Anthony Sitienei, Environment executive in Uasin Gishu county, speaking at a forum on waste management/FILEStakeholders in the environment sector have called for strict implementation of waste management laws to ensure compliance across the industry.
The call same during a forum in Eldoret that was organised by the Centre for Environment Justice and Development (CEJAD) and the Heinrich Böll Foundation (HBF).
Participants urged authorities to enforce existing regulations and integrate waste pickers into the waste management system to ensure a just transition that prioritises their dignity, safety and recognition.
The meeting also marked the International Day of Waste Pickers.
Uasin Gishu executive for environment Anthony Sitienei emphasised the need for compliance with waste management laws by all actors in the sector.
He acknowledged the contribution of waste pickers, CEJAD and other partners in keeping the county clean.
“We should strive to create an enabling environment that attracts responsible investment in the waste sector, strengthens recycling and supports the production of organic manure,” Sitienei said.
He urged stakeholders to comply fully with existing regulations to build a sustainable and well-regulated waste management system in the county.
Griffins Ochieng, the executive director of CEJAD, stressed the importance of implementing Kenya’s waste management laws.
He said legislation such as the Sustainable Waste Management Act (2022) and the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) regulations were critical in ensuring recognition, compensation and protection for waste pickers.
“Waste pickers are central to keeping cities clean and sustaining the recycling economy. Their work diverts large volumes of waste from dumpsites and supports entire households and communities,” he said.
However, he noted that their contribution remains largely unrecognised, with many operating in precarious and unregulated conditions.
Ochieng said waste pickers continue to face challenges such as poor working conditions and lack of compensation, underscoring the need for the establishment of Material Recovery Facilities (MRFs).
Stakeholders said such facilities would provide safer and more organised working spaces for waste pickers, enable proper sorting and recovery of recyclable and organic waste, improve material quality and market access, and reduce health and safety risks.
The forum brought together representatives from the Uasin Gishu County Government, Producer Responsibility Organisations (PAKPRO, KEPRO and EPROK), the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) and the Uasin Gishu County Waste Pickers Welfare Association.
Agnes Akinyi Kisia, spokesperson for the Waste Pickers Welfare Association, urged the county government to their members in policy development.
“We want to be recognised and respected for the work that we do. Policies and systems designed without our participation risk sidelining us and undermining efforts towards sustainable waste management solutions,” she said.
Kisia said waste pickers were ready to collaborate with the county government to build an inclusive waste management framework that benefits all stakeholders.
Comments 0
Sign in to join the conversation
Sign In Create AccountNo comments yet. Be the first to share your thoughts!