Kenya Association of Manufacturers (KAM) has launched an organization that will address post-
The launched Kenya Extended Producer Responsibility Organization (KEPRO) , according to KAM brings together players in the value chain.
KEPRO aim
KEPRO’s aim is to increase national awareness and protect Kenya’s natural environment from waste and pollution. This is being done by providing incentives and subsidies to improve the growth, efficiency and viability of the waste collection, sorting and recycling sector.
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Through a press release sent to newsrooms on Wednesday June 9, 2021, the association said KEPRO aims to promote collaboration, seek commitment by waste value chain players and support the achievement of a circular economy in Kenya.
Green growth in the manufacturing sector
Principal Secretary for Environment at the Ministry of Environment and Forestry Dr. Chris Kiptoo who spoke during the launch said the establishment of KEPRO is timely, since it has come at a time when 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 government’s commitment to promoting green growth in the manufacturing sector.
“We shall continue to work with manufacturers, through KAM, to ensure the implementation of the 10-year green growth programme, to promote sustainable manufacturing in the country, as envisioned in the Kenya Industrial Transformation Project (KITP) 2015,” he said.
Circular economy
Representing Kitui Governor, and Council of Governors Trade and Investment Committee Chair Honourable Charity Ngilu, Kitui County Deputy Governor Dr Wathe Nzau appreci
“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 reiter
“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 undersc
“We are confident that a circular economy will redefine the way organizations consider growth and is keen on collaborating with the key stakeholders to reduce waste, drive greater resource productivity, deliver a more competitive economy and reduce the environmental impacts of production and consumption,” he said.
The launch of the KEPRO is in line with commitments made in the Kenya Plastic Action Plan, which seeks to enable a circular economy for the environmentally sustainable use and recycling of plastics in Kenya.
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It follows last year’s launch of a Strategic Business Plan for the establishment of a Plastic Producer Responsibility Organization (PRO) in the country. The Business Plan set out the direction of KAM’s priorities in the waste value chain and key action in effecting the steps towards a clean Kenya.
