Nairobi,10th February 2025
Nairobi County Chief Officer for Environment Mr. Geoffrey Mosiria has affirmed that Nairobi City County remains dedicated to waste reduction, recycling and compliance in an effort to create a cleaner and healthier environment.
” Public – Private partnerships are key in scaling up waste management efforts, thus improving recycling rates. With stronger policies, dynamic partnerships and a culture of innovation, I am confident that Nairobi can become a model city for sustainable Waste management in Africa.” He said.
The Environment Chief Officer encouraged waste enterprises to ensure they acquire proper licensing from the County authorities and National Environmental Management Authority (NEMA), embrace waste segregation practices and leverage on technology driven compliance solutions such as digital waste tracking.
Mr. Mosiria was speaking at the Assisted Compliance forum that brought together key stakeholders in waste management enterprises and National & County Government Officials. The forum aimed at informing and empowering waste entrepreneurs with knowledge on requirements and benefits of complying with waste management policies, laws and regulations. It also sought to create a collaborative environment for government regulators and waste enterprises to share insights and exchange ideas on how to tap into the opportunities while also addressing challenges within the waste sector.
Mr. Mosiria commended the Kenya Climate Innovation Centre (KCIC) for their efforts in supporting sustainable waste management initiatives and fostering innovative business models aligned with circular economy.
The County Director for Environment and Natural Resources Mr. John Paul Malawi assured the waste entrepreneurs that Nairobi County is committed to providing an enabling environment that balances regulations with practical support so that businesses can thrive while protecting the environment.
” Today we have enterprises turning plastic waste into new products, converting organic waste into compost, managing e- waste and introducing innovative waste solutions. These are the kind of efforts we must nurture and not stifle”. Mr. Malawi stated.
He indicated that businesses involved in waste generation, collection and recycling must play a greater role in ensuring materials remain in use for as long as possible. He went on to mention that producers must also take responsibility for the waste their products create.
The County Environment Director informed the forum that the County is shifting from a model focused only on collection and disposal to one that embraces sustainability and circular economy.
” When we talk about waste, we are really talking about the opportunity to create jobs, fuel industries and build a cleaner and more livable Nairobi. This is why we are here today not only to discuss regulations but to explore how we can work together to turn waste into value.” He added.
Mr. Malawi observed that although compliance can sometimes feel like a burden, the goal of the County is not to punish businesses but to support them, guide them and ensure that compliance is not a barrier but a pathway to growth and sustainability.
The forum was organized by the Kenya Climate Innovative Centre (KCIC) in partnership with the County.
In attendance were Assistant Directors, and Environment officers in charge of Sub counties and wards.
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