Kenya’s Silent Crisis: The Mounting E-Waste Mountain from Old Phones, TVs, and Computers – And How to Turn the Tide in 2026

Imagine opening a drawer and finding an old smartphone from 2018, a cracked tablet, or a dusty desktop monitor gathering cobwebs. For millions of Kenyan households, these relics aren’t just forgotten gadgets—they’re part of a growing environmental and health threat: electronic waste, or e-waste. In 2026, Kenya generates an estimated 51,300 to 53,559 metric tonnes of e-waste annually (with figures from the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics and NEMA hovering around this range, showing an 8–12% yearly growth). This includes discarded mobile phones, laptops, computers, TVs, and other electronics laden with hazardous materials like lead, mercury, cadmium, and flame retardants.

The problem is accelerating. Rapid adoption of smartphones, cheap imports of used devices, shorter product lifecycles, and rising middle-class consumption fuel the surge. Yet only about 5% is formally recycled. The rest ends up in informal dumpsites, open burning sites (like parts of Dandora or Mukuru), or landfills, releasing toxins into soil, water, and air—posing serious risks to public health (respiratory issues, neurological damage, cancer links) and the environment.

This isn’t just a Kenyan story. Globally, e-waste hit 62 million tonnes in 2022 and is projected to reach 82 million tonnes by 2030, growing five times faster than formal recycling rates. In East Africa, Kenya leads in generation volume, but the informal sector dominates handling, often unsafely.

Government Regulations: Progress Toward Accountability

Kenya is stepping up. The National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) has advanced key frameworks:

• The Sustainable Waste Management Act (2022) introduced Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) principles, making manufacturers and importers responsible for end-of-life products.
• The Sustainable Waste Management (Extended Producer Responsibility) Regulations (2024) require producers to finance collection and recycling.
• In 2025, NEMA published draft Electrical and Electronic Waste Management Regulations, 2025, mandating producer registration, tonnage declarations, market-share-based fees, and proof of proper treatment by licensed recyclers. These aim to curb informal practices, ban unsafe disposal (open burning, dumping in water bodies), and promote circular economy approaches.
• Additional measures include proposed bans on importing electronics over 12 years old (to reduce incoming obsolete stock) and updated ESIA guidelines for ICT projects emphasizing e-waste plans.

While enforcement remains a challenge—limited facilities, informal sector dominance (5,000–8,000 workers), and awareness gaps—these steps signal commitment to polluter-pays models and alignment with global standards.

Recycling Initiatives: From Informal to Structured Solutions

Hope lies in growing efforts to formalize and scale recycling:

• WEEE Centre (Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment Centre) in Nairobi collects from over 8,000 clients, dismantles, refurbishes usable parts, and safely processes the rest—handling dozens of tonnes monthly despite capacity limits.
• East African Compliant Recycling processed 2,400 tonnes in 2024, with take-back schemes from brands like Samsung (48 collection points, 890 tonnes in 2024).
• E-Waste Initiative Kenya (EWIK), a leading NGO since 2012, focuses on collection, processing, safe disposal, youth training, and community awareness—empowering informal settlements and creating green jobs through skill-building and circular hubs.
• Other players include East African Compliant Recycling, Recyka International, and initiatives like Franky’s Foundation (training youth in refurbishing) and partnerships for second-life batteries in solar systems.
• Government pushes include ICT Authority plans for nationwide collection/processing centers, plus regional East African efforts (EACO Strategy 2022–2027) for harmonized management.

These initiatives recover valuable materials (gold, copper, rare earths) while reducing pollution—proving e-waste is a resource when managed right.

How Consumers Can Responsibly Dispose of Electronics

Responsible disposal starts at home. Avoid dumping old devices in regular trash, burning them, or selling to unlicensed buyers.

Practical steps for Kenyan households:

1. Repair or refurbish first — Extend life through local repair shops (many in Nairobi CBD or estates). Donate working devices to schools, charities, or refurb programs.
2. Segregate e-waste — Keep old phones, TVs, computers, chargers separate from household waste.
3. Use licensed collection points — Drop off at:

• WEEE Centre or affiliated sites.
• EWIK collection drives.
• Brand take-back programs (e.g., Samsung points).
• NEMA-licensed facilities or county/municipal events (e.g., occasional City Hall drop-offs in Nairobi).
• Emerging ICT Authority centers for government/private drop-offs.

1. Participate in buy-back or take-back — Some retailers or manufacturers offer incentives for returns.
2. Wipe data securely — Factory reset phones/computers or use professional data destruction to protect privacy.
3. Avoid informal buyers — Unless certified, they may burn or dump unsafely.

Check NEMA’s website or eWaste Kenya portal for updated licensed handlers.

Practical Steps Households Can Take to Reduce Environmental Impact

Beyond disposal, prevention is powerful:

• Buy durable and repairable — Choose quality brands with good support; avoid ultra-cheap imports prone to quick failure.
• Extend device life — Use protective cases, update software, repair instead of replace.
• Reduce consumption — Think twice before upgrading; repurpose old gadgets (e.g., old phone as security camera).
• Support circular initiatives — Buy refurbished electronics from trusted sources; participate in awareness campaigns.
• Educate and advocate — Share info in family WhatsApp groups or community meetings; push for more local collection points.

Small actions scale up: If more households segregate and use formal channels, Kenya could boost formal recycling rates significantly, recover billions in materials value, and protect communities.

Kenya’s e-waste challenge is real—but so is the opportunity. With stronger regulations, innovative initiatives, and conscious consumers, the country can shift from a dumping ground to a leader in sustainable electronics management. The next time you upgrade your phone, ask: Where will the old one go? Your choice today shapes a cleaner tomorrow. Let’s make it count. 🌍

HUBA MAISHA MAGIC BONGO 16TH FEBRUARY 2026 MONDAY LEO USIKU SEASON 14 EPISODE 144