NAIROBI, April 29 (Xinhua) -- Kenya on Tuesday introduced a policy brief to strengthen the role of small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in fostering circular economy practices within the national agri-food sector.

The document examines Kenya's progress in policy development while highlighting persistent barriers limiting SME participation.

Alice Nyaga, official at the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development, said the policy brief assesses the country's progress toward a circular economy in agri-food systems.

"It highlights both the advances made in national policy development and the practical challenges that continue to limit the participation of SMEs in the circular economy transition," Nyaga said.

She added that the policy brief identifies several critical barriers facing SMEs, including limited access to finance, inadequate access to appropriate technologies, and complex certification and regulatory requirements.

Beryl Oyier, country director at Bopinc Innovation Center, noted that the country has made notable progress in establishing an enabling policy environment for a circular economy through legislative frameworks such as the Sustainable Waste Management Act of 2022, the Extended Producer Responsibility Regulations of 2024, and the Green Economy Strategy.

Oyier added that for many SMEs, particularly those engaged in local food systems and community-based value chains, these frameworks are not yet fully accessible in practice. ■