Plan to step up chemical waste management

The Kenya Association of Manufacturers (KAM) is partnering with the Ministry of Environment to implement sound chemical and waste management initiatives that seek to protect human health and the environment.

This is being done through management of risks posed by production, use, importation and exportation of chemicals.

KAM chief executive Phyllis Wakiaga has said identifying more environmentally and socially-sound development options is essential to meet Africa’s biggest challenges and to sustain development gains.

“The association seeks to increase the manufacturing sector’s contribution to 15 per cent by 2022, in line with the government’s Big 4 Agenda, which has prioritised the manufacturing sector as the major contributor to the growth of our GDP,’ said Ms Wakiaga.

Speaking at a forum on energy in Nairobi, Ms Wakiaga said Kenya’s industry players today and in future will need competitive tariff rates, competitive trading environment and above all cleaner energy sources.

“Incentives in green energy sources are therefore very important in sustainable green growth,” said Ms Wakiaga.

KAM has been promoting a green economy through initiatives such as energy efficiency, water efficiency and waste management.

The government has already committed to creating an enabling environment for investment in sustainable energy.

“The government is prioritising renewable energy in line with Vision 2030. The Energy Bill, that has been presented to Parliament also includes the promotion of renewable energy and regulation of transmission charges with the aim of lowering electricity tariffs,” said Isaac Kiva, secretary, renewable energy directorate in the Ministry of Energy and Petroleum.

Kenya Power managing director Ken Tarus recognised the efforts made by KAM in championing energy efficiency initiatives among its members, saying the utility firm is keen on partnering with manufacturers in keeping costs low.