Nema on Tuesday announced a strategy forum for production companies in combating waste management.
The forum, National Environment Management Authority said will take place in conjunction with the sixth United Environment Assembly (UNEA6) session.
“During the upcoming sixth session of UNEA at UNEP, Nema together with other environment stakeholders will host an event themed Circular Economy and Extended Producer Responsibilities(EPR) in addressing pollution control,” the statement reads.
Companies that will be present for the forum are the Kenya Association of Manufacturers, Kenya Private Sector Alliance, Worldwide Fund Kenya and the county governors.
The forum is by the Sustainable Waste Management Act 2022 Section 13(1) which states "every producer shall bear extended producer obligations to reduce pollution and environmental impacts of the products they introduce to Kenyan market and waste arising therefrom."
The statement outlined some of the parameters that will be discussed being product, collection points, county operations, transport, safe recycling and disposal.
The forum seeks to address the issues of pollution control by implementing the EPR which will delve into the company's volume of product items, identification and tracking.
Through Environmental Impact Assessment it will assess the drop-off collection points, public awareness strategy and activities and proof of payment for collection services.
While under the county operations, the forum will discuss with the county leaders the cost of work per county.
Other matters of discussion will centre on contracts with transport and waste processing facilities' role in the EPR.
Nema Director General, Mamo B. Mamo emphasized on the importance of the forum addressing the producer's responsibility in waste management.
"EPR holds the promise to advance circular economy bringing in the much-needed responsibility- financial and organisational that will enable the ‘closing loop’ in material and product value," Mamo said.
