The Kenya Association of Manufacturers (KAM), the Ministry of Environment and Forestry, and the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) have announced an agreement towards joint management of PET bottles in the country.
The aim of the agreement is to facilitate the responsible and sustainable management of waste PET bottles, a goal the industry is committed to achieve through eco-friendly strategies and creating comprehensive recycling schemes based on circular economy principles.
At the signing of the Framework of Co-operation Agreement, Cabinet Secretary Keriako Tobiko said the ministry is ready to enable transformative partnerships to carry out public awareness on anti-littering and education programs.
“We are happy to formalize on-going collaborations that now set us on a clear road map on plastic bottles management. We will embark on awareness creation and work closely with County Governments and other stakeholders on waste management,” he said.
An integrated end-to-end waste management solution is essential, especially in urban areas. KAM is dedicated to pushing for innovative waste management solutions such as recycling and upcycling which result in benefits for the environment and the economy.
KAM chair Flora Mutahi said: “The aim of the Framework of Co-operation is to enable the collaboration between the Ministry, NEMA and industry towards the sustainable management of waste PET bottles. The parties to the memorandum, are adopting a public-private partnership approach to achieve sustainable environmental management and conservation.”
Within the framework, KAM commits to implement structured and sustainable take-back schemes and extended producer responsibility schemes for the management of PET waste bottles.
There shall also be cleanup activities and awareness campaigns carried out in collaboration with the ministry and other relevant government agencies.
The ministry and NEMA shall promote intergovernmental relation among county governments and government agencies and create a policy and legislation to promote sustainable PET waste management.
According to Phyllis Wakiaga, KAM chief executive, the commitment is a great milestone for the country because it will improve sustainable resource management and circular economy and promote the growth of the recycling industry and the manufacturing and waste management value chain.
