Policy Participation and Sustainability in Kenya’s Fashion & Creative Industries

Explore how fashion professionals, designers, artisans, and industry players in Kenya can leverage existing environmental laws and policies, participate in the legislative process, and align with sustainability regulations like the EPR 2024 and Waste Management Act.

Living in Nairobi, surrounded by natural beauty and vibrant culture, Ryan’s journey into sustainability was sparked by one very common but often overlooked part of daily life: waste. From co-founding a recycling company in the U.S. to piloting waste segregation in Ghana, his journey led him to Dandora dumpsite, one of Nairobi’s largest landfills, where he spent a week working alongside waste pickers. That experience reshaped everything.

Introduction: Policy as a Driver of Sustainable Fashion

In Kenya’s fast-growing creative and fashion economy, aligning with national environmental policies is no longer optional—it’s strategic. Policies provide structured pathways for sustainable growth, protect natural resources, and offer fashion professionals and creatives the tools to be part of positive systemic change.

Understanding Policy

Policies in Kenya are broadly categorized as:

  • Institutional Policies: Internal rules and commitments made by private or public organizations (e.g., a fashion house adopting zero-waste practices).

  • Public Policies: Government statements of intent, e.g., the Sustainable Waste Management Policy (2021), which sets out measures for a circular economy approach, including recycling, segregation, and sustainable disposal.

Policy Formulation Process in Kenya

Public policy begins when an issue is identified by a government ministry or executive body. The process includes:

  • Drafting: Involves consultations with stakeholders, researchers, and the public.

  • Public Participation: Protected under Article 10 of Kenya’s Constitution, allowing citizens to voice their views.

  • Legislative Review: The draft policy becomes a bill reviewed in Parliament through readings, committees, and debates.

  • Enactment: Once passed, the bill becomes law upon presidential assent.

Citizen Participation & Petitions

Kenyan citizens can propose policy changes through:

  • Article 1: Grants sovereign power to citizens.

  • Article 119: Allows individuals or groups to petition Parliament to enact, amend, or repeal policies.

Enforcement of Policies

The National Environmental Management Authority (NEMA) is the lead agency in enforcing environmental policies such as:

  • Environmental Management and Coordination Act (1999, Revised 2015)

  • EPR (Extended Producer Responsibility) Regulations, 2024

  • Sustainable Waste Management Act (2022)

Role of Stakeholders in the Fashion Industry

Fashion professionals, tailors, seamstresses, and accessory makers are critical to driving sustainability through:

  • Public Participation: Submitting written input or participating in county forums.

  • Business Coalitions: Working with business member organizations like KEPSA (Kenya Private Sector Alliance).

  • SIB-K: The Sustainable Inclusive Business Kenya, a KEPSA knowledge hub that facilitates circular business models and policy engagement across sectors including fashion, hair, and beauty.

Global & Local Sustainability Commitments

Fashion professionals can align with Kenya’s global commitments including:

  • Paris Agreement (2015): Targeting climate action

  • UN Convention on Biological Diversity

  • Basel & Stockholm Conventions: On waste and persistent pollutants

Policy is Power

Policy isn’t just for politicians. It’s a tool for progress—one that fashion professionals, artisans, tailors, and entrepreneurs can use to shape a cleaner, more inclusive, and circular industry. Kenya stands at a pivotal point in defining African-led solutions to global sustainability issues, and fashion has a major role to play.

Name: Kaburu Jeremy Munene
Profession: Circular Economy and Research Specialist
Passion: Indigenous Environmental Knowledge Documentation

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