In a landmark decision, Kenya has officially joined the High Ambition Coalition, a powerful alliance of 67 nations united in the fight against plastic pollution. This coalition aims to develop a robust, legally binding treaty that addresses the entire lifecycle of plastics through a comprehensive and circular approach.
As the world gears up for critical discussions at the fifth session of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC-5) in Busan this November, Kenya’s commitment signals a pivotal moment in the ongoing negotiations for a global plastics treaty. With the stakes higher than ever, the urgency for a unified approach to conclude a comprehensive agreement cannot be overstated.
Gerance Mutwol, a plastic campaigner at Greenpeace Africa, emphasizes the significance of Kenya’s leadership in this endeavor. “As Kenya demonstrates its commitment and political will for a robust treaty, we call on the government to endorse the Bridge to Busan Declaration. It’s crucial for Kenya to advocate for a treaty that aims to reduce plastic production by at least 75% by 2040, using 2019 as a baseline. This is vital to keeping global temperatures below 1.5°C and safeguarding our health, rights, communities, and the planet.”
Mutwol urges further action, stating, “Kenya must work to eradicate plastic pollution at every stage, protecting both our environment and human health. This includes a ban on single-use plastics, starting with problematic items like sachets. There is also an urgent need to shift towards a just and inclusive low-carbon, zero-waste economy focused on reuse.”
Kenya’s commitment aligns it with countries like Rwanda that are leading the charge toward a continent free from single-use plastics. This global treaty represents a unique opportunity for governments worldwide to address the escalating crisis of plastic pollution.
As the negotiations progress, Kenya stands ready to champion a cleaner, healthier future for all.
