Kenya Flower Council, KEPRO unite to drive circular economy in flower sector

KENYA — The Kenya Flower Council (KFC) and the Kenya Extended Producer Responsibility Organization (KEPRO) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to promote sustainable, circular economy practices in the country’s multibillion-shilling flower industry.

The MoU, signed recently, brings together two of the country’s most influential sustainability champions.

Under the stewardship of KEPRO CEO James Odongo and KFC leaders CEO Clement Tulezi and COO Catherine Mukoko, the collaboration seeks to embed environmental stewardship deeply within the flower supply chain.

The agreement outlines three core focus areas: circular economy innovation, smart packaging design, and policy advocacy.

These initiatives are expected to address the environmental impact of Kenya’s vibrant floriculture sector, which is a leading global exporter of cut flowers.

“We are shifting the narrative from waste management to value creation,” said Odongo. “By rethinking how we package and dispose of flower-related materials, we’re building a more resilient, responsible industry.”

Through circular economy innovation, the partnership will explore ways to repurpose flower waste and packaging into valuable secondary products.

Additionally, the organizations will collaborate on research into eco-friendly packaging to reduce plastic usage and improve the environmental footprint of flower exports.

The MoU also aligns with Kenya’s recent push towards mandatory Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) compliance under the 2024 EPR Regulations.

Tulezi emphasized the need for unified policy and advocacy efforts to guide industry players through the regulatory transition.

Launch of waste segregation point in Kisumu

In a collaborative effort with DI East Africa, KEPRO has established a dedicated waste collection point in Kisumu for dry recyclables—including paper, plastic, glass, and aluminum.

The facility is located at Obinju Kanyakwar Junior School, where it is actively managed by the school’s environmental club.

 Through this initiative, students are gaining hands-on experience in responsible waste management and environmental stewardship.

To ensure the success of the project, M-taka has been tasked with monitoring usage of the recycling cage, while TechTaka, local community-based organization focused on waste management, will oversee the regular collection and transport of the sorted materials.

This initiative is more than just a recycling program; it’s a grassroots effort to inspire a culture of sustainability among the youth. By involving students early, the project aims to instill lifelong habits that contribute to a cleaner, greener future.

“These students are not just learning—they’re leading,” said a KEPRO representative. “We’re investing in a generation that understands the value of protecting the environment.”

As conservationist Jane Goodall aptly noted, “What you do makes a difference, and you have to decide what kind of difference you want to make.”

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