The National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) on Monday September 11, asked producers and associated producer organizations to remove all post-consumer waste from the environment.
NEMA, in a public notice stated that urban areas experience clogging of the drainage infrastructure from the packaging, textile and diaper waste.
“Cleanliness and quality of the environment should be sustained at all times,” read part of the statement.
NEMA called on producers to ensure that the post-consumer waste does not clog drainage systems, obstruct flow of rivers or cause pollution to the ecosystems.
According to the authority, section 13 of the Sustainable Management Waste Act, 2022 requires producers to carry the extended producer responsibility.
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NEMA warns producers
These obligations help reduce pollution and environmental impacts of the products introduced to the Kenyan market and the waste arising from them.
“NEMA shall not hesitate to take legal action of any producer whose product or packaging is found littering the environment” Read part of the notice.
What’s more, the notice came days after the weatherman warned of oncoming El Nino rains that could have devastating effects.
The Kenya Meteorological Department issued a warning about the El Nino phenomena which may be experienced in the country from the month of October 2023.
Additionally, NEMA noted that excessive flooding is caused by the clogging of the drainage infrastructure.
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Moreover, the effects of excessive flooding could be loss of lives and destruction of property if adverse measures are not taken.
The National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) was established under the Environmental Management and Coordination Act (EMCA) No. 8 of 1999.
Waste Management
Waste management aims at improving the quality of life we live and the environment on which we depend.
Furthermore, the packaging, textile, and diapers producers can adopt ideas on how to re-use, recycle or even reduce waste products to prevent waste generation.
Additionally, NEMA released the minimum requirements for Solid Waste Management for the County Governments in 2015.
Furthermore, the County Governments are expected to implement the minimum requirements across the waste management cycle in the collection, transportation, and disposal site of the waste.
