Kenya Ports Authority donates obsolete ICT equipment for E-waste recycling to ICT authority

KENYA – The ICT Authority Kenya has received obsolete ICT equipment from the Kenya Ports Authority for refurbishment and recycling under a national initiative promoting sustainable technology management and digital inclusion.

The handover took place at the National Refurbishment, Assembly, and e-Waste Management Centre in Nairobi’s Industrial Area, where ICT Authority officials led by Lynette Ringeera oversaw the exercise.

The initiative is guided by a government directive encouraging collaboration between public and private institutions to collect, refurbish, and recycle outdated ICT equipment.

Extending Lifecycles, Reducing E-Waste

The programme aims to extend the lifecycle of technology assets while ensuring environmentally responsible disposal of electronic waste.

Officials noted that refurbished equipment will be redeployed to support communities with limited access to digital tools, helping bridge the digital divide.

The initiative also seeks to reduce environmental harm from improper e-waste disposal, which contaminates soil and water when dumped in landfills.

According to the United Nations, the world generated 62 million tonnes of e-waste in 2022, with only 22.3 percent formally collected and recycled.

In Africa, e-waste generation is growing at 5 to 10 percent annually, but collection and recycling infrastructure remains underdeveloped, exposing workers to hazardous materials including lead, mercury, and cadmium.

A Model for Public-Private Collaboration

The partnership between the ICT Authority and Kenya Ports Authority demonstrates how public sector entities can manage their own e-waste streams responsibly.

Rather than allowing obsolete equipment to accumulate in storage or be disposed of informally, the programme channels it through certified refurbishment and recycling channels.

Equipment that can be repaired is directed toward digital inclusion programmes, while end-of-life materials are processed for recovery.

The ICT Authority said the partnership reflects its commitment to advancing innovation through environmentally conscious approaches while expanding access to affordable ICT infrastructure across the country.

For Kenya’s growing digital economy, the initiative serves two purposes: reducing the environmental footprint of technology consumption and ensuring digital transformation does not leave behind communities without access to affordable devices.

The Bottom Line

For the waste management sector, the ICT Authority’s e-waste programme offers a replicable model for handling public sector technology assets at end-of-life.

By prioritizing refurbishment before recycling, the initiative aligns with circular economy principles that keep materials in use as long as possible.

As Kenya’s digital infrastructure expands, e-waste volumes will only grow, making programmes like this essential for managing the environmental consequences of connectivity.

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