In Kenya, solid and liquid waste is often dumped on pavements and other public places, as well as in waterways. For the Kenya Association of Manufacturers (KAM), this situation is more related to ignorance. This is why the Kenyan association has set up the Kenya Extended Producer Responsibility Organization (Kepro), which aims to bring together all stakeholders in the waste sector in Kenya.
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% is recyclable and non-recyclable material 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 fertilisation.
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At least 30% of the waste will be recycled, 5% incinerated, while only 5% of the waste will end up in landfills. The implementation of the new legislation could allow Kenya to take a giant step forward in waste management. The country is home to famous landfills such as Dandora, located 8 km from the capital Nairobi. It covers 15 hectares and is growing alarmingly in size as Nairobi’s population increases.
Inès Magoum