Kenya's Extended Producer Responsibility Regulations Raise Consumer Price Concerns
Kenya's new Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) regulations, which include an import fee for products, are raising concerns among industry stakeholders about potential price increases for consumers, possibly exceeding 300%. The National Environment Management Authority (Nema) is implementing the EPR framework to manage waste and promote a circular economy, but critics argue it could impose unfair economic burdens on small businesses and disrupt supply chains. Stakeholders are urging for revisions to ensure the regulations are equitable and do not harm competitiveness.
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Kenya's enforcement of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) regulations may lead to increased consumer prices, industry stakeholders warn. A court order has allowed the implementation of EPR, which includes an import fee for products entering the country.
Industry representatives argue this fee could significantly inflate prices for consumer goods, potentially by over 300%. The National Environment Management Authority (Nema) is rolling out the EPR framework, which requires producers to manage waste throughout a product's lifecycle.
Importers must apply for an EPR certificate and pay a Sh150 fee, which has sparked concerns about unfair economic burdens, especially for small businesses. Stakeholders call for urgent revisions to the regulations to avoid unintended consequences that could disrupt supply chains and harm competitiveness. With Kenya generating approximately 80,000 tonnes of electronic waste annually, the EPR aims to promote a circular economy and reduce pollution, but its implementation must be fair and inclusive.
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