By Wanja Mwaniki
The National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) has urged private businesses to invest in Material Recovery Facilities (MRFs) as the country prepares to shift away from traditional dumping sites.
Director of Environmental Enforcement at NEMA Dr Ayub Macharia said the Authority will provide guidelines on the structure and standards for MRFs to interested investors.
“This is mainly a matter of the private sector, and we would like to encourage the investors to seize the opportunity and invest, as they have in the transport sector in the chain,” he said.
This new system will ensure the waste is disposed of in landfills instead of dumping sites that are a bit uncontrolled.
Dr Macharia made the remarks during an event organised by the Kenya Extended Producer Responsibility Organization (KEPRO), themed “The Role of Media in Advancing Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) Awareness.”
He emphasised that sustainable waste management requires the participation of every individual, including adopting proper waste segregation practices.
He highlighted that the law supports responsible waste management and that current EPR schemes enable consumers to earn within the waste management ecosystem.
He also revealed that NEMA is developing standards to transition from polythene bags to biodegradable alternatives. Additionally, he reminded attendees that the 2017 ban on plastic bags remains in effect, with their current use being temporary until viable alternatives are found. “We are still researching as we prepare to move away from polythene bags to more sustainable biodegradable options,” he added.
In his address, KEPRO CEO Mr James Odongo introduced Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR), underscoring its significance in Kenya’s waste management landscape.
He described EPR as a transformative policy approach that places accountability on producers to manage the entire lifecycle of their products, including collection, recycling, and proper disposal.
“EPR is a shift from traditional waste management to a circular economy model, ensuring that materials remain in use for longer, reducing waste pollution, and fostering a sustainable waste value chain,” he said.
Mr Odongo also discussed the role of media in shifting the narrative around EPR from being perceived as a regulatory burden to an opportunity for environmental stewardship and economic growth.
Following the gazettement of the EPR Regulations in November 2024, KEPRO has expanded its scope to ensure that businesses meet their regulatory obligations while promoting environmental conservation.
