Kenya’s Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) regulations to take effect on May 5, 2025

KENYA – Producers operating in Kenya have until May 5, 2025, to comply with new Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) regulations, as the government steps up efforts to enforce sustainable waste management and promote a circular economy.

The EPR Regulations, formalized through Legal Notice No. 176 of 2024, require businesses that introduce products or packaging into the Kenyan market to take full responsibility for those items throughout their life cycle, including post-consumer waste disposal.

The rules apply to a wide spectrum of producers, including manufacturers, importers, distributors, and retailers involved in packaging, electrical goods, batteries, rubber, diapers, and even end-of-life vehicles.

Any business placing goods on the Kenyan market—whether locally manufactured or imported, will need to show how it plans to collect, recycle, or properly dispose of its waste.

All affected businesses must register with the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) and obtain a Producer Responsibility Number (PRN).

As part of the registration process, companies must submit a four-year EPR compliance plan outlining how they will manage product waste in line with the new rules.

Companies have the option of fulfilling their obligations individually or through collective arrangements known as Producer Responsibility Organizations (PROs).

These organizations are authorized to manage post-consumer waste on behalf of their members and must also be approved by NEMA.

Under the regulations, producers must also design products and packaging to minimize waste and maximize recyclability.

Take-back schemes—such as deposit-refund systems or buy-back initiative are required to be in place to ensure that products are retrieved and processed appropriately after use.

Additionally, producers will be required to finance the waste collection and recycling systems, maintain proper records, and submit annual compliance reports to NEMA by January 31st each year.

Failure to comply with the EPR requirements may result in revocation of licenses, financial penalties, or even legal action, particularly if a company is found to have submitted false information or operated without proper registration.

Environmental experts say the implementation of EPR is a major step forward for Kenya, which has struggled with mounting waste management challenges in recent years. The new framework is expected to reduce pollution, increase recycling rates, and promote responsible production practices.

Industry players are now being urged to assess their product portfolios, prepare their compliance documentation, and engage with PROs or establish internal systems to meet the 2025 deadline.

Subscribe to our email newsletters that provide busy executives like you with the latest news insights and trends from Africa and the World. SUBSCRIBE HERE