KAM moots plan to curb plastic menace

Bernard Gitau @benagitau

Kenya Association of Manufacturers (KAM) wants producers to shoulder the responsibility of collecting, sorting and recycling of plastic bottles and plastic bags through an umbrella body.

In an ambitious plan that gives hope to a cleaner Kenya, these producers and manufacturers must join a central organisation which will coordinate plastic waste management at a fee.

Dubbed the Plastic Producer Responsibility Organisation (PRO), the firm will bridge a policy gap which has led to ineffective coordination of National and County Waste management functions.

According to KAM chair Mucai Kunyiha, the PRO will set out the direction of priorities in the waste value chain environment to ensure plastic waste is disposed by consumers does not end up in the environment.

“Increasing collection and recycling simultaneously through creating value and markets for the recycled plastics, enhancing industry awareness on sustainable sourcing and production,” he said.

Green Hub

“We are optimistic that Kenya will achieve its targets of being a Green Hub within the region,” he said.

Kunyiha said movement costs imposed by counties on waste businesses continues to hinder collection efforts across the country since the value of waste is quite low.

KAM Chief executive Phylis Wakiaga said the importance of doing green businesses includes championing the lowering of energy consumption and improving efficiency, adhering to environmental laws, regulations and best practices.