Kenya urged to set ambitious refill and reuse targets to curb plastic pollution

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Kenya’s government has been urged to adopt ambitious refill and reuse targets to reduce single-use plastics and promote sustainable packaging systems that create jobs and protect the environment.

The inaugural Refill and Reuse Festival, hosted by Greenpeace Africa on Friday at the National Museums of Kenya in Nairobi, provided a platform for environmentalists, innovators, and community leaders to discuss sustainable alternatives to single-use plastics.

Speaking at the festival, Project Lead for the Pan African Plastics Project, Hellen Kahaso Dena, emphasized the importance of refill and reuse systems in reducing plastic pollution and creating economic opportunities.

“Refill and reuse systems are part of Africa’s culture. What is new is the flood of single-use plastics. Governments must invest in refill infrastructure and make reuse the norm,” Dena said.

Chairperson of the Kenya National Waste Pickers Welfare Association, Gisore Nyabuti, said refill and reuse can provide dignified employment for waste pickers, who earn very little under current recycling systems.

“Refill and reuse is a solution for waste pickers because we can employ ourselves and even own companies in this sector. Recycling is not enough--less than 10 percent of plastic is effectively recycled, and most of it loses value. We need systems that respect our work and protect the environment,” Mr Nyabuti said.

Plastics Campaigner at Greenpeace Africa, Gerance Mutwol, warned that recycling alone cannot address the plastic crisis, as corporations continue to produce plastics while shifting responsibility to consumers.

“Recycling is a distraction that allows corporations to keep producing more plastic while shifting responsibility to consumers and governments. Plastics leach harmful chemicals into our soil, water, and bodies,” Mutwol said.

Programme Officer at the Centre for Environment, Justice and Development, Dorothy Otieno, highlighted how refill and reuse supports zero-waste systems by conserving resources and promoting sustainable alternatives.

“Zero-waste systems conserve materials by promoting reuse and redesign. Refill and reuse aligns with these principles while creating employment and protecting the environment,” Ms Otieno said.

Ms Deborah Riru, representing Baskets Kenya, demonstrated how natural-fibre products can replace single-use plastics in everyday life, emphasizing their biodegradability and reusability.

“These baskets are biodegradable and reusable, replacing everyday plastics. Solutions like this already exist and need investment,” Ms Riru said.