The National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) has notified the public that individuals or entities intending to import, export, manufacture, distribute, or supply toxic and hazardous industrial chemicals or materials must apply for registration.

In a notice dated Thursday, February 13, 2025, NEMA stated that the registration requirements comply with the newly enacted Environment Management and Coordination regulations, which came into law effect on 4th November 2024 and mandates that no toxic or hazardous chemical or material shall be handled without proper registration.

“The Environment Management and Coordination (Management of Toxic and Hazardous Chemicals and Materials) Regulations is a law under the Environment Management and Coordination Act CAP 387.

“The Regulations became law through a Kenya Gazette Supplement No. 199 of 4th November 2024. It shall apply to the manufacture, import, export, distribution, transport, storage, handling and disposal of toxic and hazardous industrial chemicals and materials,” NEMA public notice reads.

In addition, NEMA Director General Mamo B. Mamo noted that all individuals, companies, and organizations intending to import, export, manufacture, distribute, or supply toxic and hazardous industrial chemicals or materials are required to apply for registration with NEMA.

“The public is notified that a person who intends to import, export, manufacture, distribute or supply toxic and hazardous industrial chemicals or materials shall apply for its registration (regulation 8),” Mamo stated.

According to NEMA, the new regulations are set to govern various activities involving toxic and hazardous industrial chemicals and materials adding that they apply to the manufacture, import, export, distribution, transport, storage, handling, and disposal of these chemicals.

Issuing a stern warning, NEMA urged all stakeholders to adhere to the regulations to prevent environmental pollution, and safeguard public health adding that failure to register before engaging in the manufacture, import, export, distribution, transport, storage, handling, or disposal of these substances could lead to legal consequences.

“The management of these chemicals and materials without registration is an offence under the Environmental Management and Co-ordination Act CAP 387 and its applicable regulations,” Mamo warned.

NEMA further added that details of the registration requirements are found on its official website.

“Information on the requirements for the registration of a toxic and hazardous chemical and or material is available on the website of the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) (www.nema.go.ke >>> Laws and Guidelines >> Chemicals Management Regulations),” Mamo added.