Kisumu, Kenya has launched an e-waste collection programme to manage the impact of electronic waste.

The program, which involves the collection and recycling of electronic waste, is aimed at informing the public of the dangers of theincorrect disposal of electronics.It was launched by Kenya’s leading Integrated Telecommunications Service Provider, Safaricom in partnership with the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) and the Communication Commission of Kenya (CCK).

Speaking during the official launch of the e-waste programme, the Director of Corporate Affairs at Safaricom Nzioka Waita noted that rapid technological advancement has led to increased volumes of obsolete electronic waste. An influx of counterfeit products withlifecycles shorter than genuine products further contributes to the high levels of e-waste.

He fears that over 20 million people have electronic waste in their houses, offices and stores without knowing their negative effects.Over 40 tonnes of e-waste has been collected in Nairobi in the last year and Waita hopes that Kisumu will collect more.

“We urge county governments to take the lead in the disposal of electronics and also call upon them to offer green tax incentives for e-waste investors so that we can militate against this menace,” says Waita. He asks county governments to introduce policies for the separate disposal of e-waste, encouraging the establishment of recycling plants.