By Gerald Mukembu
In a concerted effort to address the escalating impacts of climate change on daily life in Kenya, stakeholders in the waste management sector are being urged to adopt a more responsible attitude towards waste and recycling.
The Kenya Extended Producers Responsibility Organization (KEPRO) is spearheading a two-day awareness campaign across eight counties, including Meru, Tharaka Nithi, Isiolo, Murang’a, Emdu, Kirinyaga, and Nyeri.
According to KEPRO Operations Officer Isaiah Mumo, 90% of byproducts can come from recycled waste in Kenya. However, the nation currently recycles only 9% of the waste generated by various sectors of society.
“This is our sixth region for sensitization efforts, and we must rally around the slogan ‘my waste, my responsibility.’ Each individual must take ownership of waste collection, sorting, and recycling to foster a cleaner and healthier environment,” Mumo emphasized.
He noted that KEPRO has successfully recycled over 15,000 metric tons of flexible polyethylene in the last three years, but cited a significant gap in data regarding non-hazardous products as a major challenge.
Meru Municipal Manager Gitobu Nkanata highlighted the urgent need for behavioural change in waste management among urban residents.
“We are dealing with a significant challenge in waste transportation, with an annual fuel cost of Sh7 million. People need to change their habits—littering and burning waste within city limits must stop,” Nkanata stated.
Jedidah Kanana, a representative of the Kenya Association of Waste Recyclers in the Eastern region, underscored the public health risks associated with poor waste disposal practices. “Many diseases are linked to improper waste management. Additionally, our crops are suffering; they absorb acidic pollutants from hazardous waste carelessly discarded on farmlands. County governments must adopt effective waste management strategies to promote climate action and improve environmental health,” Kanana urged.
This initiative aims to foster a cultural shift towards responsible waste management and proactive recycling, key components in mitigating the effects of climate change in Kenya.
