular economy.

Dr. Chris Kiptoo – Principal Secretary, Ministry of Environment and Forestry highlighted Kenya’s legislative journey to a circular economy. He said that the Policy on sustainable waste management had been launched during UNEA 5.2. He noted that the Bill on sustainable waste management had been approved by National Assembly and awaiting approval by Senate. He added that Kenya has also developed Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR Regulations).

Mr. Peterson said that currently, Denmark is putting in place measures to fully handle waste as a resource. He said that a large percentage is currently burned to produce heat. Denmark wants to progress by taking out materials from what would be burned and put to good use. They are also exploring the capture of carbon emissions from incinerators to make artificial fuel. The Denmark Parliament passed with majority votes the requisite legislation that spurs implementation of waste as a resource. Further, the Danish Parliament’s reconstruction over the last a hundred years has been to achieve ‘A Green Parliament’.

While addressing ‘SDGs for Issue-Based Policy and Strategy Formulation’, the Danish Minister for the Environment, Ms. Kirsten Brosbol, said that SDGs are an avenue to guide issue-based policymaking and policy dialogues at the national and international level. She applauded the first-ever People’s Dialogue on SDGs held in Kenya organised by SDGs Champions in March 2022. While responding to a member of the delegation on lessons learnt from the People’s Dialogue, Ms. Brosbol observed that from the Peoples Dialogue, it was evident Kenya exhibited a high level of awareness however, implementation, monitoring and reporting need to be enhanced.

Ms. Brosbol went ahead to reiterate that the Green transition is a must-have hence technology and Smart investment, as well as collaboration and partnership with the private sector and civil society are paramount. “Progress is not a linear movement, Kenya has huge potential to grow local value chains for sustainable growth and can leapfrog on past lessons to reap economic, social and environmental benefits for an inclusive and sustainable growth,” She added.

Hon. Janet Ongera observed that the Sustainable Waste Management Bill will set Kenya’s tone for adopting a circular economic model. “The SSC exchange program has sown a good seed for the transformation of our country,” She noted.

Mr. Victor Ogalo – KEPSA Deputy CEO – Business, observed that the missing link of citizen awareness is very key in this transition. He noted that pollution happens at the production and consumption level and the involvement of citizens and producers cannot be overemphasized. “Borrowing from the national psyc on environmental awareness in Denmark, Kenya should integrate consumer involvement and awareness in this transition,” He remarked. Mr. Ogalo also noted that the localisation of SDGs in Kenya should integrate consumer involvement and awareness.

Mr Mamo B. Mamo – Director-General, National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) said that “Our behaviour towards the environment by the general public and industry is key in realising a clean and green environment. Local action driven by mind shift and change of attitude is required in order to positively embrace sustainability dimensions towards the environment.”