NAIROBI, Kenya – The Senate Committee on Delegated Legislation has approved seven new regulations aimed at tackling the growing plastic waste crisis in Kenya, a move set to place significant responsibility on manufacturers to curb pollution.
The regulations, introduced by Environment Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale under the Environmental Management and Coordination Act (EMCA) and the Sustainable Waste Management Act, are centered around the concept of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR).
This approach shifts the burden of environmental cleanup onto producers whose products contribute to pollution.
Under EPR, manufacturers will be required to take accountability for plastic waste traced back to their products.
For example, if a discarded plastic bottle from a major beverage company is found polluting a river, it will be up to the brand owner—not the consumer—to clean up the affected environment.
“To define a packaging waste, such as from a milk company like Brookside or a Coca-Cola bottle in a river, we won’t go after the Kenyan who bought the product. We will hold the producer responsible,” Duale explained.
He emphasized that even global brand owners, not just local franchise operators, would be answerable.
The National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) will oversee enforcement, ensuring that manufacturers adhere to the cleanup regulations.
Duale noted that this initiative aligns Kenya with global standards, asserting that the country is taking a leadership role in addressing climate change and pollution.
“Extended Producer Responsibility isn’t unique to Kenya—it’s a worldwide practice. What we are doing here places Kenya ahead in environmental conservation,” Duale stated.
The new regulations mark a significant policy shift, aiming to ease the pressure on waste management systems while holding industries accountable for their environmental footprint.
Environmental advocates have welcomed the move, calling it a necessary step toward achieving sustainable waste management in Kenya.
The regulations, introduced by Environment Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale under the Environmental Management and Coordination Act (EMCA) and the Sustainable Waste Management Act, are centered around the concept of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR).
This approach shifts the burden of environmental cleanup onto producers whose products contribute to pollution.
Under EPR, manufacturers will be required to take accountability for plastic waste traced back to their products.
For example, if a discarded plastic bottle from a major beverage company is found polluting a river, it will be up to the brand owner—not the consumer—to clean up the affected environment.
“To define a packaging waste, such as from a milk company like Brookside or a Coca-Cola bottle in a river, we won’t go after the Kenyan who bought the product. We will hold the producer responsible,” Duale explained.
He emphasized that even global brand owners, not just local franchise operators, would be answerable.
The National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) will oversee enforcement, ensuring that manufacturers adhere to the cleanup regulations.
Duale noted that this initiative aligns Kenya with global standards, asserting that the country is taking a leadership role in addressing climate change and pollution.
“Extended Producer Responsibility isn’t unique to Kenya—it’s a worldwide practice. What we are doing here places Kenya ahead in environmental conservation,” Duale stated.
The new regulations mark a significant policy shift, aiming to ease the pressure on waste management systems while holding industries accountable for their environmental footprint.
Environmental advocates have welcomed the move, calling it a necessary step toward achieving sustainable waste management in Kenya.
