9^th April 2024, Nairobi: KEPSA, through Sustainable Inclusive Business and the Kenya Plastics Pact, in collaboration with the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA), today co-hosted an Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) workshop where producers and manufacturers presented their EPR implementation plans. The workshop This workshop, supported by USAID and Prosper Africa, brought together over 150 producers and waste handlers/pickers to deliberate on the private sector's contribution to the implementation of EPR in the country. The workshop facilitated comprehensive discussions among various value chain actors, addressing challenges in achieving effective EPR compliance and sustainable waste management practices.

Speaking at the event, Ms. Josephine Wawira, the Head of Communications at KEPSA, highlighted the private sector's pivotal role in driving sustainability initiatives and promoting a Circular Economy. She shared examples of successful partnerships between businesses and government agencies, illustrating the positive impact of collaborative efforts in advancing EPR implementation.

"Collaboration across value chains remains critical for the EPR process to work. KEPSA is increasingly exploring multi-stakeholder partnerships to create closed-loop systems that optimize material use and minimize waste," she noted.

The workshop included the informal waste sector, including handlers/pickers and recyclers. This was crucial to ensure their inclusion and involvement in the EPR implementation process. These individuals and groups, often the unsung waste collection and management heroes, play a pivotal role in achieving a circular economy.

Dr. Ayub Macharia, Director of Environmental Implementation at NEMA, recognized the informal sector’s contribution, noting that their role promotes the Kenyan recycling industry by creating job opportunities, enhancing skills, and attracting investments.

He further called for increased responsibility among the producers and manufacturers, in line with Section 13 of the National Sustainable Management Act 2022, from which the EPR is derived, and requires every producer to bear extended producer responsibility obligations to reduce pollution and environmental impacts of the products they introduce into the Kenyan market and waste arising therefrom.

“Environmental conservation is a shared duty, not a burden. The private sector agreed to the EPR regulation, and we must now join forces to implement it to protect our planet and preserve its natural beauty," said Dr. Macharia.

This saw 28 companies present their EPR implementation plans using the value chain approach, explaining preventive approaches to reduce pollution within the Nairobi River Catchment. They included Weetabix, Kinangop Dairy Ltd, Promasidor Kenya Ltd, DAWA, Meru Dairy, Mjengo (Malbros), Mars Wrigley, Musty, Global Mark Foods, BAT, Premier Foods, KETEPA, Kamili Packers, Githunguri Dairy, BIDCORO Africa Ltd, Sunstory Beverage and Food Kenya, Kensalt, Unilever, KBL, Gold Crown, Mini Baker (Supa Loaf), and KAPA Oil Refineries.

They also outlined their strategies for product design, recycling infrastructure, incentives for the informal waste collectors, and consumer education, demonstrating their commitment to environmental responsibility and compliance with EPR regulations.

The workshop was part of a series of events by KEPSA, through its knowledge center, Sustainable Inclusive Business Kenya, in partnership with NEMA, to build capacity and create awareness among businesses to enhance their understanding of EPR principles and circular economy concepts.