Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in Kenya have been called upon to comply with the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) regulations to maintain compliance, enhance circular economy, and meet global manufacturing and production standards.
Speaking at the PAKPRO SMEs Circular Shift Forum, NEMA Senior Enforcement Officer, Zachary Mwambi, reaffirmed the regulator’s commitment to ensuring that all producers and manufacturers adhere to the recently gazetted regulations.
“It is a collective responsibility to conserve the environment, and as producers, you play a key role. I urge SMEs to understand their role and comply with EPR regulations, we do not want to subject any business to penalties. Our goal is to support business growth while ensuring environmental conservation,” he stated.
PAKPRO Board Member and Founder of TakaTaka ni Mali Mary Ngechu, noted, “While the new EPR regulations may seem like a challenge for SMEs, they present a significant opportunity for growth and innovation. By tapping into emerging opportunities in circular economy, SMEs can turn compliance into a competitive advantage and a pathway to long-term success and resilience.”
On her part, PAKPRO CEO Joyce Gachugi-Waweru emphasized that the circular economy is not just about compliance but about securing long-term business resilience.
“SMEs are at the core of Kenya’s economic ecosystem, and circular economy must be at the heart of their operations. We commend their use of sustainable packaging alternatives for their products. Transitioning to a circular economy is not a limitation; it is an opportunity to position businesses for long-term success while protecting our environment. Through EPR compliance, we are not just fulfilling regulations; we are building a future where waste is a resource, not a burden,” she remarked.
Jared Oundo, National Coordinator of the United SMEs Association of Kenya, reinforced the importance of SMEs taking an active role in sustainability efforts.
“The traditional ‘take, make, dispose’ model is no longer viable. The circular economy is here, and it is up to SMEs to seize the opportunities it presents. By embracing sustainable production systems through EPR, SMEs will not only comply with regulations but also unlock new markets, reduce operational costs, and future-proof their businesses,” he concluded.
The PAKPRO SMEs Circular Shift Forum, supported by TakaTaka ni Mali, marked the first in a series of awareness forums designed to equip businesses with the knowledge needed to navigate these regulatory changes.
The EPR regulations, gazetted on November 4, 2023, mandate that all producers and manufacturers take full responsibility for their post-consumer packaging.
This obligation can be fulfilled either individually or through a Producer Responsibility Organization (PRO), ensuring that waste management is prioritized, and environmental sustainability is upheld.
