Kenya’s efforts to transform waste management have taken a bold step forward with the implementation of the Sustainable Waste Management Act, 2022. The new law mandates that all waste generators from households to industries must sort their waste into distinct streams or face stiff penalties.
Mixing your household waste, such as food leftovers with jars, cans, or plastics, could now result in a fine of up to KSh 20,000 or a jail term of six months. The National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) Director General, Mamo Mamo, emphasized the public’s responsibility to start segregation at the household level to safeguard the environment and public health.
Under the Act, non-hazardous waste must be sorted into organic and non-organic categories. The sorted waste will be deposited into color-coded bins: green for organic (wet) waste, blue for recyclable (dry) waste like glass and plastics, and black for general waste. Hazardous waste will be managed separately under existing environmental laws.
The law aims to significantly reduce waste headed to landfills by adopting a circular waste economy model. According to government projections, only five percent of waste will go to landfills, with 30 percent recycled and 60 percent composted into manure.
Counties have been given two years to create and implement their own waste management laws in alignment with the national legislation. Each county must also establish material recovery facilities for final sorting, composting, and recycling.
Importantly, the law holds producers accountable through Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR). Manufacturers will now be responsible for the entire lifecycle of their products from production to disposal. Items such as batteries, electronics, oils, plastics, pharmaceuticals, and tyres fall under this rule. Violators could face fines of up to KSh 50,000 or six months in prison.
Despite the new regulations, waste collection remains a challenge. For instance, Nairobi collected less than half of the waste it generated in 2024. However, with proper enforcement and public participation, Kenya’s circular waste management strategy promises to convert waste into economic opportunities while protecting the environment.
