- Nema Director General Mamo B. Mamo named the practices as waste reduction, recycling, and sustainable resource management.
- Mamo made the remarks at a forum themed Circular Economy and Extended Producer Responsibilities (EPR) organised by Nema in partnership with production companies.
Image: NEMA/X
The National Environment Management Authority (Nema) has partnered with manufacturers to enhance waste management.
Nema and manufacturers will adopt a circular that prioritizes the minimisation of waste by reusing, recycling and re-purposing materials to create a closed-loop system in effectively reducing pollution.
Nema Director General Mamo B. Mamo said the authority has developed and implemented a host of robust guidelines, standards, and permits aimed at promoting circular economy practices.
He named the practices as waste reduction, recycling, and sustainable resource management.
Mamo made the remarks at a forum themed Circular Economy and Extended Producer Responsibilities (EPR) organised by Nema in partnership with production companies on the sidelines of the ongoing sixth session of the United Nations Assembly (UNEA6).
Kenya Association of Manufacturers, Kenya Private Sector Alliance, Worldwide Fund Kenya and the Council of Governors were among the stakeholders at the meeting.
"The Authority remains committed to promoting and enforcing the circular economy in Kenya and Extended Producer Responsibilities (EPR) through the Sustainable Waste Management Act," Mamo added.
KAM Board Director Mucai Kunyiha emphasised the association's commitment to supporting Kenya in realising a circular economy.
"We are geared towards supporting the circular economy by aiding manufacturers in establishing structures for collective action in managing packaging waste, hazardous waste, and e-waste," Kunyiha said.
The production companies were urged to ensure responsibility in combating waste management in their duties.
However, some challenges hindering the initiative were highlighted by Kunyiha, urging the government to increase involvement.
"I urge the government to increase funding to enhance the infrastructure for waste management at both national and county levels and to create a favourable environment to attract green investments into the Kenyan economy for recycling and collection," Kunyiha said.
In response, Environment PS Festus Ngeno emphasized the government's commitment to enhance waste management.
"Kenya’s commitment to managing pollution was strongly demonstrated in 2017 by issuing Gazette Notice No. 2356, effectively banning the use, manufacture and importation of plastic bags for commercial and household packaging," Ngeno said.
"In 2019, we expanded our efforts with Gazette Notice No. 4858, banning single-use plastic bottles, straws and related products within protected areas, demonstrating our commitment to preserving our natural heritage."
Mamo was optimistic that through concerted efforts of the government and production companies, the authority is aimed at improving the environmental conditions.
"Enforcement is the bedrock of progress. With unwavering commitment and with everyone playing their role, we can ensure accountability and safeguard our environment for future generations."