Kenya’s private sector has called for a delay in implementing the Sustainable Waste Management (Extended Producer Responsibility) Regulations, 2024, warning it could drive up costs for businesses and consumers. The law, initially set for enforcement on May 4, has been temporarily halted by the High Court, pending further hearings after the Law Society of Kenya challenged it.
Six industry groups argue the regulation introduces heavy financial and administrative burdens, including flat import fees of Sh150 per item, costly licenses, and bureaucratic overlap. They warn that small businesses and low-income consumers will be hardest hit. The groups also cite the lack of clarity on how collected funds will support waste management and are pushing for the implementation to be postponed to at least January or July 2026 for more consultation and system alignment.
