The National Environmental Management Authority (NEMA) will begin enforcing a law that mandates Kenyans separate their household waste into organic and non-organic waste bags.
In October 2023, the government announced that it was planning to effect the law, the agency responsible for protecting the environment has now announced that Kenyans effective Monday, July 8 will now have to separate their waste into organic and non-organic trash.
The notice which was issued on April 8 gave a 90-day leeway has since lapsed. The government, therefore intends to ensure that Kenyans, going forward, adhere to the law.
According to NEMA, the segregated waste should be placed in properly labelled and colour-coded containers, bins, and bags.
Waste service providers will be required to collect, handle and transport segregated waste without mixing it as the organic waste will be transported to material recovery facilities.
Additionally, NEMA noted that the ban on plastic garbage bags will also be enforced more rigorously effective July 8, with individuals and garbage collection companies required to use biodegradable bags.
“The Government of Kenya (through the Cabinet Secretary Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources) in 2017 vide Gazette notice Nos. 2334 & 2356 banned the manufacture, importation and use of plastic carrier bags and flat bags used for commercial and household packaging. This included; garbage bags and bin liners in its scope,” stated NEMA.
County Governments alongside private and public organisations will also be required to adhere to the regulations.
Additionally, county governments which provide waste management facilities are mandated to provide the biodegradable trash bags.
Per the Sustainable Waste Management Act of 2022, any person who contravenes the specified law will be liable for a fine of Ksh20,000 or imprisonment of six months or both.
“A person who does not manage waste in accordance with subsection (1) commits an offence and shall, on conviction, be liable to a fine not exceeding twenty thousand shillings or imprisonment for a term not exceeding six months or both,” read the act in part.
The enforcement is part of NEMA's plans to ensure that Kenya complies with international environment sustainability standards.
