Counties seek shared solutions to address waste management challenges

Despite existing laws and regulations regarding waste management, Ottichilo said effective implementation remains a major hurdle.
The Council of Governors (CoG) has acknowledged that counties are facing significant challenges in waste management.
During the second Africa Waste is Wealth Conference 2024, CoG's Environment and Climate Change Committee Chairperson Wilber Ottichilo noted that there is a need for a clear and integrated approach to waste management.
More To Read
- Governors willing to settle Sh10.5 billion roads fund dispute out of court to end stalemate
- Governors oppose new revenue sharing formula citing flaws and unfairness
- Counties in Crisis: Governors demand immediate restoration of all diverted funds
- Audit report shows 21 counties illegally wired Sh87.8 million to governors’ council
- Governors, National Treasury face off over Sh140 billion county allocation gap
- Governors and MPs locked in bitter battle over Sh10 billion road repairs fund
"The biggest challenge we have as county governments is that we are dealing with a society that does not know how to manage waste," he said.
The conference, organised by TakaTaka Ni Mali, ALN Kenya, FlipFlopi, and the East African Business Council, provided a platform to discuss sustainable waste management strategies and the proposed East African Plastic Policy Bill.
Despite existing laws and regulations regarding waste management, Ottichilo said effective implementation remains a major hurdle.
He called for increased involvement from the private sector to help tackle these challenges.
Another significant issue raised was the public's resistance to having waste disposal sites near their residences.
National Environment Management Authority (Nema) Director-General Mamo Boru Mamo stressed the importance of individual responsibility in sustainable waste management, highlighting the need for waste segregation at the source to facilitate recycling.
"Let's collaborate and strengthen our partnership within the East African Community," Mamo said, reaffirming Nema’s commitment to community-led waste management solutions.
UK Deputy High Commissioner Leigh Stubblefield commended Kenya's efforts, including the ban on single-use plastic bags and the Solid Waste Management Act of 2022.
"The next step is implementation, and Kenya has the UK's full support," she noted.
Stubblefield noted the UK's active role in the global circular economy agenda and pledged continued support for implementing existing regulations at both national and county levels.
Carole Kariuki, CEO of the Kenya Private Sector Alliance, announced plans to launch an East Africa waste management coalition aimed at addressing common waste challenges across the region.
This coalition will promote collaboration among governments, the private sector, academia, and civil society to tackle pressing issues like plastic pollution and to inspire innovation in waste management.
Unilever Managing Director for Kenya, Tanzania, and Rwanda Luck Ochieng said the company has partnered with Mr Green Africa to address waste challenges.
Mr Green Africa is known for purchasing plastic waste from waste pickers and recycling it into pellets, contributing to the region's efforts to improve waste management.
Top Stories Today
- Ministry sounds alarm as youth drug abuse spikes in 10 counties
- South Sudan invites AU and IGAD chiefs for crisis talks
- Congo, Rwanda submit draft peace proposal, Trump adviser says
- Bobi Wine aide brought to court limping, charged and remanded
- ICJ Kenya hails ruling declaring Worldcoin’s data collection unlawful
- Inside Eastleigh SIM-swap heist: Sh3.2m stolen via fake accounts, IDs
- High Court halts order for Nyashinski to reveal Tecno deal in copyright row
- National campaign launched to tackle GBV and femicide
- Pope Francis's popemobile set to become health clinic for Gaza children
- Millers increase unga prices as maize supply tightens
- Court to rule on halt of prison recruitments, suspension of budget-making process
- State blames underdevelopment for insecurity in 23 counties
- Pakistani Bank Al Habib announces exit from Kenya after 7 years
- Baby Pendo murder case: 11 officers to be charged with crimes against humanity
- Somali coffee and tea: Why milk makes all the difference
- From chapati rolls to canjeero pizza: How families are reinventing snack time
- Autopsy: Kasipul MP Charles Were died from five gunshot wounds
- ICJ throws out Sudan's case accusing UAE of supporting RSF
- Police seek to hold officer, 3 others in Kasipul MP murder for 30 days
- Bobi Wine’s bodyguard appears in court after alleged abduction by Muhoozi