Kenya says it acknowledges the critical function of waste pickers through Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR), 2024, that integrates and recognises their centrality in waste management value chain.

In her address to a meeting organised by National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) with the support of Royal Danish Embassy in recognition of this role, Cabinet Secretary for Environment, Climate Change and Forestry Deborah Barasa announced that the government has come up with policies to better the role of waste pickers in environmental governance.

Dr Barasa said the ministry has formally recognised waste workers as environmentalists as enshrined in the Sustainable Waste Management Act, 2022.

Consequently, the cabinet secretary announced that waste pickers should be regarded as critical partners in the waste management value chain as spelt out in the EPR regulations and in promotion of circular economy.

Dr Barasa also placed emphasis on the need to safeguard the health of waste pickers in their daily dealings.

Echoing her sentiments, NEMA Chair Emilio Mugo noted that waste pickers are critical in the waste management value chain. Further, Mr Mugo acknowledged the dynamics in the waste sector, which are critical for seamless waste management. He appealed for coordination and cooperation by all players in the waste sector.

NEMA Director General Mamo B. Mamo observed that the waste pickers are the ‘unsung heroes’ in the waste management value chain.

Dr Mamo also added that the country can only be clean if all waste generators take responsibility for their waste.

Despite waste management being devolved Mamo disclosed that the authority in 2015 developed the 10 minimum points to be followed in the waste sector by the county governments.

“The authority has also urged the counties to develop Material Recovery Facilities (MRFs) to enhance waste management,” he underscored, encouraging constructive dialogue in the betterment of the welfare of the waste pickers.

The forum brought together stakeholders in the waste management sector including representatives from the Ministry of Cooperatives and MSMEs, Nairobi County, Waste Pickers Associations, and Producer Responsibility Organizations (PROs).

• A Tell Media / KNA report / By Michael Omondi