Kajiado: There is an urgent need to sensitise the public on proper e-waste management to mitigate the environmental and health challenges posed by improper disposal.
According to Kenya News Agency, Richard Masori, an Officer from the ICT Authority, highlighted the lack of awareness among people and organisations about the potential hazards caused by improper disposal of electronic gadgets.
Speaking during an e-waste Management Awareness programme, Masori revealed that e-waste contains hazardous substances like lead, mercury, and cadmium, which can cause chronic damage to the brain and respiratory system, as well as toxic irreversible effects on human health. These hazardous compounds have been linked to significant neurodevelopmental and behavioural effects, especially in children.
Masori explained that e-waste metals accumulate into the soil, disrupting natural minerals, and when burnt, emit toxic smoke harmful to human beings. The runoff from these wastes drains into water sources, posing a threat to aquatic life. He emphasized the rapid technological advancement and high consumption rates of electronic equipment, combined with their short life cycles, have led to a surge in e-waste generation.
Kenya collects approximately 51,300 metric tonnes of e-waste annually, yet only five per cent is recycled properly. The rest is disposed of unsafely, endangering both the environment and human life. Masori urged the public to refrain from unsafe dismantling of electronics, which contain toxins that can lead to cancer, advising that unwanted electronic products should be brought to e-waste recycling centers for proper disposal.
Masori also pointed out the potential economic benefits of e-waste if properly handled, citing the example of the gold medals at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics made from recycled electronic waste. Diana Gicheru, a business associate at the Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) Centre, indicated that a significant amount of e-waste is mishandled due to lack of knowledge.
Gicheru said that much of the waste ends up at dumpsites where burning increases carbon emissions, harmful to the environment and health. WEEE has established collection points across the country for safe disposal, where collected e-waste is tested, dismantled, and valuable materials like gold, copper, metals, glass, and plastic are extracted.
However, not all e-waste can be processed locally, Gicheru mentioned, noting that some waste is shipped abroad for advanced disposal. To raise awareness, WEEE developed a programme engaging the youth to collect and recycle e-waste, providing them with an income based on the amount collected.
Mark Angwenyi, National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) County Coordinator, discussed the Sustainable Waste Management Act 2022, which provides a legal framework for waste management, including guidelines for electrical and electronic waste. These guidelines aim to enhance enforcement and promote sustainable disposal practices.
