Sustainable Inclusive Business (SIB – Kenya), a knowledge centre under KEPSA together with the Netherlands Organization for Applied Scientific Research (TNO) on 12^th January 2022 hosted a stakeholder engagement meeting on e-waste management at Sankara Hotel.

The Ministry of Environment and Forestry and the Kenya Industrial Research and Development Institute (KIRDI); the National Designated Entity (NDE) of the Climate Technology Centre and Network (CTCN), had earlier commissioned SIB – Kenya and TNO to conduct an assessment to develop an action plan to improve the circularity of Large Household Appliances in Kenya.

The forum aims to present the research findings to key stakeholders, deliberate on policy matters concerning e-waste, deliberate on existing challenges on e-waste and propose the way forward on technology in handling e-waste.

In his opening remarks, Mr. Ebenezer A. Amadi – Program Manager, SIB – Kenya noted that the move from a linear to a circular economy is critical for ensuring resource efficiency and preserving the value of materials and products. He also said that the forum would help identify opportunities for a circular waste management infrastructure for Large Households Appliances in Kenya, define activities for an improved waste management infrastructure for large household appliances and creating an action plan and conceptualizing a pilot project for an improved circular waste management infrastructure for major household appliances.

Mr. Augustine Kenduiwo – Deputy Director, Climate Change in the Ministry of Environment and Forestry noted that the ministry is at the forefront in ensuring that it supports sustainable management of risks within the country. He added that already the Sustainable Waste Management Policy has been approved by the cabinet and that the Sustainable Waste Management Bill, which is currently before the National Assembly, provides for sustainable management of solid wastes where the large household appliances fall.