KEPRO Urges Media to Drive Compliance as Kenya Enforces EPR Rules
KEPRO Chief Executive Officer James Odongo speaks during a media breakfast on Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) enforcement in Nairobi on March 24, 2026
NAIROBI, March 24 — The Kenya Extended Producer Responsibility Organization (KEPRO) has urged media outlets to play a central role in promoting compliance and accountability, as Kenya begins full enforcement of the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) regulations. The organization emphasized that public awareness and responsible reporting are crucial in ensuring proper management of post-consumer waste across the country.
The call came during a high-level media breakfast convened by KEPRO in Nairobi under the theme “EPR Enforcement in Kenya: The Role of Media in Driving Responsible Business and Consumer Accountability.” The forum brought together representatives from government, industry, and media to discuss the implications of EPR enforcement for businesses and consumers.
Speaking during the high-level media breakfast, KEPRO Chief Executive Officer James Odongo highlighted the significance of the newly enforced EPR regulations for Kenya’s waste management framework. He said that full compliance is critical for producers and consumers to ensure sustainable practices nationwide and that the media has a key role in public awareness.
“With the gazettement of the EPR Regulations, Kenya has now entered full enforcement under the oversight of NEMA, ensuring that all producers adhere strictly to the rules. This step marks a significant milestone in the country’s efforts to promote environmental accountability and sustainable waste management practices across all sectors.” Odongo said.
Odongo further explained that EPR should be seen as a broader opportunity rather than just a legal obligation, promoting innovation and resource efficiency within the industry. He stressed that businesses can benefit from adopting sustainable practices while contributing to national environmental goals.
“EPR should not be viewed solely as a regulatory obligation, but as an opportunity to drive innovation, enhance resource efficiency, and build long-term sustainability. Companies that integrate these principles can gain both operational benefits and a positive environmental impact, contributing to Kenya’s circular economy ambitions.”He said.
On the role of the media, Odongo emphasized that journalists must educate the public and clarify EPR requirements to prevent misconceptions. He encouraged consistent reporting that highlights both regulatory obligations and the benefits of compliance.
“The media has a critical role to play in ensuring that both businesses and consumers fully understand their responsibilities under EPR. Accurate reporting can help prevent misunderstandings and encourage active participation in waste reduction and sustainable practices across communities nationwide.” Odongo said.
He also explained that producers are required to register with NEMA, obtain licenses, join a Producer Responsibility Organization (PRO), and submit Monthly Volume Declarations showing the amount of packaging placed on the market.
According to Odongo, these declarations determine EPR fees, which finance recycling, collection, and recovery of post-consumer waste. Non-compliance may attract regulatory sanctions or disrupt business operations.
Since its inception in 2021, KEPRO has grown into Kenya’s largest Producer Responsibility
Organization in the non-hazardous packaging sector, supporting over 1,400 companies in all 47 counties. The organization has conducted more than 700 awareness forums and mobilized over Sh300 million to support recycling and waste recovery initiatives, reducing packaging waste sent to landfills.
NEMA Principal Environment Officer Eng. Bonface Mamboleo said many cases of non-compliance are due to limited awareness rather than deliberate avoidance. He urged journalists to clarify the rules for both producers and consumers. Mamboleo explained the framework for accountability and compliance:
“EPR is not a tax, but a structured responsibility framework that requires producers to manage the lifecycle of their products beyond the consumer stage. This ensures proper handling, collection, and recycling of post-consumer waste, ultimately reducing environmental pollution and promoting sustainable business practices.” He said.
He added that media coverage is critical for dispelling myths and ensuring that businesses understand how to comply with the regulations:
“Journalists have a key role in clarifying EPR rules and correcting misconceptions among producers and consumers. Continuous and accurate reporting will help create awareness and encourage compliance, which benefits both the environment and the economy.”Bonface said.
AMWIK Executive Director Queenter Mbori highlighted the responsibility of journalists in shaping society’s understanding of sustainability issues. She urged reporters to focus on clear, accurate, and solution-oriented coverage that educates the public continuously.
Mbori stressed the importance of consistent media education:
“The media is a reflection of society and must ensure complex issues like EPR are explained clearly while maintaining accuracy and balance. Effective reporting can empower communities to adopt sustainable practices and hold businesses accountable for their environmental impact.” Mbori said.
She further encouraged journalists to move beyond event-based reporting and engage in sustained education of the public on environmental responsibilities.
“Journalists should focus on continuous public education, not just event-based reporting, to help build a culture of accountability. This approach ensures the public understands the importance of proper waste management and actively participates in recycling initiatives.” She said.
KAM Policy and Research Advocacy Lead Georgina Wachuka said manufacturers are increasingly embracing circular economy principles, including refill systems and sustainable packaging redesign, but noted that clear regulatory guidance remains essential.
Wachuka emphasized the need for ongoing engagement and policy clarity to support business adaptation:
“Clearer regulatory frameworks and continuous engagement are vital to support businesses and unlock opportunities within Kenya’s circular economy. Companies need guidance and collaboration with regulators to successfully implement sustainable practices while remaining compliant with EPR requirements.” She said.
She added that while progress has been made, challenges such as classification frameworks and capacity gaps still affect industry compliance.
The forum concluded with journalists committing to promote informed reporting on EPR and sustainability issues, including raising awareness about proper waste management and strengthening accountability across the value chain.
Stakeholders agreed that continued collaboration between media, industry, and regulators is critical for accelerating Kenya’s transition to a circular economy and reducing environmental pollution.
