KAM Holds Clean-up Exercise to Sensitize Public on PET Waste Management

Kenya Association of Manufacturers, through its PET sub-sector, organised a cleanup exercise in Nairobi Uhuru Park to educate the public on the need to segregate and manage plastic waste.

The initiative is in line with KAM’s commitment to manage solid waste in the country as a global best-practice.

KAM PET Sub-Sector Chair, Himanshu Dodhia said: “The PET Sub-Sector seeks to showcase the importance of appropriate waste disposal and negative impacts of littering PET materials on the environment.”

Phyllis Wakiaga, chief executive office KAM noted that “Green growth can be instrumental in the sound management of Africa’s natural resources. A green economy can’t be undermined since it plays a critical role towards the sustainability of local industries and our economy.”

Flora Mutahi, Chair at KAM reiterated that the event was a clear indication that waste management is a shared responsibility.

Mutahi said association has engaged with the environmental ministry and proposed a take-back model that will address the challenge of PET disposal by developing a take-back scheme that looks at managing the waste through recycling while at the same time providing sustainable jobs to citizens.

“The industry embraces the circular economy concept and is looking out for various ways to support the creation of an effective after-use plastics economy. Packaging is integral to the delivery of safe, high-quality consumer products. We recognise the need to create new circular systems that conserve resources, reduce pollution and promote efficiency.”

Prof. Judy Wakhungu, Cabinet Secretary for Ministry of Environment, Water and Natural Resources said the country is committed to honour efforts to prevent, mitigate and manage pollution which harms people’s health, societies, ecosystems and security.

“Our willingness to take on pollution head on proves that public action makes a big difference,” said Wakhungu. “With the ban of the manufacture, sale or use of carrier and flat plastic bags, we have seen the nation make great strides towards environmental conservation. I wish to commend the industry’s role in championing and executing environmental conservation strategies, your efforts and proactive nature cannot be gainsaid,” she added.

The exercise was done in collaboration with Environment ministry, Nairobi County Government.

KAM PET sub-sector is a newly formed sector drawing from manufacturers involved in the production, use, labelling and recycling of PET materials. The sector aims to among other things sensitise the public on the importance of appropriate waste disposal and the negative impacts of littering PET materials to the environment.