Counties seek shared solutions to address waste management challenges

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.

"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.