Lara Maritano : Adopt Circular Economy to Address Tough Economic Times

The Call to Africa Nations to adopt World Circular Economy model continues to escalate as stakeholders in the business sector are urged to change steps from traditional linear economy (make, use, dispose) ,in which resources will now be kept in use for as long as possible, maximum value is extracted from them whilst in use, then materials are recovered and products are regenerated at the end of each life.

The Convention which is happening for the first time across the Eastern African Region Comes in at a time when the heads of States from the East and Southern African Economic Block are converging in Zambia to discuss about common African market.

Speaking at the conference Lara Maritano who is a Circular Economy Consultant and director of the World Circular Economy program Kenyan Chapter, she has acknowledged the Kenyan people for adopting the Circular Economy module that has been in place for at least the last 15 yrs which makes the region potray a great potential when it comes to drawing case studies for other African Nations to adopt.

“Africa has been using circular principles for generations. As new business models and technologies emerge, the opportunities for agriculture, manufacturing and waste management can be harnessed to improve livelihoods and reduce poverty.”Says Lara Maritano

Zablon Wekesa who is the Coordinator for the Kenyan Chapter has called upon the policy makers to make quick intervention so that Kenya and the region is not caught up by time, he said that every country is changing from the usual linear economy where products were made for a certain period of time and later disposed which would inturn bring up issues of waste Management.

“Am glad that exhibitors were around today to come and showcase what we’re talking about today on industry ,policy makers, education system to make more emphasis on the Circular Economy where products are Made,used , regenerated ,frabicated and re-used once again.” Zablon Wekesa Kenya Chapter Coordinator.

Kenya has started making milestone on the Circular economy network by introducing a green economy document and a law that will make changes on policies that regulates businesses and enterprises.

Dr Ayub Director of environment at the Ministry of Environment Kenya has commended different markets outlets in Nairobi Metropolitan that are addressing waste Management through recycling of organic waste which in turn produce black soilder ( food made from insects) and fertilizer as a final product.

“The Circular Economy module will for the first time address the sudden economic crisis facing many middle income countries,as a ministry we are ready and committed to address the issue which will inturn be of great impact on our economy.” Says Dr Ayub.