World Environment Day

Ending plastic pollution in Kenya

World Environment Day (WED) is a global platform for raising awareness on pressing environmental issues. Since its inception by the United Nations in 1972, World Environment Day has been celebrated annually on June 5th. The theme for each year is chosen to highlight a key environmental challenge, and in 2025, the theme will focus on “Ending Plastic Pollution”.

The theme is in line with the global conversation on tacking the three planetary crisis; climate change, pollution and biodiversity loss highlighted in the Global Environmental Outlook.  In 2016, “Zero Waste, One Planet”, 2018 “Beat Plastic Pollution”, 2023 and “Solution to Plastics “respectively themes for World Environment Day are closely related to this year theme. They call for urgent need to end Plastic pollution since it’s the most pervasive environmental challenges of our time. The excessive use of plastic materials has led to massive accumulation in our oceans, rivers, and landscapes, threatening biodiversity, ecosystems, and human health.

The world produces an estimated 400 million tonnes of plastic waste annually, which is projected to double by 2050 with less than 10% of plastic waste being recycled. This is a global crisis that demands urgent action and has led to a negotiation of Global Plastics Treaty on plastic pollution that seeks to curb plastic pollution by 2040 and mitigate its environmental and health impacts globally.

In Kenya, this theme resonates with the country's ongoing efforts to combat plastic pollution, particularly the widespread issue of plastic waste in urban areas, waterways, and wildlife habitats. In 2017, Kenya became one of the first countries to introduce a nationwide ban on plastic bags, a bold move in the fight against plastic pollution.

The theme-ending plastic pollution is particularly relevant to Kenya as it aligns with the country's commitment to environmental sustainability, biodiversity conservation, and climate resilience.

In her keynote address, the Cabinet Secretary for Environment, Climate Change and Forestry, Dr. Deborah Barasa called for urgent action against plastic pollution, noting that over 430 million tonnes of plastic are produced annually—yet only 9% is recycled. She highlighted Kenya’s leadership in this fight, referencing the 2017 plastic bag ban, recent waste management regulations, and innovative public-private recycling partnerships such as the Kenya Plastics Pact.

The CS acknowledged significant global progress, including the historic UNEA Resolution 5/14 and ongoing negotiations for a legally binding global treaty on plastic pollution. She also commended Africa’s growing role in environmental stewardship, citing Kenya, Rwanda, and Burkina Faso as pioneers in banning single-use plastics.

She reaffirmed Kenya’s long-term commitment through key national strategies such as the National Marine Litter Management Action Plan (2021–2030), the recently gazetted Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) Regulations, 2024, and the National Waste Management Strategy which ensure that all producers are accountable for managing post-consumer waste across all sectors.

Addressing the crowd, the NEMA Chairman, Emilio Mugo emphasized the privilege and responsibility of standing together in a common cause: protecting our environment. “Plastic pollution is no longer just a problem, it's a crisis.” Despite the scale of the challenge, he reminded the audience that it is one of the most solvable issues we face today, provided we take bold and collective action.

The NEMA Director General Mamo B. Mamo, EBS stated that the Authority’s is focused on enforcing laws such as the Sustainable Waste Management (Extended Producer Responsibility) Regulations, 2024, and the Environmental Management and Coordination (Plastic Packaging Materials) Regulations, 2024. These laws are designed to hold producers accountable for their waste, drive innovation in eco-friendly alternatives, and promote responsible production and consumption.

He said that enforcing these laws only cannot win the fight against plastic pollution therefore, NEMA is enhancing community participation through its Green Points Initiative, providing a platform for residents to report violations, engage in dialogue, and participate in clean-up efforts. In schools, environmental education programs are being rolled out to instil a culture of sustainability in young learners nurturing tomorrow’s eco-warriors.

The event was attended by among others Principal Secretary Dr. Eng. Festus Ng’eno, Forest Development Secretary Mr George Tarus, NEMA Chairperson Emilio Mugo, Director General Mr. Mamo Mamo, and attended by Tharaka Nithi Governor H.E Muthomi Njuki, Tharaka Nithi Senator, Hon Mwenda Gataya, Tharaka Nithi Women Representative Hon. Susan Ngugi, Smach Founder and CEO Ms Charlene Ruto, Tharaka Nithi County Commissioner Mr David Gitonga, representative of PS Forestry Mr. George Tarus, and Tharaka University, Chancellor Prof. Emeritus Ratemo Michieka among others.

Kenya’s Milestones in tackling plastic pollution

The Government of Kenya banned the manufacture, importation and use of carrier bags and flat bags through a Gazette notice no. 2356 of 14^th March 2017 and enforcement of the ban commenced in September 2017. This led to the eventual gazettement of the Environmental Management and Coordination (Management and Control of the Plastic Packaging Materials) Regulations of 2024. The regulations came into force on 4^th November 2024 and regulate the manufacturers, Exporters, Importers and Users of industrial and non-industrial plastic packaging materials.

During the implementation of the ban, voluntary Producer Responsibility Organizations (PROs) were established since 2019 to assist in the mop up of plastics from the Environment. Ultimately, the Government has now gazetted the Sustainable Waste Management (Extended Producer Responsibility) Regulations, 2024 for management and control of the plastic packaging materials and legalize the EPR Compliance Schemes. In 2019, through a presidential directive, the country also banned the use of single use plastics in Conservation areas and public parks.

The Authority has also prohibited the use on non-biodegradable (non-compostable) bin liners and potting bags and asked all users to shift towards biodegradable or compostable alternatives. Public awareness campaigns and community engagement has also increased since Kenya implemented its plastic bag ban in 2017, encouraging the use of eco-friendly alternatives like cloth bags, biodegradable materials, and reusable packaging. Many businesses and consumers embraced these changes, fostering a shift in habits. The immediate impact of the ban has been a noticeable reduction in plastic waste, especially in urban and semi-urban areas. The country has seen a decline in plastic bags littering streets and the environment hence enhancing environmental aesthetics.

The ban also spurred innovation in waste management solutions. Entrepreneurs started creating businesses around recycling, reusing, and upcycling plastic waste that had already entered circulation before the ban. While the ban significantly reduced plastic bags, challenges remain in broader waste management and the need for better recycling infrastructure. However, Kenya's progress in reducing plastic bags encouraged further policy reforms and investments in waste management technologies. The reduction in plastic waste, particularly in national parks and wildlife reserves, has helped preserve Kenya’s landscapes and wildlife. This positively impacted tourism, with visitors appreciating the country’s cleaner, greener environment.

Every year on June 5th, the world unites to celebrate World Environment Day, a day to reflect on the health of our planet and take collective action towards its protection. This year, the focus was ending plastic pollution. From the deepest oceans to the food on our plates, plastic has infiltrated nearly every aspect of our lives, harming nature and human health. This year’s theme, #BeatPlasticPollution, is not just a call to action, it's a reminder that each of us holds the power to make a difference. As communities, governments, and individuals rally behind the movement, World Environment Day 2025 highlights both the dangers of plastic waste and the real achievable solutions within our reach.

Under the guidance of the Ministry of Environment, Climate Change and Forestry, NEMA is implementing its Fifth-Generation Strategic Plan (2023–2027) which places plastic pollution control at its core. This plan is not just a policy document, it's a blueprint of hope, aligned with Kenya’s Vision 2030, the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA), and international frameworks such as the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

NEMA’s efforts are already bearing fruits since Kenya’s historic ban on single-use plastic bags in 2017. This milestone, supported by strict enforcement measures and public cooperation, has positioned Kenya as a trailblazer in environmental governance across the region.

As Kenya accelerates its transition to a circular economy, NEMA is also strengthening its capacity through modern technology and internationally recognized quality management systems. The Authority will continue to monitor pollution hotspots, support ecosystem restoration, and promote carbon markets all while encouraging communities to join the movement towards a cleaner Kenya.

During the national celebrations held at Tharaka University in Tharaka Nithi County, the Cabinet Secretary for the Ministry of Environment, Climate Change, and Forestry, Dr. Deborah Barasa, officially launched the National Colour Codes for Waste Segregation. This initiative, outlined in the Environmental Management and Coordination (Waste Management) Regulations, 2024, is a significant step forward in improving waste sorting and recycling practices across the country.

Launch of national colour codes for waste segregation

The National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) has introduced a national color-coded waste segregation system. Under this system, green bags are for organic waste, blue bags are for recyclable materials, and black bags are for general waste. This initiative aims to improve waste sorting, recycling efforts, and reduce landfill waste, promoting a more sustainable and cleaner environment. 

The colour codes are contained in the fourth Schedule of the Environmental Management and Coordination (Waste Management) Regulations, 2024.

During the World Environment Day national celebrations at Tharaka University, Tharaka Nithi County, the Cabinet Secretary for Environment, Climate Change and Forestry, Dr. Deborah Barasa launched the colour coded bins to be adopted countrywide for abatement of pollution in line with the constitutional provisions of ensuring a clean, safe and sustainable environment for all persons. The color-coding system is also part of the National Sustainable Waste Management Act of 2022. It aims to improve waste sorting, enhance recycling efforts, reduce landfill waste, and promote more sustainable and cleaner communities. 

 World Environment Day  Panel Discussion

The World Environment Day Panel Discussion was held on 30^th May, 2025 at the Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development (KICD) under the theme, Ending Plastic Pollution-from Local Action to Global Treaty Solutions.

In his remarks, the PS Environment and Climate Change, Dr. Eng. Festus Ngeno who was represented by the Secretary Environment, Dr. Selly Kimosop stated that an estimated 22,000 tonnes of waste is generated in Kenya daily, about 20% of it is plastic. Kenya’s daily plastic consumption is estimated to be 0.03 kg per person whie only 8% of waste produced annully is recycled.

For this reason, in addition to the ban on plastic bags in 2017, the PS stated that the country has developed legal frameworks to address plastic waste such as Environmental Management and Coordination Act (Plastic Packaging Materials) Regulations, 2024, and the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) Regulations as well as operationalizing the Sustainable Waste Management Act, 2022.

Jyoti Mathur-Filipp the Executive Secretary, Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC) on Plastic Pollution, UNEP briefed the gathering on the global trends and solutions on plastic pollution control and the ongoing negotiations on the plastic treaty.

"The theme for this year's World Environment Day, "End plastic pollution" reflects Kenyans journey towards plastic bags ban since 2017" NEMA Director General, Mamo B. Mamo, EBS has said while making his remarks at the panel discussion.

The DG further noted that in a research commissioned by NEMA in 2017, it was found that out of 10 cows slaughtered in Nairobi, 8 contained plastics in their rumens, this has reduced to one in subsequent research findings. This, according to the DG reflects significant progress that the country has achieved in the ban of plastic bags.

He further said that the country is transitioning from linear to circular economy to drive value into waste management in the country as various regulatory frameworks have been put in place especially through the Sustainable Waste Management, Act, 2022.

The national commemorations for the World Environment Day will be held on 5th June 2025 at Tharaka University, Tharaka Nithi County.