PS CALLS FOR PROPER DISPOSAL OF E-WASTE 

The PS, Betty Maina, flanked by the Diretor, Environmental Awareness, Dr. Ayub Macharia, the DA, Mr. Henry Obino and Mr. Isaiah Maina, during the event.

The Principal Secretary Ministry of Environment and Forestry, Betty Maina, has lauded National Environment Management Authority (Nema) for licensing E-waste recyclers; WEEE (Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment Centre) and three other recyclers, noting that, Electronic waste recycling was a new venture and a business opportunity, and hence encouraged more stakeholders to venture into.

Speaking today, when she presided over the E-waste Collection Challenge Event at the NHIF Building car park, the PS noted that, the Ministry of Environment and Forestry had come up with the “E-waste collection Challenge” to divert waste that could have ended up at home and dumpsites. “I have written to our sister Ministries, Departments and other Government Agencies, to gather E-waste within their premises and give it to the recyclers for proper disposal.” Said the PS. This will reduce pollution to our environment remarkably, she said.

At the same time, the PS observed that, the Ministry had also formulated a E-waste regulation that will be signed into law soon to ensure producers of electric and electronic equipment (EEE) take responsibility of end of life of their equipment and ensure its safe disposal.

The PS, presenting e-waste from her office for safe disposal.

We have developed an E-waste strategy as our roadmap in waste management. We are also developing the Extended Producer Responsibility to strengthen the polluter pay principle, the PS noted.

The PS thanked Safaricom Company and the Communication Authority, which have allowed their shops to be dropping points for e-waste. Kindly drop your e-waste there, the PS remarked.

The event was a run-up activity for the International E-Waste Day, which will be held on Monday 14th October at WEEE Centre, Utawala, and Nairobi.