Circular Entrepreneurship in Kenya

How can we transform the textile industry in Kenya to embrace a circular economy?

In this episode, Alex Musembi from Africa Collect Textiles (ACT) and Sarah Njau from Green Forest Solutions discuss their collaborative efforts to streamline textile recycling and reuse in Kenya. Alex describes ACT's model of collecting post-consumer textiles through drop-off points and door-to-door pickups, sorting them for resale and upcycling, and the challenges of incentivizing proper disposal.

Sarah explains the role of Green Forest Solutions in helping set up Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) schemes, which are vital for funding the infrastructure needed for effective textile waste management.

They both highlight the impact of fast fashion, the need for better product design, and the importance of international partnerships to sustain these environmental initiatives. This episode sheds light on the intricate dynamics of the textile recycling market in Kenya and the global efforts required to support it.

People Alex Musembi, Africa Collect Textiles, Green Forest Solutions https://www.linkedin.com/in/alex-musembi-act/

Sarah Njau, Africa Collect Textiles, Green Forest Solutions https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarah-njau-9b89867b/

Patrick Hypscher, Circular Business Strategist, PaaS Expert https://www.linkedin.com/in/hypscher/

Chapters 00:00 Introduction & Welcome 00:00 What is ACT? 03:16 Collection & Incentives 04:47 Secondhand Textiles & Market Demands 06:30 Green Forest Solution 09:59 Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) in Kenya 15:55 Market Structure & Cultural Aspects 19:48 Design, Recycling, and Upcycling 21:58 ACT’s Products and Local Industry Dynamics 26:09 EPR Pilot 33:34 Import/Export, Regulation, and Systemic Issues 38:23 Future Outlook & Calls to Action

About ACT builds circular systems for fashion by collecting, sorting, and redistributing used clothing and footwear across Nairobi, then upcycling materials into new products. The organisation supplies sorted fiber streams (e.g., cotton, wool, acrylic) for local makers and industry, and provides secure processing for branded uniforms/workwear. Its model couples environmental aims with job creation and community engagement through drop-off points and B2B services. Media coverage places ACT within Nairobi’s growing eco-fashion ecosystem.

Green Forest Solutions in Kenya provides digital tools and services for circular economy, focused on waste flow management, product traceability, and environmental compliance. Their platform connects brands, waste operators, and manufacturers to streamline reporting, lifecycle tracking, and regulatory tasks, supporting EPR and access to recycled materials across emerging markets. The company helps clients efficiently meet producer responsibility and sustainability requirements through a centralised, digital infrastructure.

Further Links

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