KENYA – The Packaging Producer Responsibility Organization (PAKPRO) has officially launched its EPR Sensitization Initiative in Mombasa, Kenya.
The campaign seeks to educate manufacturers, producers, traders, and importers about the newly gazetted Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) Regulations, 2024.
The high-profile event brought together key stakeholders to emphasize collective responsibility in waste management.
Speaking at the launch, H.E. Francis Thoya, Deputy Governor of Mombasa County, expressed his commitment to sustainable waste practices, stating, “This County will soon have a model structure to drive the management and implementation of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR).
“The success of EPR will not be achieved by the government alone; we need everyone to see waste as a valuable resource.”
David Ongare, NEMA Director of Compliance, highlighted the significance of the new regulations in promoting accountability and environmental sustainability.
He remarked, “These regulations provide a framework for producers and importers to take responsibility for the entire lifecycle of their products. Compliance is not just a legal obligation—it’s a chance to contribute to a cleaner and healthier Kenya.
“We are fully committed to supporting initiatives like PAKPRO’s to ensure the success of EPR nationwide.”
Closing the event, PAKPRO CEO Ms. Joyce Gachugi-Waweru underscored the importance of collaboration and innovation in implementing the regulations.
She stated, “The EPR Sensitization Initiative is a critical milestone in aligning stakeholders with Kenya’s vision for sustainable waste management. These regulations are not just a compliance framework—they are a call to action for producers, importers, and traders to take responsibility for their environmental impact.
“By fostering partnerships and building awareness, we are paving the way for innovative, sustainable solutions that will drive positive change.”
Promoting circular waste management
This campaign builds on PAKPRO’s previous efforts to promote a circular economy in Kenya. In October 2023, the organization partnered with Tetra Pak East Africa and Naivas Supermarkets to launch a carton recycling initiative.
This program encouraged individuals to collect and drop off used beverage cartons (UBCs) at select Naivas stores, with participants earning exciting rewards.
The initiative highlighted the importance of recycling within local communities, advancing the principles of reducing, reusing, and recycling waste.
Progress has been notable, with partnerships formed between PAKPRO, Ramani Warehouse Limited in Thika, and Ekotech Limited in Nairobi. These collaborations have established a robust system for recovering post-consumer liquid board packaging.
Kenya’s current goal is to recover 1,500 metric tonnes of used beverage cartons, representing approximately 30% of the country’s total liquid board packaging output.
This effort aligns with the Sustainable Waste Management Act of 2022, which underpins the newly implemented EPR regulations.
Through initiatives like these, Kenya is paving the way for sustainable waste management practices that foster environmental conservation and innovation.
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