NEMA miffed by Kenya’s 8M tonnes of waste
By Ian Okal, April 30, 2025Kenya’s mounting waste crisis is spurring urgent calls for sustainable solutions, with the country generating an estimated 8 million tonnes of waste annually, according to the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA).
In Nairobi alone, more than 60 per cent of this waste ends up in illegal dumpsites, rivers, or public spaces, exacerbating health risks and environmental degradation. As the scale of the problem deepens, the upcoming Propak East Africa Conference is set to shine a spotlight on sustainable packaging as a critical lever in reducing environmental harm.
Angela Kinyua, Managing Director at Montgomery Group East Africa, which organizes the event, described the upcoming event as a game changer for the industry.
“Sustainability is no longer just a buzzword—it’s an urgent imperative,” Kinyua noted. “We’re past the point of invention. The solutions are here. What’s needed now is large-scale adoption.”
What a Waste 2.0
This pivot toward sustainable packaging comes amid grim global projections. According to the World Bank’s What a Waste 2.0 report, over 2 billion tonnes of municipal solid waste are generated worldwide each year—a figure expected to climb to 3.4 billion tonnes in the coming decades due to rapid population growth and urbanization.
This growth is driven by increasing urbanisation, population growth, and the rising need for efficient waste disposal systems.
The waste management industry holds substantial economic value both globally and in Kenya. Globally, the waste management market was valued at approximately $1.20 trillion in 2024 and is projected to reach around $2.30 trillion by 2034, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.72 per cent.
A report by the Aspen Network of Development Entrepreneurs (ANDE) estimates the market opportunity for the waste management and circular economy sector in Kenya at about $54 billion. Further, effective waste management practices in Kenya could potentially create around 46,000 jobs by 2030.
The annual exhibition, which draws key stakeholders from the packaging, plastics, printing, and food and beverage sectors, returns with a stronger focus on sustainability. This year’s event is poised to showcase over 200 innovative products from both international giants and regional manufacturers, all aimed at addressing the global packaging waste crisis.
These figures underscore the importance and potential of investing in sustainable waste management solutions to drive economic growth and environmental sustainability.
Propak will feature participation from industry heavyweights such as Tetra Pak, Krones, and Filmatic, alongside local innovators like Digital Packaging Innovations, FC Group, and Uchumi Quick Suppliers. Their contributions underline a growing recognition that sustainable packaging is not only a climate issue but a business opportunity. As the conference convenes, all eyes will be on the actionable pathways it presents to reshape waste management in Kenya and beyond.
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