The program provided Rwandan stakeholders with practical, hands-on training and a comprehensive study tour, offering invaluable exposure to Kenya's significant strides in EPR implementation. Participants gained insights into best practices, legal frameworks, operational Producer Responsibility Organizations (PROs), public-private partnerships, and innovative circular economy solutions.

Dr. John Wandaka, Chair of the Environment Sector Board at KEPSA, celebrated the workshop as a mutual learning platform crucial for accelerating the transition to a circular economy. "EPR is more than a regulatory tool; it is a business strategy, a compliance requirement, and a sustainability enabler," stated Dr. Wandaka. He highlighted KEPSA's collaborative role in Kenya's EPR development, including contributions to the 2024 EPR Regulations and facilitating dialogue forums with businesses, recyclers, county governments, and informal actors. He also noted the development and publication of the EPR Guidance document and the recent launch of the redesigned NEMA website, aimed at improving public access to EPR-related materials.

The Rwandan Delegation, led by Mr. Dismas Karuranga, Climate Mitigation Specialist at the Ministry of Environment, expressed profound appreciation for the insights gained from Kenya's EPR system. "The Kenyan experience provides a robust framework and valuable lessons that will significantly contribute to the development of Rwanda's national EPR roadmap," remarked Mr. Karuranga. "We are inspired by the collaborative spirit and practical approaches demonstrated here, and we look forward to adapting these successes to our unique context to promote a more circular economy in Rwanda."

Mr. Akshay Shah, Group Executive Director at Sila Africa and Chairperson of KEPRO, emphasized the critical synergies between the private sector and government in driving successful EPR initiatives. His remarks underscored the importance of multi- stakeholder collaboration for sustainable waste management.
Earlier in the week, during a courtesy call at the NEMA Headquarters, Dr. Ayub Macharia, Director of Environmental Enforcement at the National Environment 

Management Authority (NEMA), showcased Kenya's EPR journey and the authority’s milestones. He shared key lessons learned, providing the delegation with a clear understanding of the regulatory landscape and implementation challenges.

The Rwandan delegation included Mr. Karuranga Dismas, Mrs. Batamuliza Anita Hodari (Senior Project Officer, RURA), Mr. Djuma Nsanzimana (Waste Management Specialist, CPCIC), and Ms. Joy Amata (Environment Expert, PSF). Other notable participants included a delegation of waste practitioners from Practical Action Kenya, Mr. James Odongo (CEO KEPRO), Mr. Richard Kainika (Secretary General, Kenya Association of Waste Recyclers), Ms. Enid Kirui (Regulatory and Public Affairs Manager, L'Oréal East Africa), among others.
This collaborative initiative reinforces the commitment of East African nations to addressing plastic pollution and enabling a circular economy. By sharing knowledge and best practices, Kenya and Rwanda are paving the way for a more sustainable future in the region.