Kenya continues to grapple with a growing waste management challenge. The country generates some 8 million tons of waste annually, much of which is poorly managed, adding to existing pollution and CO₂ emissions. At the same time, local communities, entrepreneurs, waste pickers, innovators, and grassroots organizations are coming up with creative solutions that turn waste into value.
It is against this backdrop that the EU SWITCH Kenya Green Tujenge Pamoja program officially launched at United States International University-Africa (USIU-Africa) on May 12, 2026. Tujenge Pamoja means “Let’s Build Together.” The program aims to accelerate Kenya’s transition toward a circular and inclusive green economy through partnerships, innovation, sustainable enterprise development, and community-driven solutions.
Implemented by Hivos together with consortium partners KEPSA, KCB Foundation, Somo Africa, and USIU-Africa, the program is funded by the European Union’s SWITCH Africa Green initiative that supports micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), strengthens green jobs, improves access to financing, and advances sustainable production practices across Kenya.
A launch rooted in collaboration
Throughout the launch, one message stood out clearly: meaningful transformation requires collective action.
Representing the European Union, Rodrigues Romeo emphasized the importance of partnerships in driving sustainable change and reaffirmed the EU’s commitment to supporting green economy transitions globally.
“You don’t act alone, you act with partners,” he noted, adding that successful circular economy transitions require collaboration, aligned policies, and shared responsibility across sectors.
Hivos Regional Director Kennedy Mugochi described the program as both timely and necessary, particularly as Kenya continues to face growing environmental and economic challenges linked to waste, unemployment, and climate pressures.
“The community is already turning waste into value,” Mugochi said. “Our role is to scale what works and provide fuel to innovators harvesting green jobs.”
He further emphasized that while launching programs is important, the true test lies in how partners collectively navigate implementation challenges and sustain impact beyond a program’s lifecycle.
Communities already hold solutions
During a presentation outlining the program’s vision and implementation strategy, Program Manager Ndinda Maithya emphasized that communities are already innovating and creating sustainable solutions on their own.
“We come in as equal partners for scalability,” she noted, underscoring the program’s commitment to supporting and scaling existing grassroots innovations rather than imposing external solutions.
Maithya also highlighted the importance of including waste pickers and grassroots actors in decision-making processes, noting that sustainable systems cannot be built without including the lived realities and expertise of those already working within the circular economy.
Financing innovation and green enterprise
The launch also explored the role of financing and enterprise support in advancing Kenya’s circular economy ambitions.
KCB Foundation Head of Programs Joblin Omari noted that the program brings together a unique mix of stakeholders, particularly by bridging civil society, private sector actors, and the financial sector under one shared initiative.
He emphasized the importance of blended finance approaches and strengthening MSMEs to become investment-ready.
“KCB is a catalyst,” he said, noting that many enterprises struggle not because they lack ideas, but because they need training in business skills and access to financing opportunities.
Advancing systems change through technology and inclusion
SOMO CEO Catherine Mosalia stressed the need for systems and tools that are accessible and responsive to communities already working within the waste and circular economy sectors.
She emphasized that waste pickers are integral contributors to the economy and that sustainable impact depends on ensuring all stakeholders are included.
“The more stakeholders involved, the more successful the project will be in creating sustainable impact beyond the program,” she said.
USIU-Africa showed how academic and innovation centers can contribute to solving sustainability challenges. The university highlighted student-led innovations, including AI-supported waste separation technologies being developed by its incubation and citizen science initiatives.
Important conversations on inclusion and sustainability
A panel discussion moderated by Prof. Bellows J Scott from USIU-Africa focused on inclusion within the circular economy space.
Panelists pointed out the barriers faced by many persons with disabilities in accessing labor markets, entrepreneurship opportunities, and financing despite years of working in informal and green economy sectors. Discussions also explored the need for accessible financing systems, research-driven sustainability solutions, and stronger environmental safeguards around plastics and waste management.
Tujenge Pamoja: building forward, together
As the launch concluded, Kenya’s Government Spokesperson Isaac Mwaura described the program as an important initiative arriving at a critical moment for Kenya and the continent.
“The future is Africa,” he said, while emphasizing the importance of innovation, partnerships, and policies that help enterprises scale sustainably.
The event itself reflected the spirit of Tujenge Pamoja, bringing together actors who do not often occupy the same spaces. The launch highlighted the importance of ensuring that no stakeholder is left behind in Kenya’s green transition, from community voices and waste sector players to policymakers, financial institutions, academia, and development organizations.
The program is officially open for applications.
If your business is ready to transition to the green economy, build its capacity, and access catalytic financing through the Tujenge Pamoja Let’s Go Green Seed Fund, this is your chance to apply.
You qualify if:
- Your business works with plastics (recycling/collecting), organic waste (making manure, animal feed, briquettes), or textiles (tailoring, design, fabric recycling).
- Your business operates within Nairobi, Kiambu, Nakuru, Machakos, Makueni, Mombasa, Kilifi, or Kwale counties.
- You are a small or medium-sized business owner looking for training and funding to grow.
Let’s build a greener, stronger Kenya together. Apply today: https://ee.kobotoolbox.org/x/ld2FXjqv
