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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.