57 Kenyans benefit from a rigorous boot camp supported by IKEA in an effort to commercialize green climate.

In a significant move towards enhancing Kenya's waste management sector, the Sustainable Waste Innovation for a Future in Transition (SWIFT) programme, a collaborative initiative between the Kenya Climate Innovation Center (KCIC) and the IKEA Foundation, commenced its mission to empower entrepreneurs across the nation.

Through the programme 57 entrepreneurs selected from diverse regions of Kenya embarked on a transformative journey through a rigorous boot camp. These entrepreneurs through an extensive bootcamp received support which aims to equip them with tools necessary to scale their businesses sustainably and effectively manage wastes.

As the SWIFT programme gains momentum, it highlights the importance of public-private partnerships in driving sustainable development. With ongoing support from the IKEA Foundation and KCIC's expertise, the programme is set to catalyze a greener, more resilient future for Kenya's waste management sector.

By promoting efficient waste management practices, SWIFT aims to mitigate environmental challenges such as pollution and resource depletion, thereby contributing to Kenya's broader sustainability goals.

In his remarks, IKEA Project Manager noted that by nurturing green entrepreneurship in the waste management sector this will greatly impact not only economic growth but also environmental and societies wellbeing as a whole.

“As a foundation our main focus is to help people create a better life and protect the planet. Today the world faces two critical challenges, inequality and climate change.  We cannot continue with business practices that brought us immense challenges and expect changes,” said  Patrick Obonyo.

Among the cohort members present during the boot camp was Antony Kiruri with Green Pencils, a company that covert paper to wood to paper to make pencils.

This boot camp has been very exciting and the opportunity signifies a pivotal step towards realizing my vision of sustainable waste solutions and job creation. Although we are a small manufacturer, one thing I am sure is that because of the support through the bootcamp my company will grow exponentially,” he said

The programme is dedicated to supporting Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) involved in waste management. Its primary objective is to foster a paradigm shift towards sustainable practices within the sector while bolstering policy frameworks aimed at environmental stewardship.