from MARIA MACHARIA in Nairobi, Kenya
Kenya Bureau
NAIROBI, (CAJ News) – EAST Africa is heightening steps to address the rampant issue of electronic waste (e-waste) mismanagement in the region.
To spearhead these efforts, the East African Communications Organisation (EACO) is hosting the seventh Regional Awareness Conference in Nairobi, Kenya where this year, e-waste is at the centre of discussions.
The three-day event ending on Wednesday, themed, “Advancing Sustainable E-Waste Management in East Africa: Embracing Extended Producer Responsibility”, comes as e-waste emerges as one of the fastest growing solid waste streams in the world.
The summit has brought together key stakeholders to explore sustainable e-waste management strategies.
Presiding on the first day of the summit, Stanley Kamanguya, chief executive officer of the Kenya Information and Communications Technology (ICT) Authority, said with Africa generating nearly 5 million metric tons of e-waste annually but recycling less than 1 percent, there was a need to address this disparity.
To address this, he said the Kenya ICT Authority had targeted collection of more than 100 000 devices in e-waste management.
Besides addressing the e-waste crisis, this is anticipated to enhance job creation, resource recovery from e-waste, strengthening policies, cross-border recycling, promoting public awareness and responsible disposal with the aim to promote, advance and embrace responsibility in the country.
“E-waste is not just an environmental issue,” Kamanguya said.
“It’s an economic opportunity and a shared responsibility. Let’s rethink, recycle and take action for a sustainable future,” he added.
Experts warn that improperly managed e-waste, comprising electrical and electronic devices like computers, phones, and appliances poses significant environmental risks, including soil, water and air pollution, as well as the release of toxic substances that can harm human health and ecosystems.
Developing countries are at high risk of the impact.
– CAJ News