# Kenya

Kenya is taking action to combat plastic pollution, both to protect its environment and to promote green economic growth.


## Challenges and Opportunities

Kenya faces considerable challenges with plastic pollution, particularly in urban centres and along its coastline, where plastic waste disrupts ecosystems, endangers wildlife, and impacts tourism and fisheries.Tremendous waste is generated in Kenya every day, and at least 20 percent of it is plastic. Plastic waste mismanagement leads to widespread plastic leakage into rivers and oceans, exacerbating marine pollution and threatening the livelihoods of coastal communities.Kenya has made notable strides in combating plastic pollution, including its 2017 ban on plastic bags, one of the most stringent globally. In 2020, the ban extended to single-use plastics in protected natural areas, further reducing plastic pollution. Additionally, Kenya has introduced policies encouraging the circular economy and extended producer responsibility (EPR) frameworks to promote recycling.


## Kenya joins the Global Plastic Action Partnership

In January 2025, the Global Plastic Action Partnership (GPAP) announced that Kenya would join its growing network of National Plastic Action Partnerships (NPAPs), recognizing the country's leadership in tackling plastic pollution and advancing circular economy solutions.The partnership provides Kenya with access to GPAP's global network, expertise and evidence-based approach to accelerate action on plastic pollution while supporting sustainable development and economic growth.


## Kenya formalizes its partnership with GPAP

In December 2025, the Government of Kenya and the World Economic Forum signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) establishing the Kenya National Plastic Action Partnership (NPAP Kenya).The agreement laid the foundations for a country-led, multi-stakeholder platform bringing together government, business, academia, civil society and development partners to develop practical solutions to plastic pollution and advance a circular plastics economy.


## NPAP Kenya launches at the Our Ocean Conference

In June 2026, NPAP Kenya was officially launched at the 11th Our Ocean Conference in Mombasa.The initiative reflects Kenya's commitment to a practical, long-term approach to plastic pollution — recognizing plastics as materials that can be designed, reused, recycled and managed more sustainably. As a national coordination platform, NPAP Kenya aligns the country's priorities with global efforts to address plastic pollution, bringing together government, business, civil society and development partners around a shared roadmap for circular plastics action. By advancing solutions that reduce plastic pollution while creating opportunities for jobs, innovation and investment, NPAP Kenya supports a more resilient, competitive and inclusive circular economy.


### Let's Connect

Do you work for a government, business, intergovernmental organization, or civil society? Join forces with GPAP to fast-track our collective progress towards a world free of plastic waste and pollution.

[Contact us](mailto:plasticaction@weforum.org)


## Cross-Sector Support

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*Partner organizations and sponsors*


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*Partner organizations and sponsors*