The County Government of Nakuru, through the Department of Environment and Climate Change, is participating in a National Circularity Study aimed at assessing circular economy practices and waste volumes across selected counties in Kenya. The study is being implemented in collaboration with the Kenya Climate Innovation Center (KCIC), with Nakuru identified as one of the focus counties for data collection and analysis.
The initiative is being technically led by the Kenya Industrial Research and Development Institute (KIRDI), under the overall leadership of the State Department for Environment and Climate Change and the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA). The study seeks to generate data on waste volumes, material flows, and existing waste management practices, which will be used to guide policy formulation and planning at both national and county levels.
For Nakuru County, the study marks an important step in improving how waste-related decisions are made. Reliable data on the types and quantities of waste generated will support evidence-based planning and help the county align its waste management strategies with circular economy principles. These principles focus on reducing waste, promoting reuse and recycling, and improving resource efficiency across value chains.
The Department of Environment and Climate Change, led by Director Grace Karanja, is coordinating the county-level implementation of the study in partnership with KCIC, led by Vincent Okaya. The collaboration brings together technical expertise, policy oversight, and innovation support to ensure the study delivers useful and practical outcomes for the county.
As part of the exercise, a two-day training was conducted for officers and stakeholders involved in the study. The training combined theory-based sessions with a practical, field-based study at the County waste disposal site. Participants were taken through the concepts of the circular economy and guided on how to apply standardized tools for data collection in real-world settings. The field session provided hands-on experience in waste characterization and measurement, which is a key component of the study.
Director Grace Karanja stated that the training was intended to equip officers with uniform tools and methods for collecting and recording data. She noted that the use of standardized approaches will ensure that the information gathered from different locations within the county is consistent and comparable. According to the director, this will improve the accuracy of findings and strengthen the credibility of the final study report.
She further explained that KIRDI will continue to offer technical guidance and coordination throughout the study period. This support will help officers address emerging challenges during data collection and ensure that the study follows agreed technical standards. The involvement of KIRDI is expected to strengthen the quality of analysis and interpretation of data collected from Nakuru County.
The training brought together Environment Officers, members of the County Climate Change Committee, officials from the Kenya Climate Innovation Center, and other stakeholders involved in waste management and climate action. Their participation reflects a coordinated approach to addressing waste challenges and supporting the transition towards circular economy practices.
Once completed, the findings of the National Circularity Study will inform county planning processes, including waste management strategies, climate action plans, and investment decisions. By participating in the study, Nakuru County is positioning itself to make informed choices based on data, while contributing to national efforts to promote sustainable waste management and circular economy approaches.