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Mombasa, Kenya, Thursday, 21st November 2024 – The Packaging Producer Responsibility Organization (PAKPRO) has today officially launched the EPR Sensitization
Initiative, an educational campaign aimed at equipping manufacturers, producers, traders, and importers with essential knowledge on the newly gazetted Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) Regulations, 2024.
The high-level event featured insights and calls to action from key stakeholders, emphasizing the collective responsibility in waste management.
Speaking at the event, H.E. Francis Thoya, Deputy Governor of Mombasa County, reaffirmed his commitment to sustainable waste practices, noting, “This County will soon have a model structure to drive the management and implementation of Extended Producer Responsibility
(EPR). The success of EPR will not be achieved by the government alone, we need everyone to see waste as a valuable resource.”
Also at the event, David Ongare, NEMA Director of Compliance, stressed the importance of the regulations in fostering accountability and environmental sustainability. He further stated, “These regulations provide a framework for producers and importers to take responsibility for the entire lifecycle of their products. Compliance is not just a legal obligation, it’s a chance to contribute to a cleaner and healthier Kenya. We are fully committed to supporting initiatives like PAKPRO’s to ensure the success of EPR nationwide.”
The KNCCI Mombasa Chapter, represented by Director, Dr. Tayba Hatimy, added, “Our role is to bridge the gap between policy and implementation. The KNCCI Mombasa Chapter will ensure that businesses in the county are well-informed about EPR regulations through targeted seminars and engagements. We will guide businesses in integrating these requirements into their operations, ultimately transforming Mombasa into a more sustainable city.”Concluding the meeting, PAKPRO CEO Ms. Joyce Gachugi-Waweru emphasized the need for collaboration and innovation to implement EPR regulations effectively. She stated, “The EPR Sensitization Initiative is a critical milestone in aligning stakeholders with Kenya’s vision for sustainable waste management. These regulations are not just a compliance framework—they are a call to action for producers, importers, and traders to take responsibility for their environmental impact. By fostering partnerships and building awareness, we are paving the way for innovative, sustainable solutions that will drive positive change. .”
The meeting, attended by over 80 stakeholders from waste collectors, manufacturers, producers, traders, and importers, marked the first in a series of forums to be held across all 47 counties over the next six months. These forums aim to ensure widespread awareness and understanding of the EPR regulations, fostering collective action toward sustainable waste management.