By Sam Dindi, HSC
Director Training, Mazingira Yetu Organisation

In the face of climate change, pollution, and mounting waste challenges, environment education remains one of the most powerful tools for driving behavior change. “Circular Pathway: A Sustainable Future” is an innovative board game that turns environmental education into a dynamic, hands-on experience — designed to inform, engage, and empower the general public around circular economy principles and sustainable waste management.

At its core, Circular Pathway transforms complex environmental policies and practices into a fun, interactive journey toward sustainability. Developed for youth, educators, local leaders, and even informal waste workers, the game creates a shared learning space that fosters critical thinking, problem-solving, and practical action.

Alliance girls and Lenana School students playing the circular pathway board game during the launch of the 2025 First Lady Mazingira Awards. (c) SPARTAN Photography Kenya

 Bridging Policy and Practice

Kenya’s progressive environmental policies — including the Sustainable Solid Waste Management Act (2022) — underscore the country’s commitment to a greener future. Yet, gaps persist in implementation, public awareness, and engagement. Many still operate within a linear “take-make-dispose” model, exacerbating pollution and resource waste.

Circular Pathway bridges this divide by localizing global circular economy concepts and embedding them in everyday realities. Players encounter real-world challenges, learn about Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR), simulate waste segregation, and debate policy decisions — all within a supportive, gamified environment.

 Game Mechanics That Drive Impact

Set on a vibrant circular board, players (2–6 per session) journey through themed spaces using various card types:

Challenge Cards: Confront everyday waste issues

Knowledge Cards: Reinforce key circular economy concepts

Quiz Cards: Reward speed and accuracy with in-game currency

Event Cards: Simulate community dilemmas and responses

Policy Cards: Roleplay law-making and enforcement

With a game duration of 30–60 minutes, each session is short enough to maintain engagement but rich in content and collaboration. It’s ideal for scaling — from classrooms to workshops, to informal settlements and youth centers.

Who Will Benefit?

The game is designed for:

• Learners aged 14 and above
• Waste pickers and informal waste workers
• Community-Based Organizations (CBOs)
• Trainers, educators, and facilitators
• County government officers and policymakers

Real Learning, Real Change

Participants walk away with more than just new knowledge. They develop:

• Practical understanding of circular economy
• Deeper insights into environmental laws and responsibilities
• Teamwork and communication skills
• A sense of empowerment to drive change in their communities

Circular Economy Boardgame Set. (c) SPARTAN Photography Kenya

Scaling for Impact

By partnering with schools, Non-Governmental Organizations (NGO’s), County governments, and waste sector actors, Circular Pathway can be integrated into sensitization campaigns, youth empowerment programs, and civic education drives. It offers a low-cost, high-impact platform to build environmental literacy and foster a culture of circular thinking.

A Playful Path to a Greener Future

Circular Pathway: A Sustainable Future proves that environmental education doesn’t have to be dry or top-down. By turning learning into play, it inspires a new generation of eco-conscious citizens equipped to take action. As Kenya and the world accelerate toward a green economy, tools like this board game are not just relevant — they’re essential.

Let’s play our part and shape the circular future we all deserve.