NAIROBI, Kenya- In a bold environmental move, Kenya’s Environment Cabinet Secretary, Aden Duale, has proposed an eco tax on imported finished products.
This proposal aims to address the growing waste management crisis and fund sustainable practices to combat environmental degradation.
This tax, Duale emphasizes, will target manufacturers who bring goods, packaging, and other materials into the country, ensuring they take responsibility for the waste their products generate.
The revenue from this proposed eco tax, according to Duale, would directly support Kenya’s ongoing battle against environmental pollution and its effects on biodiversity and climate change.
Currently, businesses introducing products into the Kenyan market are bound by Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) obligations, which require them to manage the environmental impact of their goods.
However, these regulations don’t fully address post-consumption waste management.
Duale argues that while some recycling and incineration practices exist, they still leave behind residual waste that needs proper disposal.
The eco tax would ensure that every importer contributes financially to address the environmental impact their products have, from the packaging to the final waste disposal process.
“EPR doesn’t cover all the post-consumption aspects of waste management,” Duale stated. The funds collected would be directed to the National Environment Restoration Fund, an initiative established by section 25 of the Environmental Management and Coordination Act (Cap. 387).
Duale sees this eco tax as a strategic instrument aimed at reducing the waste burden. The tax would primarily apply to products contributing significantly to Kenya’s waste problem, encouraging manufacturers to adopt more sustainable practices.
But that’s not all. The funds will also go towards building more effective waste management infrastructure and supporting innovation in environmental protection.
By investing in ecosystem restoration programs, the Kenyan government hopes to foster a culture of environmental stewardship.
Duale has invited Kenyans and other stakeholders to submit their views on this proposed eco tax. This public consultation process aims to gather feedback that could shape the final legislation, making it a collaborative effort towards better environmental governance.
