• The Assembly saw member-states in attendance adopt the resolution to end plastic pollution.
• In Nairobi, it is estimated that 2,400 tons of solid waste are generated every day.
Image: /COURTESY OF UNEP
Kenya has been called upon to take the lead in ending plastic pollution.
German NGO Heinrich Böll Stiftung asked that the government put up strict measures to conserve the environment in the country.
The organisation unveiled a campaign last week in Nairobi aimed at fostering dialogue to end plastic pollution in the country.
Speaking during the dialogue, Joachim Paul, the organisation's Nairobi Office Director, said plastic pollution is a problem that can not be ignored anymore.
“Plastic production and pollution require concerted efforts from everyone because the impact of this crisis is putting pressure on the planet which is linked to the climate change and food crisis that we are currently experiencing,” said Joachim.
This call to action comes four months after Kenya hosted the United Nations Environmental Assembly (UNEA).
The Assembly saw member-states in attendance adopt the resolution to end plastic pollution that poses a threat to the health of ecosystems around the world.
According to the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), over 400 million tons of plastic are produced each year, with half of that used to create single-use items such as shopping bags, cups and straws.
"At least 14 million tons of plastic end up in the ocean every year. Plastic debris accounts for 80% of all marine debris discovered from surface waters to the deep-sea residue," UNEP said.
In Nairobi, it is estimated that 2,400 tons of solid waste are generated every day, 20 per cent of that being in plastic form, mostly single-use plastic.
Fredrick Njau, Sustainable Development Programme Coordinator at Heinrich, called for policymakers to be firm about plastic disposal.
“Plastics take over 400 years to degrade which is dangerous to the environment, humans, and animals. Do not allow Kenya to be used as a dumping ground for plastic waste by developed nations through trade agreements,” said Njau.
Amos Wemanya, Power Shift Africa's Senior Advisor on Just Energy Transition, said that Kenya lacks the infrastructure to manage both biodegradable and non-degradable waste.
He said there is a need to protect developing countries through a global regulatory framework to ensure no plastic waste is dumped in the country.
Wemanya also said it is time for companies that depend on plastic to consider alternatives in readiness for a plastic treaty in 2024.
"With only, two years for the resolution to be tabled, Kenya has an opportunity to demonstrate leadership by going a further step and ridding the country of single-use plastic such as Polyethylene Terephthalate commonly found in containers for liquids and foods," said Wemanya.