In this paper we discuss the feasibility of green catching-up through sustainable industrialization by the African and similar emerging economies, using Kenya manufacturing companies as a case. Applying evolutionary economic theory, we suggest a strong history friendly perspective may bring important insights to the theme of green catching-up. We propose that with the recent advance of the ‘circular economy’ agenda, the green TEP is entering a critical disruptive stage which could potentially become a window of opportunity for green leapfrogging for developing economies. We inquire if African and other least developed economies may have lower shifting costs as well as be circular by necessity, i.e. less ‘wastefull and better at preserving and regenerating their resources? Our findings from our case study among 27 manufacturing companies in Nairobi, Kenya, indicate that to some degree the Kenyan manufacturing firms are alreadycircular by necessity, albeit the picture is nuanced and we also find inefficient resource management and serious data and knowledge gaps. Most importantly, we find a very high interest, among the Kenyan companies in engaging in circular strategizing and innovation. If STI policies were employed in a circular direction in Kenya, Kenya and similar economies could likely profitably leapfrog into the circular economy.