On 14^th August 2024, KEPSA hosted a crucial stakeholder consultation meeting to shape the private sector's position statement in preparation for the upcoming Ad Hoc Intersessional Committee meetings. These meetings, set to take place in Bangkok, Thailand from 24^th to 28^th August 2024 and at the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC-5) in Busan, Republic of Korea from 25^th November to 1^st December 2024, are vital for advancing global efforts to address plastics pollution through two dedicated expert groups.

The meeting focused on preparing the private sector’s input and position ahead of the two ad hoc intersessional expert group meetings. The first expert group will focus on identifying and analyzing potential financial sources and mechanisms to support the implementation of environmental objectives. This includes exploring options for establishing a financial mechanism, aligning financial flows with the instrument's objectives, and devising strategies to catalyze finance. The second expert group will examine criteria and non-criteria-based approaches regarding plastic products and chemicals of concern, with an emphasis on improving product design for recyclability and reusability.

The meeting was convened by both KEPSA and the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA). KEPSA was represented by Ms. Emily Waita, Chair of the Environment, Water and Natural Resources Sector Board; Dr. Jackson Koimbori, Senior Circular Economy and Climate Change Coordinator; and Ms. Pracksidis Wandare, Admin Officer at Sustainable Inclusive Business. NEMA was represented by Dr. Ayub Macharia, Director of Environmental Implementation. Contributions were also made by organizations such as the Kenya Association of Manufacturers (KAM), Ecotourism Kenya, Coca-Cola Company, T3, Dentex Industries, TECHPAK, KEPRO, Mr. Green Africa, L’Oréal East Africa, Bio Food Products Ltd, Rubifloss, and the Kenya Plastic Pact.

During the discussions, several key reservations and questions were raised in preparation for the Bangkok meeting. These included the need to identify specific chemicals of concern in plastic products, ensure that national laws are aligned with the National Plastic Treaty and the 13 global plastic pacts, and establish a global Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) framework to address global plastic leakage. Additionally, we highlighted the need for further research into available technologies for managing micro and nano plastics and emphasized the importance of avoiding divergences in chemicals and plastic polymers.

This meeting was an important step in ensuring that the private sector's perspectives and concerns are effectively incorporated into the forthcoming international discussions. We also called for a unified African position going into INC-5, with a focus on developing the final plastic pollution treaty. By addressing these key questions and reservations, we aim to contribute to the development of actionable, science-based solutions that can drive meaningful progress in the global fight against plastics pollution.