NAIROBI, Kenya – The government has rolled out new waste management regulations aimed at tightening control over how waste is handled, transported, and disposed of in Kenya.
The Environmental Management and Coordination (Waste Management) Regulations, 2024, unveiled by Environment CS Aden Duale, impose stricter measures on waste segregation and disposal while introducing penalties for non-compliance.
Among the key changes is the mandatory colour-coded waste segregation system.
Households, businesses, and institutions must now sort waste into designated categories: green for organic waste, black for general waste, and blue for recyclables.
The new rules make it illegal to dump hazardous waste on public roads, streets, recreational areas, or any other public space except in designated disposal sites.
Waste generators—ranging from individual households to large industries—are required to separate hazardous from non-hazardous waste and ensure proper disposal.
Additionally, waste transporters must hold a valid license from the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA), with fines and penalties for violations.
Transporting waste without a license is now an offense, and offenders face a fine of between KSh 2 million and KSh 4 million, or imprisonment for up to four years.
The new regulations also outline licensing fees for different waste management activities.
Businesses handling waste will have to pay: KSh 10,000 for a waste transportation license, KSh 80,000 for operating a waste storage or processing plant, KSh 100,000 for a waste treatment or disposal plant, and KSh 50,000 per consignment for exporting waste.
Transporters must also ensure that waste collection is done without causing scattering, contamination, or leakage, and that vehicles carrying waste are clearly labeled to indicate the type of waste being transported.
The regulations are part of the enforcement of the Sustainable Waste Management Act, 2022, which aims to promote a cleaner environment and hold polluters accountable.
Under this law, individuals or businesses found mismanaging waste may be ordered to restore the affected site to its original state.
If they fail to comply, NEMA will issue a site restoration order and take further action.
By tightening waste disposal rules and increasing penalties, the government is taking a firm stance on environmental protection.
However, questions remain on how effectively these regulations will be enforced, especially at the county level where waste management has historically faced challenges.
With implementation underway, Kenyans will now have to adapt to a more structured and regulated waste disposal system—or risk facing hefty fines.
