Kenya Breaks Ground on World’s First Green Garment Factory Made from Recycled Containers

Clive Ayuko

May 20, 2024, Athi River, Kenya

The world’s first green industrial garment factory, constructed from upcycled containers, has begun construction in Athi River EPZ. This pioneering project, backed by a $530,000 investment from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and a $1.3 million loan from Trade Catalyst Africa (TCA), represents a significant step forward in sustainable manufacturing.

Spanning 5,000 square meters, the new green textile center is designed to be a model of sustainability, utilizing solar energy and rainwater harvesting systems. Expected to be completed by December 2024, the factory aims to save an estimated 18 tons of CO2 annually and conserve 1,000 cubic meters of water each year, demonstrating the potential for eco-friendly industrial practices.

The project is a collaboration with Modular Real Estate EPZ Limited (MODULAR), a subsidiary of Container Technology Limited (CONTECH). Duncan Onyango, CEO of Trade Catalyst Africa, emphasized the transformative impact of this initiative: “This investment symbolizes our commitment to environmental stewardship and sustainable industrial development. By pioneering this unique industrial space, we are setting a new standard for the garment industry and positioning Kenya and Africa as leaders in sustainable manufacturing.”

The global textiles market, valued at approximately $1.5 trillion in 2020, is poised for significant growth. This initiative will place Kenya at the forefront of this expansion, promoting eco-friendly manufacturing practices and enhancing the country’s competitiveness. It is expected to create numerous jobs, particularly for women, boosting Kenya’s export potential and driving economic growth.

Naeem Pasta, CEO of Modular Real Estate EPZ, highlighted the innovative nature of the project: “This project demonstrates that innovative thinking and environmental responsibility can coexist, leading to economic growth and a healthier planet. We are proud to be part of this pioneering effort.”

Significance for Kenya

The green garment and textile center represents a crucial advancement for Kenya’s industrial sector, aligning with the country’s vision of becoming a newly industrialized, middle-income nation. By adopting sustainable practices, Kenya aims to enhance its competitiveness in the global market. The new facility will provide training opportunities and create jobs, particularly benefiting women, thereby empowering local communities and reducing poverty. By setting a precedent for green industrial practices, Kenya can serve as a model for other nations pursuing sustainable development.

TradeMark Africa and Foundation for Civil Society Launch a TZS 2.3Billion Project to Promote Sustainable and Inclusive Trade in Tanzania

Dar Es Salaam Tanzania, 17 May 2024:

The Foundation for Civil Society (FCS) and TradeMark Africa have today sealed a grant agreement to launch a project dubbed Private Sector and CSOs for Inclusive and Greening Trade that will drive sustainable economic growth and inclusive trade practices, addressing the significant systemic challenges in Tanzania’s trade sector.

Funded by the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), Ireland, and Norway, the TZS 2.3billion ($ 900,000), the project seeks to integrate the strengths of private sectors and civil society organisations to promote green economic growth.


Many women in Tanzania, remain in the informal trading sector facing top barriers such as limited access to finance, and inadequate training in trade-related skills. This initiative aims to dismantle these barriers, creating a trading environment that is inclusive and fosters prosperity for all.



The project, which starts immediately, is designed to leverage the unique strengths of the private sector alongside civil society organisations to enhance trade practices that are both inclusive and environmentally sustainable. Over the next 18 months, FCS will implement strategic interventions across multiple trade sectors, focusing on reducing environmental impact and promoting inclusivity in economic benefits.

Speaking during the signing ceremony, TMA Tanzania Country Director Mr. Elibariki Shammy said, “This project is central to our strategic objectives to stimulate trade growth while ensuring that it’s sustainable and inclusive. We believe that through strategic collaborations like this, we can make a significant impact on Tanzania’s trade landscape. Empowering women is not just a moral imperative but a developmental one. Integrating women into trade boosts economic diversity and lifts entire communities. Through this partnership, we aim to develop a trade ecosystem that is inclusive and robust enough to withstand the pressures of global trade demands.”

FCS Executive Director Mr Justice Rutenge expressed enthusiasm about the project’s potential. ” Consumer protection is crucial in today’s global market. Our collaboration with TMA is a monumental step towards establishing fair and green trade practices in Tanzania. We are dedicated to ensuring that the benefits of trade expansion are shared by all, particularly the most vulnerable sectors of our society,” he said.

Mr Rutenge also disclosed that FCS would leverage the unique roles of CSOs and the private sector to address pressing issues of environmental degradation and social inequality.

The initiative also aims to create a trade environment that is inclusive and sustainable by increasing trade opportunities for marginalised groups, collaborating with civil society organisations to address their needs, promoting environmentally friendly trade practices, and enhancing consumer protection. TMA will support marginalised communities through smart-agriculture practices and market readiness programmes, contributing to their sustainable trade growth. Moreover, by advocating for sustainable trade practices, the project seeks to improve trade resilience to climate change, thereby contributing to the long-term viability of Tanzania’s economy and environmental sustainability.

The project also includes the development of innovative digital technologies such as e-learning platforms for smart-agriculture practices, enhancing market readiness, and the global competitiveness of Tanzanian products.

This collaboration represents a model of how public-private partnerships can effectively address systemic challenges in emerging markets, creating pathways for more inclusive and sustainable trade practices.

East African Women in Business Platform (EAWiBP) and GIZ EAC unite to empower women entrepreneurs in EAC and AfCFTA Integration – Nairobi, Kenya – 24th- 25th January, 2024

The East Africa Women in Business Platform EAWiBP, in strategic partnership with GIZ EAC under the Support to East African Integration programme (SEAMPEC II) is excited to announce a transformative two-day National Workshop. The workshop, themed “Improving women SMEs in the EAC and AfCFTA integration processes”, is scheduled to take place at Four Points by Sheraton, Hurlingham – Nairobi, Kenya, from 24^th to 25^th January, 2024.

This initiative recognizes the vital role women play in the economic, social, and political development of the East African Community and seeks to bridge the gender gap in regional trade.

The primary goal of the workshop is to cultivate awareness among women SMEs on the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Agreement’s Protocol on Trade in Goods. The workshop aims to dissect its application, challenges, case studies on effective exporting under the AfCFTA Guided Trade Initiative (GTI), and opportunities for women entrepreneurs in the East African Community (EAC) region.

The workshop will comprise of EAWiBP members and selected non-members, ie women associations, women entrepreneurs at the national level engaged in the manufacture/production of goods including cross border traders and those interested to trade under the AfCFTA. Women business persons from the value chains of pharmaceuticals, leather, fruits and vegetables.

Ensuring an immersive experience, the two-day event will feature presentations from National Facilitators and a Regional Master Trainer/Consultant. It will include plenary discussions, interactive Q&A sessions, and evaluation sessions through comprehensive questionnaires.

For media inquiries or additional information, Please contact us through the following details: Email: communication@eawibp.org

For the latest updates on the East African Women in Business Platform (EAWiBP), please visit our website at www.eawibp.org

Sustainable business strategies for Small and Medium Scale in tough times

By Julius Ouma

Small and medium enterprises, or simply SMEs, are an important pillar of Kenya’s economy, creating millions of jobs and driving innovation in key sectors of the economy. Apart from propelling economic growth and development, SMEs also underpin social transformation of communities through livelihood opportunities and poverty reduction.  

However, the current economic landscape dominated by high interest rates, fuel price hikes, rising taxation, decline in disposable incomes and reduced consumer spending, is threatening the long-term viability and survival of many small businesses. Hence the need for sustainable growth strategies, to enhance the resilience of small enterprises to such disruptive shocks, while boosting their ability to thrive into the future.

This entails nurturing ‘future-ready SMEs’ that exhibit a strong capacity to overcome prevailing macro-economic challenges while generating long-term financial, economic and social value. The term ‘future-ready’ is said to have been coined by researchers at Aston University in the UK to refer to “a set of capabilities and orientations that enable companies to thrive in the future.”

They characterize future-ready businesses as having three key traits: long-term growth, societal impact and adaptive capacity. So, how can SMEs in Kenya navigate the tough times and become future ready?

First, they need to invest in income and revenue streams that enable them to achieve sustained growth. This includes product diversification and geographical expansion to capture a wider market. One of the factors hindering SME growth is focusing only on one product or market. This is of course not a walk in the park in the prevailing context of deteriorating consumer spending. However, with a little bit of innovation small enterprises can venture into uncharted territory and offer unique value propositions to customers.

Take the case of businesses that thrived during the Covid outbreak four years ago by coming up with imaginative ways of sustaining clientele during the lockdown by embracing home delivery. As they say, never waste a crisis but use it as an opportunity to learn and grow.

Second, SMEs must re-evaluate their true purpose in society. Successful businesses are those that address and solve a real problem facing human society. In the process, they build a loyal base of customers who keep buying their products and services. Every SME must define what it does best and focus on that “sweet spot” in order to thrive.

Third, SMEs need to come up with clear strategies to enable them to adapt to the changing business environment. One such strategy is innovation. From the example above of businesses that turned the pandemic into a massive business opportunity, innovation represents one of the most effective methods of overcoming adversity.

In addition to adapting to dynamic market realities, SMEs need to build resilience to secure business continuity. This entails building a reservoir to act as a buffer for tough times. This way, the business is still able to meet its obligations to customers, creditors, suppliers and regulators thus minimizing the risk of severe liquidity challenges.

Another strategy through which SMEs can enhance long-term viability is through growing their business networks. Joining industry bodies like private sector associations and trade chambers allows them to tap into an expansive business ecosystem to grow their market.

However, in pursuing these goals, SMEs also need to manage costs in an efficient manner. Nowadays, technology has helped streamline business processes in unprecedented ways thus saving time and money and providing much-needed customer convenience.

And while it is true that the majority of SME lack access to financing, working with a financial partner who understands their needs is crucial. Such a financial partner is able to provide working capital solutions especially when the business is facing liquidity constraints as is the case with many small and medium-sized firms in Kenya at the moment.  

Innovative trade finance solutions also go a long way in boosting the ability of a business to tap into new markets.

Mr. Ouma is Acting CEO, Faulu Microfinance Bank Limited . His email is Marketing@faulukenya.com

Kenya Mining Sector Lobby Sends Letter To Head of State

Nairobi, Kenya 31st December 2023

The Kenya National Chamber of Mines early today morning in a letter addressed to His Excellency President and Commander in Chief of the Kenya Defense Forces Dr William Samoe Ruto outlined the potential of the Kenya Mines industry and expressed commitment by the industry to spur growth in the sector and increase the contribution to Kenya’s Gross Domestic Product GDP in line with the ruling regimes bottom Up economic transformation agenda. Here is a copy of the letter to his excellency the president by President of the Kenya Chamber of Mines Dr. Kanyoro Patrick

Attn: H.E Dr. William Ruto, C.G.H. President of the Republic of Kenya
Commander-in-Chief of Kenya Defense Forces
Your Excellency,
The Kenya Chamber of Mines (KCM) is the authoritative body in Kenya representing the interests of miners, exploration companies, mineral dealers, mineral processors, suppliers and professionals in Kenya. Established in the year 2000, KCM serves the artisanal and small scale miners as well as the large scale operators across Kenya. KCM currently is the voice of nearly one million stakeholders, engaged at various levels across Kenya’s mineral sector value chain.
KCM is deeply proud of the contribution our members and all actors across Kenya’s mineral value chain have made in developing Kenya’s nascent mining industry as it evolves into a robust ecosystem. At the least, KCM remains focused on working with the Kenya Kwanza administration to demystify mining as an economic activity. Over the last decade, the mining industry has unfortunately only managed a meagre average of 0.7% to Kenya’s GDP, despite its latent potential. Kenya boasts a strategic geological and geographic location as well as an unparalleled endowment with well trained, skilled and innovative manpower. As an industry, we are certain that we can drive our sector’s contribution to 10% to Kenya’s GDP; more than USD 10 billion well before year 2030. We are the sector that offers the promise for employment and wealth creation at the least cost to the exchequer, across Kenya. Mining as an economic activity has the capacity to create well over two (2) million jobs besides the obvious benefit to contributing towards Kenya’s industrialization.
1

Excellency, as the Chairperson and Coordinator of the Committee of the African Heads of State and Government on Climate Change (CAHOSCC) you are well aware of the ravages climate change is wrecking on our economy and communities. Climate change has aggressively and unrelentingly battered Kenya’s core sectors; agriculture and tourism. This has adversely impacted our export earning capacity, cost and standards of living, unabated inflationary tendencies and acute foreign currency shortages. The mining sector without a doubt offers brilliant counter measures to support rural livelihoods, Kenya’s current account and economic outlook. The mineral value chain’s climate dependence is minimal plus the commodity prices in green minerals such as; lithium, graphite, copper, cobalt, nickel, etc. continue to skyrocket, buoyed by soaring global demand for a decarbonized world; batteries to power homes, electric vehicles and tech devises as the world moves to a greener net zero future. Kenya can and should be part of this green mineral revolution; now not tomorrow.
Excellency Sir, despite Kenya’s well endowed geology and a hardworking populace, the sector has been dogged and held back by lack of information to the citizenry on the opportunities that exist now and in the future. Mining as an economic activity was very key cog in the colonial economy, yet independent Kenya has not enjoyed the obvious benefits that accrue from this God given opportunity. The much touted Mining Act 2016 that replaced the colonial relic referred to as the Mining Act 1940 gave a ray of hope that is yet to delivered the benefits to the citizenry. The decision by the Cabinet for a partial lifting of the moratorium in October 2023 was a sigh of relief to the industry constricted since 2019. We further appreciate your patriotic and candid action of decriminalizing artisanal mining and by dint of the action by the cabinet formalizing the artisanal miners’ subsector. Your commitment to the sector is evident and the recent appointment of the Chairperson of the Mineral Rights Board is a step in the right direction. We appreciate the various actions by the State Department for Mining (SDM) geared towards reinvigorating the sector through a consultative approach by engaging all stakeholders. The approach and strategy by the State Department for Mining is spot on and with sustained open and inclusive consultations, we shall all without doubt bear much fruit in the year 2024 and beyond. With all hands on deck, it will be feasible to have the mining sector contribute at least 10% to Kenya’s gross domestic product well before 2030.
The decision to lift the moratorium and have the Mineral Rights Board commence operations will go a long way in having the applications for the various mineral rights considered, within reasonable time. It is the efficient and timely issuance of prospecting and mining licenses and permits that will attract both direct domestic and foreign investors and transform the sector. Kenya as a nation deserves a seat at the table of countries that leverage on its natural resources for the current and future generations. We must work together on creating a balance between people, profits and the planet. The industry appreciates the decision by the Cabinet to have some minerals now enlisted as strategic. This is a noble initiative that must be supported by all. As industry, we seek further engagements to ensure that the transition is seamless and does not discourage investments, especially for green garnet and copper. Industry players fully support the Kenya Kwanza administration policy on value addition as our finite resources must yield maximum benefits for citizens while delivering a fair return to the investors. Value addition, progressive and mineral specific, will unlock real employment and wealth creation opportunities.
Your Excellency, the exchequer without doubt needs enhanced and purposeful domestic resource mobilization, with appropriate import substitution strategies. As sector players, we are aware that the government is losing enormous revenue due to smuggling and this needs honest engagements with all stakeholders. The Artisanal and
2

Small Scale Miners (ASMs) are in mining as a business for basic livelihood needs; food, school fees, clothing, shelter, medicare, etc. KCM leadership and membership fully support of the Bottom Up Transformation Agenda (BETA). Indeed, there could be no better sector to roll out the agenda; mining offers that platform. ASMs, especially those in gemstones and gold, will greatly benefit from joining cooperatives as they will have the opportunity to ride on economies of scale, both in production and marketing. Kenya has an opportunity to stand as a bastion of investment and economic progress by embracing the concept of madini jua kali. This will facilitate local communities mine and aggregate mineral ores that they can sell to mineral dealers and processors.
Your Excellency, we thank your government for extending respectable budgetary support to the State Department for Mining so as to facilitate the staff render service and reach out to the field. We yearn to see more geologists and mining engineers render technical support to the ASMs across villages in Kenya. This kind gesture will facilitate investments through exploration, mining, mineral dealership and processing by more Kenyans. And perhaps an independent authority or mineral council that will consist of captains of the mining industry and technocrats can leapfrog the sector to unprecedented levels, making it truly a growth sector. This country is blessed with resources and under your leadership, the nation has the opportunity to transform lives and livelihoods through responsible mining.
Finally, Your Excellency Sir, we count on your leadership to realize Kenya’s mineral potential and transform lives across Kenya: from Turkana to Taita Taveta, Kisumu to Kitui, Marsabit to Makueni, Kakamega to Kwale and across the breadth of this great nation. Our dream deferred for the last sixty years; we believe, can be a reality with servant leadership. KCM and stakeholders in the mining sector across Kenya remain open to engaging at all times. As you lead Kenya in 2024 and beyond, “plenty be founded within our boarders” as well take counsel from Deuteronomy 8: 7-10 “For the
you.”
God bless you. God bless Kenya. Yours sincerely,
Dr. Kanyoro Patrick
Chairman – Kenya Chamber of Mines

Tetra Pak East Africa and The Packaging Producer Responsibility Organisation (PAKPRO) launch their kick-start project for the recovery of post-consumer Liquid Board Packaging

Tuesday, 26th September 2023, Nairobi

Tetrapak East Africa in partnership with the Packaging Producer Responsibility Organization (PAKPRO) has launched a kick-start project to recover used beverage cartons in the country. The partnership brings together two recyclers of liquid board packaging – Ramani Warehouse Limited (Thika) and Ekotech Limited (Nairobi) where collectors and aggregators can sell recovered used beverage cartons. The Project targets to recover 1,500 metric tonnes of used beverage cartons which accounts for 30% of the produced liquid board packaging in the country.


The kick-start project seeks to create value for post-consumer liquid board packaging that will increase the economic opportunities for collectors and aggregators in the waste recovery sector.


Following the gazettement of the Sustainable Waste Management Act, 2022 and operationalization of Section 13 of the Act, which directs all producers to implement mandatory Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) obligations to prevent pollution from their post-consumer products or by waste arising therefrom, this project kicks off implementation of EPR for liquid board packaging in the country.

Speaking at the contract signing ceremony with the two recycling partners, Jonathan Kinisu, Tetra Pak East Africa Managing Director, stated, ‘In alignment with EPR regulations and the Waste Management Act we are taking a lead role in supporting the collection & recycling value chain. We are working closely with our recyclers and together with PAKPRO to create consumer awareness and increase the recycling volume.’

This project will be executed in partnership with the Packaging Producer Responsibility Organisation (PAKPRO), which is a Producer Responsibility Organisation that supports recycling value chains in Kenya.

Also at the launch of PAKPRO Chief Executive Officer, Mrs Joyce Gachugi-Waweru noted, ‘As Kenya ushers Mandatory Extended Producer Responsibility on November 1st, 2023, this kick start project will serve as a catalyst to the recovery of post-consumer liquid board packaging (LBP). Tetrapak has been committed to ensuring that post-consumer liquid board packaging is not only recovered and recycled but that the livelihoods supported by the recovery are getting their fair price. We look forward to strengthening the post-consumer consumer value chain to ensure optimal recovery of LBP in the country.’

This initiative will kick start in Nairobi, Kajiado, Nakuru, and Kiambu counties, and it will involve providing capacity building to collectors and aggregators, registration of participating value chain players, and deployment of collection infrastructure in strategic locations.


Tetra Pak and PAKPRO will also collaborate to improve awareness by increasing educational activities among the Kenyan public on issues related to segregation and collection. As well as, actively engaging all stakeholders, including the government, PROs, collectors, and recyclers to ensure that the circularity of UBCs is achieved.

DOUBLE TAXATION IMPEDIMENT TO GROWTH OF INFORMAL SECTOR BUSINESSES NEW REPORT SHOWS

By Clive Ayuko

Nairobi, Kenya 26th September 2023

A new report by the Institute for Social Accountability TISA developed in conjunction with Christian Aid Kenya highlights double taxation as one of the key impediment to growth of businesses in the informal sector. The report titled Small Biz BIG TAX experiences from MSMES AND INFORMAL TRADERS IN NAIROBI county adopted a number of methods to arrive at it’s conclusion to include: overarching literature review, employment of both qualitative techniques which involved conducting of key informant interviews and quantitative techniques which entailed face to face interviews with members of Jua Kali Associations and was conducted for a period of 8 months from January 2023 to August 2023 with focus on Nairobi County.

According to the report Double Taxation is a significant hindrance to growth of businesses within the informal sector and manifests in different market sectors, including in fish mongering and mobile money payments. Trades the report went on to outline are taxed multiple times along the value chain and during transport of the said trade commodities from the source to the markets.

Some of those polled has this to say, ” I often find myself paying taxes twice for the same products I sell. Those collecting taxes for the national government and county governments come asking for their share. I feel like they do not want our businesses to expand.” Another respondent had this to say, ” Nowdays it’s like double taxation is everywhere. If you are bringing foodstuff from the Shamba, you pay fees at the road, pay at the load station, pay at the offloading station, the store license and finally the weekly county fee and this is for the same trade commodity.

Other impediments highlighted by the report as impediments to growth of informal sector business include: the complex nature of seeking tax compliance, inhuman treatment by tax compliance officers and overcharging by compliance officers who may not have information on the correct amount of tax to be levied or payed by such informal sector businesses.

The study outcomes underscored the need for comprehensive reforms in tax policies and these to include: simplification of tax certification, protection of traders from tax compliance officers and capacity building among the informal sector players to enhance their level of awareness on tax frameworks. These the report goes on to outline can be achieved through deepening of the tax base, diversification of the tax sources, entrenchment of tax incentives for MSMEs, Tax education and training, a simple and cost effective tax filing processes and harmonization of tax es levied.

Watu Credit Announces Strategic Partnership with ARC Ride to Increase Number of EV Battery Swap Stations in Nairobi

Nairobi, September 20, 2023

Leading asset financing company, Watu Credit Limited has announced a strategic partnership with Battery-as-a-Service provider ARC Ride, bolstered by the incorporation of global auto parts Tier1 company Musashi Seimitsu Industry Co., Ltd. The collaboration aims to manufacture 1,000 electric vehicles (EV) and establish over 300 battery swap stations in Nairobi by the end of 2024.


‘’As Watu, we strongly believe that EV is the future. In recognition of the fact that coming up with the next EV for the African market is an expensive venture, we started investing in ARC Ride to help them in their research and innovation and delivery of bikes responsive to the African market to the ground, ‘’ says Erick Massawe, Kenya Country Manager at Watu.

ARC Ride is an electric mobility or electric vehicle (EV) startup that builds electric vehicles and runs a Battery-as-a-Service business in Nairobi, Kenya.

ARC Ride’s electric motorbikes are being developed in Kenya through extensive research to ensure they meet local needs. The bikes can be operated with very low maintenance as they need no oil, chains, gears, and no fuel to operate.


Growing network of swap stations in Nairobi

Watu has consistently been dedicating resources to the development of ARC Ride with an aim to further grow the electric motorbike sector in Kenya. In addition to supporting the production of EVs, Watu is facilitating the set up of battery-swapping stations in Nairobi.


‘’For most of our riders who use their bikes for business, what they care about is being able to run a more efficient business by spending less on fuel and also having an EV that they can use without worrying that the battery will run dry in the middle of nowhere. We are helping ARC Ride set up more battery-swapping stations across Nairobi. Currently, ARC Ride has put up 76 battery-swapping stations across Nairobi and its environs, with a target of having at least 100 stations by the end of this year. This is central to making more and more boda boda riders make the switch to EVs’’ notes Eric Massawe.


The 76 swap sites are in various locations along Eastlands, Ngong Road, Githurai, Westlands, Kiambu Road, Kebete, Mombasa Road and Thika Super Highway. The battery swap stations serve at least 50 riders per day, and these numbers have been going up as the number of swap stations increase.


ARC Ride, represented by George Songe, said: “We are expanding our network of automated swapping stations to ensure that electric boda customers can conveniently replace their batteries when the need arises. Customers can replace batteries in under a minute for as low as Ksh 350 per day, for unlimited swaps.”


To make them secure and accessible, the swap stations are set up through partnerships with food chain outlets such as Dominos and Artcaffe and fuel marketing firms such as Ola Energy. A few more partnerships in the pipeline will be announced before the end of 2023.

Erick added that Watu decided to be involved in the EV development process because they’ve been exposed to the challenges that must be addressed to enable EV adoption across the continent.

The Kenyan government has prioritised the adoption of e-motorbikes into the boda boda sector, and Watu’s investment aligns with the efforts to improve access to charging infrastructure in Kenya. It will further contribute to meeting Kenya’s goal of ensuring that at least five per cent of all recently imported vehicles are fully electric by 2025, as stated in the National Climate Change Action Plan.


Andrii Volokha, General Manager for East Africa at Watu, commented: “We want to offer financing solutions that not only make access to e-motorbikes affordable to our customers and accessible nationwide. This investment will boost their penetration and uptake as we play our part to contribute to a just transition.”


Watu has been at the forefront of asset financing for two and three-wheeler vehicles. So far, the company has financed the purchase of over 100 electric assets in Kenya.


Erick expressed his enthusiasm for the partnership, saying it will further elevate Kenya’s prospect as a leading e-mobility hub, especially for boda bodas in Africa.


Watu’s e-motorbike financing model enables customers to acquire an electric motorcycle for as little as Ksh 450 daily, promoting sustainable mobility.

AMCEN 2023: Africa’s Ministers of Environment Must Push for a Strong Africa Position on the Global Plastic Treaty

Addis Ababa, 16 September 2023 – At the 19th session of the African Ministerial Conference on the Environment (AMCEN), Greenpeace Africa has called on Africa’s 54 Ministers of Environment to urge Member States not to compromise in the negotiations for a treaty that would cap plastic production at the source and keep oil and gas used in the extraction of plastics in the ground.


The session of AMCEN is taking place in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia from 14 to 18 August under the theme: Seizing opportunities and enhancing collaboration to address environmental challenges in Africa. AMCEN provides a platform for strengthening Africa’s collective engagement in the global environmental agenda, including in the International Negotiating Committee (INC) to develop a legally binding global plastic treaty.


“As Africa’s Ministers of Environment converge in Addis Ababa, Greenpeace Africa calls for AMCEN to urge African member states to present a united front in the negotiations and ensure a treaty that is centred on justice and firmly rooted in human rights. A treaty that will reduce inequality and prioritise human health. Governments must deliver this treaty to meaningfully tackle the plastic pollution crisis that communities across Africa are fighting against,” said Hellen Kahaso Dena, Greenpeace Africa’s Communication and Story Manager.


From raw materials extraction, production to disposal, plastic pollution negatively impacts our human rights. It accelerates social injustice and environmental degradation of ecosystems that are essential to African livelihoods and reinforces the harms and inequalities brought about by the climate crisis.


“We urge the African Group of Negotiators to call for a strong treaty that prioritises a just transition to sustainable livelihoods for workers and other affected communities across the plastics value chain. The treaty must support reuse and refill business models, taking into account the interests of waste pickers and Indigenous Peoples while utilising traditional knowledge,” added Dena.


Plastic production and climate change are inextricably linked. With over 99% of plastics being made from fossil fuels, plastic production is a major driver of the climate crisis and accounts for approximately 3.4% of global greenhouse gas emissions. Cutting plastic production and ending single-use plastic is therefore in line with the goal of keeping global warming below 1.5 degrees.


The proponents of single-use plastics are pushing for more plastic production and exportation into Africa. This could undermine the progress made by African countries in combating plastic pollution. Collaboration among Africa’s Member States is key in addressing these challenges to bring to an end this illegal and neo-colonialist way of dealing with plastic waste from the Global North.


“With 34 governments having passed a law banning single-use single-use plastics and implemented or passed a law with the intention of implementation, Africa has already shown great leadership in the quest to deal with plastic pollution on the continent. We expect AMCEN to urge all Member States to adopt a progressive plan that supports ambitious goals towards a strong global plastic treaty that will solve the plastic pollution crisis and the added burden of plastic waste dumping in Africa,” concluded Dena.

Workforce Investment and Skill Adaptation key to Thriving in an Evolving Job Landscape

Nairobi, August 15th, 2023 

Employers have been urged to invest in their workforce and adapt to skill sets to match the changing job landscape.



Speaking during the opening ceremony of the Zamara Regional summit, Sally Mahihu, Chairperson, Kenya Investment Authority (KenInvest) emphasized on the need for aligning talent with market opportunities and the role of strategic workforce planning in driving growth and achieving success in a dynamic business environment.



“Organizations must now recognize the transformative nature of the job market due to technological advancements, shifting consumer demands, and the global economic changes. These necessitates continuous learning and upskilling to ensure that employees remail relevant and competitive in their respective field,” she said.



On his part, Raymond Muthama, Chief People and Culture Officer at Zamara, emphasized on the significance of understanding the unique needs of each generation within the workforce.

“Crafting a robust workplace culture should not be misconstrued as creating a cult-like atmosphere. Rather, it involves aligning values, fostering inclusivity, and nurturing innovation,” Mr. Muthama said. He added that an inclusive workplace culture acts as a catalyst for employee engagement and overall organizational success.

With an increasing number of Millennials and Gen Zs now in the workforce, Mr. Muthama sighted the significance of crafting an environment where diverse generations collaborate seamlessly, recognizing one another’s strengths, and jointly contributing to the growth and innovation that propel businesses to new heights. “Understanding generational dynamics should be a guiding principle for leaders aiming to establish workplaces that not only endure but flourish in the face of changing times,” he concluded.

Zamara Group kicked off its Regional HR summit for 2023. The summit, themed “The Future of Talent, Work, and Workspaces,” is taking place at the Diamonds Leisure Beach and Golf Resort. With a gathering of over 20 esteemed speakers and over 200 HR business leaders, policy makers, and visionaries from across the region from 6 countries.