In a significant step towards addressing environmental pollution, a consultative meeting led by Cabinet Secretary Hon. Aden Duale was held yesterday with key industry players to discuss the implementation of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) regulations. Accompanying the Cabinet Secretary were Dr. Eng. Festus Ngeno, Principal Secretary of the State Department for Environment and Climate Change, and Mr. Mamo, Director General of the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA). The meeting, held under the Ministry of Environment, Climate Change, and Forestry, focused on the government's ongoing efforts to curb pollution, particularly in the restoration of Nairobi's urban rivers. KEPSA, represented by Dr. Jackson Koimbori, Head of KEPSA Consult, Circular Economy, and Climate Change, was among the key organizations present alongside KAM, PAKPRO, KEPRO, HAPROK, EPROK, and KARA, among others.

KEPSA, through its members present, welcomed the introduction of the EPR regulations as a critical measure to ensure producers take responsibility for the waste generated by their products. However, KEPSA also emphasized the need for a complementary framework—Extended Consumer Responsibility—to ensure that consumers are equally accountable for pollution. This balanced approach, according to KEPSA, would create a more comprehensive and effective waste management system by addressing both ends of the pollution chain.

Another important point raised by KEPSA during the meeting was the call for NEMA to enhance transparency in its enforcement efforts. While NEMA's initiative to maintain a "name and shame" list of companies failing to comply with environmental standards was acknowledged, KEPSA advocated for the publication of a "name and reward" list. This would highlight and reward companies that are excelling in environmental conservation and pollution control. Such recognition would not only motivate compliance but also encourage other businesses to adopt more sustainable practices.

The implementation of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) regulations not only strengthens Kenya's environmental conservation efforts but also provides significant benefits to businesses, especially in the context of ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) reporting. By aligning with global eco-standards, companies that adopt EPR practices can enhance their sustainability credentials, making them more attractive to environmentally conscious consumers and investors. Additionally, compliance with EPR contributes to Kenya's readiness for mechanisms such as the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), which is set to impose tariffs on carbon-intensive imports into regions like the European Union by start of 2026. By reducing pollution across the production value chain, Kenyan products will meet higher eco-standards, positioning them as more competitive in the global market. These proactive pollution control efforts will not only help secure long-term business growth but also enable Kenya to play a more active role in global climate action.