Kenya Hosts 7th EACO Regional E-Waste Awareness Conference.

Mr. David Mugonyi, EBS, Director General of the Communications Authority of Kenya (CAK)

Nairobi, Kenya – March 24, 2025

Kenya is taking a leading role in tackling the growing challenge of electronic waste management by hosting the 7th East African Communications Organization (EACO) Regional E-Waste Awareness Conference. The event, taking place from March 24–26, 2025, at the Sarova Panafric Hotel in Nairobi, has brought together key stakeholders, including government representatives, regulators, industry players, environmental agencies, and waste management experts.

In his opening remarks, Mr. David Mugonyi, EBS, Director General of the Communications Authority of Kenya (CAK), underscored the critical need for sustainable e-waste management as the region continues to embrace digital transformation. He noted that while technological advancements have improved communication and economic opportunities, they have also led to a sharp rise in electronic waste accumulation, making proper disposal and recycling an urgent issue.

"Sustainable e-waste management is not just an environmental responsibility; it is a prerequisite for being part of a digitally advanced society. We must address this challenge collectively to safeguard our environment and ensure that the benefits of digital innovation do not come at the cost of ecological degradation," said Mr. Mugonyi.

The 7th EACO Regional Conference marks a significant milestone, as it is the first time in ten years that Nairobi is hosting the event. Since the last conference, Kenya has made notable strides in e-waste management, particularly in policy development and regulatory frameworks. The enactment of the Sustainable Waste Management Act (2022) and the implementation of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) regulations have positioned Kenya as a regional leader in tackling electronic waste.

However, despite these advancements, Mr. Mugonyi pointed out that e-waste remains a growing concern across East Africa. The widespread adoption of ICT devices, coupled with the influx of counterfeit and low-quality electronics, has led to a surge in electronic waste. These substandard products have a shorter lifespan, generate large amounts of waste, and pose environmental and health risks if not properly disposed of.

The theme of this year’s conference, "Advancing Sustainable E-Waste Management in East Africa: Embracing Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR),” highlights the urgent need for manufacturers and importers to take responsibility for the entire lifecycle of their electronic products. Under the EPR model, producers must ensure proper collection, recycling, and disposal of their products after consumer use, rather than leaving the burden on governments and the public.

Kenya has already rolled out EPR regulations to enforce this responsibility, ensuring that ICT firms, network providers, and electronic manufacturers actively participate in e-waste management. Mr. Mugonyi stressed that implementing producer responsibility schemes presents a significant opportunity to make tangible progress in addressing e-waste across East Africa.

Kenya’s regulatory approach to e-waste management has also extended to quality control and environmental compliance. The Communications Authority of Kenya (CAK), in collaboration with the Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) and the Anti-Counterfeit Agency, has tightened regulations to curb the importation of substandard and counterfeit ICT equipment. These measures aim to ensure that all electronic products entering the country meet strict quality standards, thereby reducing the volume of e-waste generated.

Additionally, CAK has introduced new environmental compliance requirements for ICT providers, including: Mandatory environmental safety assessments for telecommunication infrastructure, green energy adoption for ICT installations, recycling and take-back schemes to enhance e-waste collection and integration of carbon reduction initiatives in ICT operations.

Mr. Mugonyi emphasized that network facility providers must now seek approvals from environmental authorities before setting up new infrastructure to ensure compliance with environmental regulations. These measures, he noted, reflect Kenya’s commitment to reducing the ICT sector’s carbon footprint while ensuring sustainable digital growth.

One of the key messages from the conference is the need for regional cooperation in e-waste management. Mr. Mugonyi called on East African nations to view e-waste as a resource rather than a liability, suggesting that allowing cross-border recycling initiatives could attract investors and create sustainable solutions for electronic waste disposal.

To achieve this, he stressed the importance of aligning regional efforts with the African Union’s Electronic Waste Management Plan, which promotes harmonized policies and collaborative waste management strategies across the continent. However, he cautioned that strong regulations alone are not enough, there must be joint enforcement efforts to ensure compliance and effectiveness in e-waste management policies.

Kenya has reaffirmed its commitment to actively participating in regional and global initiatives to promote sustainable e-waste management. Mr. Mugonyi assured stakeholders that Kenya will continue to work closely with EACO and other international partners to push for more efficient waste disposal mechanisms, stronger regulatory enforcement, and increased public awareness on e-waste issues.

As the conference progresses, participants are expected to engage in in-depth discussions, knowledge sharing, and collaborative planning to develop actionable strategies that will enhance sustainable e-waste management in East Africa.

With Kenya leading the charge in policy development, enforcement, and cross-border cooperation, this conference marks a crucial step towards a cleaner, more sustainable digital future for the region.