Polluters of Nairobi rivers urged to take waste management serious

Polluters, especially producers in the packaging industry have been ordered to take immediate action in cleaning up waste from their products found in Nairobi rivers.

Speaking at a meeting with industry leaders, the Cabinet Secretary for Environment, Climate Change, and Forestry Aden Duale emphasized the importance of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) in addressing the environmental impact of packaging waste.

"Every producer must comply with the Sustainable Waste Management Act of 2022. We expect you to take responsibility for the waste generated by your products and ensure the rivers are clean," said Mr Duale.

The Act, which mandates producers to manage the waste from their products, is based on the "polluter-pays" principle. 

Under the EPR framework, producers are required to establish systems for collecting, recycling, and disposing of their waste.

"Waste found in the rivers often bears labels of products. We expect the producers to be part of the solution," added the CS.

The National Environment Management Authority (Nema) has already issued restoration orders to 145 companies whose waste was found polluting water bodies.

Failure to comply with the orders, Nema warned, may lead to further action, including potential bans on non-compliant products.

"We are committed to working with producers to ensure a cleaner environment for all Kenyans," the CS said.

He urged companies to take immediate steps toward full compliance with the EPR regulations.

Nema in February 2024 directed 29 companies to clean up the Nairobi River after inspections found assorted synthetic wastes bearing known brands.

Recently, President William Ruto launched the Climate Resilience Service Programme, focusing on waste management and sanitation along Nairobi rivers.