DUALE: Kenyans May Pay More To Curb Pollution and Climate Change
The Ministry of Environment, Climate Change, and Forestry has issued a public notice seeking feedback on a new proposed Environmental Restoration Fee.
This fee is intended to address Kenya’s growing environmental challenges, specifically pollution, biodiversity loss, and the effects of climate change.
In a public notice issued on Tuesday, the ministry stated that the Kenyan Constitution emphasizes the importance of a clean, healthy environment.
It also requires the government and citizens to protect and manage the nation’s natural resources.
However, it was noted that the country is currently experiencing severe environmental crises.
Furthermore, pollution is exacerbating biodiversity loss, and the country produces approximately 25,000 tons of solid waste per day, the majority of which is poorly managed.
This waste, it stated, frequently ends up in rivers and open dumpsites, posing serious threats to public health and the environment.
The Aden Duale-led ministry also stated that, while Kenya has passed several laws, including the Environmental Management and Coordination Act and the Sustainable Waste Management Act of 2022, significant financial challenges remain.
The @NAssemblyKE invites your comments on the following Bills:
— Mzalendo (@MzalendoWatch) September 24, 2024
1. The Births And Deaths Registration (Amendment) Bill (National Assembly Bill No. 37 Of 2024)
2. The Environmental Professionals Institute Of Kenya Bill (National Assembly Bill No. 36 Of 2024)
Memoranda to be… pic.twitter.com/amXe777RH2
“Currently, all producers have Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) obligations for the purposes of reducing pollution and the negative environmental impacts of the products they introduce in Kenya,” read the notice.
“However, EPR does not cater for all the post-consumption aspects of waste management. Recycling and incineration processes still leave some residual waste behind which needs to be properly and sustainably disposed of.”
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To close this gap, the government proposes an Environmental Restoration Fee.
Duale claims that this will help fund critical initiatives such as waste management infrastructure, ecosystem restoration programs, pollution control, and green technology research.
The fee will apply to imported finished goods that contribute significantly to waste generation.
As a result, the ministry encourages the public to help shape this policy by providing feedback by September 25, 2024.
DUALE: Kenyans May Pay More To Curb Pollution and Climate Change
