How can Kenya’s textile industry embrace a circular economy?

This episode explores textile recycling Kenya efforts through a conversation between Alex Musembi from Africa Collect Textiles and Sarah Njau from Green Forest Solutions.orative efforts to streamline textile recycling and reuse in Kenya.

They discuss their collaborative work and the practical steps needed to improve textile reuse and recycling across the country.

Textile recycling Kenya: how ACT collects and sorts textiles

Alex explains ACT’s model of collecting post-consumer textiles through drop-off points and door-to-door pickups. All collected items are sorted for resale and upcycling.
He also talks about the challenge of motivating people to dispose of their textiles responsibly, especially in a fast-fashion environment where products move quickly and waste grows just as fast.

The role of EPR in supporting textile recovery

Sarah describes how Green Forest Solutions helps set up Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) schemes in Kenya. These schemes play an essential role in funding the infrastructure needed for effective textile waste management — including collection, sorting, and reuse systems.

Shared insights from ACT and Green Forest Solutions

Together, Alex and Sarah highlight the impact of fast fashion, the importance of better product design, and the need for international partnerships to keep environmental initiatives moving forward.
The episode offers a clear look at the dynamics of the textile recycling market in Kenya and the global cooperation required to support it.