Manufacturers Reaffirm Commitment To Manage Post-consumer Waste

Speaking during the launch, Principal Secretary for Environment at the Ministry of Environment and Forestry,  Dr. Chris Kiptoo noted that the establishment of KEPRO is timely since it has come at a time when the government is gearing up to implement the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) Regulations.

“Kenya is among many countries that are facing challenges in both capability and capacity to recycle the high volume of waste generated. As such, we can no longer ignore the effects of irresponsible waste management. It is only through collaboration between all players in the value chain that we shall make strides towards sustainability and circular economy,” said Dr. Kiptoo.

Principal Secretary for Industrialization at the Ministry of Industrialization, Trade and Enterprise Development, Amb. Kirimi Kaberia, highlighted the government’s commitment to promoting green growth in the manufacturing sector, saying, “We shall continue to work with manufacturers, through KAM, to ensure the implementation of the 10-year green growth program, to promote sustainable manufacturing in the country, as envisioned in the Kenya Industrial Transformation Project (KITP) 2015.”

Representing Kitui Governor, and Council of Governors Trade and Investment Committee Chair Honourable Charity Ngilu, Kitui County Deputy Governor Dr. Wathe Nzau appreciated local manufacturers for their efforts towards achieving a circular economy in the country.

“KAM has been an extremely responsible private sector partner to the government. It’s because of KAM’s Corporate Social Responsibility that manufacturers have founded KEPRO,” noted Honourable Ngwele.

KAM Chair, Mr. Mucai Kunyiha reiterated the commitment of local manufacturers to adopting sustainable manufacturing in Kenya.

“As manufacturers, we must fully embed environmental and social sustainability in the heart of our operations. Most importantly, we need to collaborate with other players in the market such as government regulators, waste collectors, and recyclers, and the public for a successful transition to a circular economy,” said Mr. Kunyiha.

KEPRO Chair Mr. Priyen Tanna underscored the role that KEPRO will play in spearheading the realization of a circular economy in the country, saying “We are confident that a circular economy will redefine the way organizations consider growth and are keen on collaborating with the key stakeholders to reduce waste, drive gr