The Government, through the ICT Authority (ICTA) Kenya, has intensified efforts to create awareness on proper electronic waste management in West Pokot County as part of a nationwide initiative aimed at protecting the environment and public health.
Speaking during an e-waste sensitization forum for public servants in Kapenguria town, Richard Masore, who heads the e-Waste Management Project at ICT Authority, Kenya, said the exercise was aimed at equipping government workers with knowledge and skills on safe handling, disposal, and management of electronic waste.
Mr. Masore noted that e-waste has become a major global challenge due to rapid technological advancements that have rendered many electronic devices obsolete within a short period of time.
He said the government has embarked on a national programme, to ensure electronic waste is managed in an environmentally friendly manner while promoting sustainable waste management practices across the country.
“Electronic waste contains hazardous substances that can pose serious health and environmental risks if not properly managed. It is, therefore, important to empower citizens, especially public servants, with knowledge on how to safely dispose of and manage obsolete electronic devices,” he said.
According to Mr. Masore, the awareness programme has so far been conducted in 42 counties, with West Pokot being among the latest beneficiaries through the support from the County Commissioner’s office.
He commended the turnout and participation of public servants during the training, noting that the sensitization programme had successfully empowered participants with practical knowledge on e-waste management.
Mr. Masore further described e-waste as a growing global menace and emphasized the government’s commitment to promoting a circular economy through recycling, refreshments, and responsible disposal of electronic devices.
He revealed that the government is also working towards establishing a National e-Waste Refurbishment Centre to strengthen systems for the collection, recycling, and disposal of electronic waste across the country.
“We want to ensure all counties are empowered and equipped to support the programme for it to succeed. Stakeholder engagement remains critical in addressing challenges within e-waste management,” Masore said.
West Pokot CC, David Saruni, lauded the ongoing efforts to sensitize public servants on the importance of proper e-waste management.
Mr. Saruni observed that rapid technological changes have led to an increase in obsolete electronic devices, contributing to the growing accumulation of electronic waste in homes and institutions.
He noted that gadgets such as mobile phones, televisions, medical equipment, and other electronic appliances eventually lose their usefulness as technology evolves, posing a challenge in waste disposal.
The County Commissioner warned that improper disposal of electronic waste could lead to environmental pollution and health hazards, especially when dumped carelessly near homes, food sources, or water bodies.
He said the government is taking deliberate measures to improve systems for collection, disposal, and management of e-waste in order to safeguard public health and protect the environment.
Mr. Saruni also encouraged Kenyans to embrace responsible disposal methods and utilize designed e-waste collection and disposal facilities established to safely handle electronic waste materials.
He expressed optimism that increased awareness and strong e-waste management systems would help preserve the environment and benefit both present and future generations.
By Richard Muhambe and Anthony Melly
