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East African experts convene in Nairobi to promote e-waste recycling

By IGIHE
On 25 March 2025 at 07:33

Experts from across East Africa gathered in Nairobi on Monday to explore sustainable solutions for managing electronic waste (e-waste) in the region. The seventh East African Communication Organization (EACO) Regional Awareness Conference on E-Waste Management brought together over 100 participants, including government officials, ICT regulators, and industry players, to address the growing challenge of e-waste.

John Tanui, Kenya’s principal secretary in the Ministry of Information, Communications, and the Digital Economy, highlighted the anticipated surge in e-waste due to the increasing sale of electronic products like refrigerators, TVs, and mobile phones.

He emphasized the region’s rising awareness of the health risks linked to improper e-waste disposal.

Ally Simba, EACO’s executive secretary, noted that e-waste is the fastest-growing waste stream in Africa.

Despite this, the region lacks sufficient recycling infrastructure and repair services. However, progress has been made as Kenya, Rwanda, and Tanzania have implemented e-waste regulations, and Uganda and Burundi have adopted national policies.

Attendees stressed the need for East African countries to align their policies with international standards to tackle the transboundary nature of e-waste.

They also called for the establishment of collection centers, recycling plants, and safe disposal mechanisms.

The conference highlighted the anticipated surge in e-waste due to the increasing sale of electronic products like refrigerators, TVs, and mobile phones.

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