E-waste in Kenya surges to over 53,000 tonnes amid small electronics boom – KNBS

KENYA – Kenya’s electronic waste output has reached a record high, hitting 53,559 metric tonnes in 2024—up from 46,211 tonnes in 2020—according to newly released data from the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS).

The surge reflects the growing demand for small electronic appliances and highlights the mounting environmental challenges tied to their disposal.

Small equipment such as toasters, vacuum cleaners, and other household electrical items led the increase, rising by 5.6% to 19,737 tonnes.

This category alone accounted for nearly 37% of the country’s total e-waste output in 2024, surpassing the waste generated by large appliances such as refrigerators, air conditioners, and heat pumps.

Cooling and freezing equipment contributed over 11,000 tonnes—up from 10,776 tonnes in 2023—while e-waste from screens and monitors, including televisions, laptops, and tablets, grew slightly to 5,715 tonnes.

On the other end of the spectrum, lamps accounted for the least amount of electronic waste at 4,844 tonnes, showing a small decline from 5,039 tonnes the previous year.

Recycling efforts begin to show impact

Mobile phone waste also dipped slightly to 6,581 tonnes in 2024, down from 6,732 tonnes in 2023.

This gradual decline can be partly attributed to recycling initiatives by local startups like Badili, which was founded in 2021 by Rishabh Lawania and Keshu Dubey.

The company specializes in refurbishing and reselling pre-owned smartphones, extending device lifespans and reducing disposal volumes.

In March 2024, Badili secured a US$400,000 debt facility from Proparco, the French development finance institution, to support its expansion across Africa.

Such efforts are increasingly vital in slowing the growth of e-waste, though experts say much more needs to be done.

Environmental and health risks mount

E-waste presents significant environmental and health risks due to toxic materials such as lead, mercury, and cadmium found in many devices.

When disposed of improperly—particularly in Kenya’s largely informal recycling sector—these substances can contaminate air, water, and soil, threatening both ecosystems and human health.

The growing volume of discarded electronics also represents a loss of valuable resources, including precious metals and reusable components, which often go unrecovered due to inadequate recycling infrastructure.

According to the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR), global e-waste is projected to reach 82 million tonnes by 2030.

Countries like Kenya, with limited formal recycling systems, risk being overwhelmed unless urgent reforms and investments are made.

Counterfeit electronics compound the problem

Adding to the crisis is the influx of counterfeit electronics across African markets. A report by CBi-electric estimates that fake electrical equipment accounts for 40–80% of products sold in the region.

Manufactured using substandard materials, these counterfeit goods have shorter lifespans and fail to meet safety standards, making them more likely to be discarded quickly and posing greater hazards to waste handlers.

As Kenya grapples with its growing e-waste burden, addressing both the influx of low-quality devices and the gaps in formal recycling systems will be crucial.

Without decisive action, the country risks further environmental degradation and public health challenges tied to its digital growth.

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