KENYA – Kenya Association of Manufacturers (KAM) has partnered with the Agrochemicals Association of Kenya (AAK) to support the establishment of the Kenya Hazardous Waste Producer Responsible Organization (KEHAPRO) initiative.
The launch of the initiative is in line with the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) Regulations, 2021.
Speaking during the MoU signing ceremony, KAM Ag CEO Tobias Alando observed that the MoU has come at an opportune time since Kenya is still experiencing challenges in proper waste management.
“The low uptake of responsible waste management principles is attributed to the lack of adequate policies to effectively coordinate national and county waste management functions and low levels of consumer awareness,” said Alando.
Mr. Alando reiterated the Association’s commitment to promoting a circular economy among local manufacturers.
“Through our partnership with AAK, we shall support the establishment of Hazardous Products Packaging PRO, facilitate access to information and conduct advocacy and/or research affecting manufacturers in the hazardous products packaging waste management,” added Alando.
AAK Chairman, Patrick Amuyunzu noted that the MoU is a key step toward driving the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
“As we transition to sustainable production, it is critical that we also add value to the manufacturing sector,” reiterated Amuyunzu.
“Part of our commitment to sustainability is creating awareness on the importance of responsible management of hazardous waste.”
The MoU is one of the commitments made by KAM in the Kenya Plastic Action Plan, launched in 2019.
It is a private sector-led Policy and Action Plan that seeks to enable a circular economy for the environmentally sustainable use and recycling of plastics in Kenya.
The collective initiative is expected to offer solutions to dumpsites in Kenya that poses high health risks to those who live nearby.
In 2021, KAM launched the Kenya Extended Producer Responsibility Organization (Kepro) to educate Kenyans on safe waste disposal.
The aim of this initiative is to restore the environment that has been degraded by waste. Kepro plans to educate people on sustainable waste management practices such as reduce, reuse and recycle, creating an enabling environment for the development of the circular economy.
According to the Kenyan government, the country produces 22,000 tonnes of waste every day, of which 60% is organic material, while 35% and 5% are recyclable and non-recyclable materials, respectively.
Kepro has already made a request to the Kenyan government to integrate “climate education” into the school curriculum.
KAM’s initiative is in line with the Kenyan government’s actions to reduce soil pollution. A new environmental law is being prepared in the East African country. The legislation aims to turn the 60% of biodegradable waste into manure for soil fertilization.
Liked this article? Subscribe to our regular email newsletters with the latest news insights from Africa and the World’s packaging and printing industry. SUBSCRIBE HERE.
