8^th October 2024 – Nairobi, Kenya: KEPSA, led by the CEO Ms Carole Kariuki, participated in the second edition of the Africa Waste is Wealth Series (AWWS II) conference which kicked off today in Nairobi. The two-day event aims to deliberate on the region's achievements, discuss the proposed East African plastic policy bill, discuss sustainable waste management approaches and a circular approach, strategies on a regional approach to EPR regulations and outline future steps for continued progress.

This year’s forum, which is organised by TakaTaka Ni Mali in collaboration with various partners, addresses a timely and critical issue of plastic pollution. It introduces plastic credits as a potential solution to tackle this challenge. Plastic credits work similarly to carbon credits, where companies and organisations fund projects that collect and recycle plastic waste to offset their own plastic use. This mechanism is gaining attention as a way to involve both the public and private sectors in the fight against plastic pollution.

In her welcoming remarks, Ms Mary Ngechu – Patron & Founder, TakaTaka Ni Mali and KEPSA Director of SME and Startups noted the need for a circular economy approach to waste management, emphasising on creation of true wealth and equity for those who play critical roles in resource management by building systems that are fair, inclusive and free from structures that perpetuate inequality. She quoted a report by the International Solid Waste Association and UNEP which highlights that waste mismanagement could cost $640 billion by 2050 but could be turned into a $108 billion annual economic gain through targeted strategies.

Speaking during the opening session H.E Dr. Wilber Otichilo – Governor of Vihiga County and Council of Governors Chair for Environment and Climate Change highlighted the challenges and strategies in waste management at a local government level. He emphasised the need for collaboration with stakeholders, including the private sector, to create an enabling environment for effective waste management. The Governor also noted the importance of public awareness and the mindset shift required to address waste management issues.

“Africa in general and Kenya in particular have come a long way in this discourse of waste management. We've not only participated in local and continental symposiums on the subject but have brought home a raft of solutions to deal with the waste menace,” read a statement by Mrs.Teresia Mbaika - Principal Secretary, State Department for Devolution.

In her remarks, Ms. Carole Kariuki said that KEPSA has been a pivotal player in advocating for sustainable waste management in Kenya mentioning KEPSA’s contributions to critical legislation like the Sustainable Waste Management Act of 2022 and the single-use plastic ban in 2017. She officially announced that the East Africa Waste Management Coalition will be domiciled at KEPSA. The Coalition aims to unite government, private sector, civil society, and local communities to create integrated waste management systems, drive local industries, and empower communities, particularly women and youth. The initiative seeks to harmonize efforts across the region, fostering innovation and sustainable development.

Other speakers at the opening session included Mr Mamo Boru Mamo – Director General of National Environment Management Authority Kenya (NEMA), Ms. Leigh Stubblefield – Deputy British High Commissioner to Kenya; Luck Ochieng – Managing Director, Unilever East Africa among other stakeholders. The meeting was also attended by members of East African Legislative Assembly.