The National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) has shared plans taken in tackling pollution threats along Kenya’s Ngong River stemming from plastic use.
As mandated by the Sustainable Waste Management Act of 2022, NEMA has been enforcing environmental responsibility among producers and safeguarding natural resources.
Further, initiating action under Section 13 of the Sustainable Waste Management Act 2022, NEMA has intensified efforts to curb environmental pollution stemming from synthetic items.
This involves imposing Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) obligations on producers, compelling them to mitigate the environmental impact of their products throughout their lifecycle.
NEMA Intensifies Crackdown on Companies
On January 18, 2024, NEMA inspectors conducted inspections across the Ngong River catchment area.
The findings revealed a concerning disregard for EPR obligations, with numerous companies failing to prevent the leakage of their products into the river.
In a move to ensure compliance, the environment authority issued a directive on August 30, 2023, requiring producers to submit their EPR plans.
“On 30th August 2023, NEMA asked producers to submit their Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) plans to ascertain that they had put in place appropriate mechanisms to reduce environmental pollution based on their products,” read the NEMA statement in part.
These plans serve as a mechanism to evaluate and ensure that appropriate measures are in place to reduce pollution associated with their products.
Employing an assisted compliance approach model, NEMA pointed to the importance of continuous feedback loops encompassing planning, reflection, action, and observation.
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EPR Model
According to NEMA, this approach aims to drive accountability and foster environmental stewardship among stakeholders.
In response to these violations, the government body promptly issued Environmental Restoration Orders in accordance with Section 30(1) of the Sustainable Waste Management Act 2022.
These orders compel implicated companies to undertake comprehensive cleanup efforts and restore affected sites to their original, unspoiled state, mitigating the adverse environmental impacts of their actions.
NEMA revealed that implicated companies were given a deadline of thirty days, commencing January 22, 2024, to clear their products from the river and restore affected sites.
Additionally, they were required to submit EPR plans outlining preventive measures to reduce pollution and environmental impacts within the Nairobi River Catchment.
A joint inspection conducted on March 27, 2024, in collaboration with the 29 companies, assessed the cleanliness of the sites.
Report Reveals Varying Degree of Progress
The inspection report, shared with all stakeholders, showed varying degrees of progress.
While some sites showed satisfactory restoration, others necessitated further cleanup efforts.
NEMA in its statement remained optimistic about the ongoing cleanup efforts and anticipated the timely handover of clean sites.
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Notably, they noted progress at the Likoni Bridge section of the Ngong River, where obstructive barriers hindering the river’s flow have been removed.
Officials on the ground further noted a remarkable improvement in the site’s condition, attributing it to the diligent cleanup efforts undertaken by implicated companies.
However, NEMA warns that the journey to restore Ngong river is far from over.
“While this progress is certainly cause for celebration, it’s imperative to recognize that our journey towards sustainable environmental management is far from over,” read a statement from NEMA.
