PAKPRO Board appoints Susan Maingi as Vice Chairperson

KENYA – The Packaging Producer Responsibility Organization (PAKPRO) has announced Susan Maingi’s appointment as Vice Chairperson from September 2024 to September 2025.

Susan Maingi, a seasoned leader passionate about sustainability, brings years of experience from the private sector, most notably her policy-shaping role at Coca-Cola Beverages Kenya.

Her expertise has been instrumental in guiding the company through stringent regulations. A member of PAKPRO since 2019, she has played a pivotal role in steering its strategy and engaging key stakeholders.

Beyond her work with PAKPRO, Maingi serves on influential boards such as the Kenya Private Sector Alliance and the Kenya Association of Manufacturers, where she consistently drives positive change.

New board member appointed

Joining Maingi on the PAKPRO Board is Clifford Machoka, a professional with over a decade of global experience across international organizations, trade blocs, FMCG, and media.

Machoka brings a wealth of knowledge in public policy, regulatory affairs, strategic communications, and stakeholder engagement, particularly in East and Central Africa.

His past roles include positions at the World Trade Organization (WTO), British American Tobacco (BAT), and Nation Media Group, as well as his leadership of the 2022 Kenya Presidential Debate Secretariat.

Machoka holds a Master’s in International Trade Law and currently serves as Senior Director of Public Affairs, Communication, and Sustainability for Coca-Cola East & Central Africa.

PAKPRO’s environmental commitment

Meanwhile, in a meeting with Kenya’s Cabinet Secretary for Environment, Climate Change, and Forestry, H.E. Aden Duale, PAKPRO joined manufacturers, producers, and waste management stakeholders to address the implementation of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) regulations.

The discussion focused on enhancing pollution accountability and resolving key challenges facing waste management.

The Cabinet Secretary (CS) emphasized the need for strict penalties for industries that discharge untreated effluent into rivers.

To date, 145 companies have already received restoration orders, highlighting the government’s commitment to enforcing pollution accountability. This move addresses the rising concerns over water pollution and ensures that companies comply with environmental standards.

In addition, the CS pointed out challenges surrounding inconsistent licensing by government agencies. These inconsistencies have allowed the development of commercial and residential properties along riparian reserves, often without the proper waste treatment facilities. This oversight poses environmental risks and hinders sustainable urban planning efforts.

Infrastructure upgrades were also a key focus, particularly for Nairobi and Athi Water and Sewerage Companies. Both entities require significant improvements to their systems to cope with waste management demands.

The government has allocated funds to support these upgrades, essential for enhancing overall waste treatment and disposal capabilities.

Companies responsible for waste collection are now being held to stricter standards. They must provide detailed reports outlining their waste management processes.

Furthermore, the adoption of colour-coded bags for waste segregation has been mandated to streamline recycling efforts and reduce illegal dumping practices.

Rehabilitation initiatives are progressing, with approximately 20 kilometres of informal settlements along rivers already cleared.

Tree-planting and embankment stabilization projects support these efforts to restore the environment and prevent further degradation of river ecosystems.

PAKPRO CEO Joyce Gachugi-Waweru highlighted the importance of collaboration in tackling waste management issues. She stressed the need for effective EPR regulations, increased public awareness of littering penalties, and shared responsibility among stakeholders- consumers and industries—in pollution control.

The government is set to gazette the EPR regulations by October 11, 2024, establish licensed disposal sites, and continue publicly recognizing companies that contribute to pollution control while shaming non-compliant ones.

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