The National Environment Management Authority (Nema) has directed all producers and associated industries to take responsibility for all post-consumer waste to keep drainages clean ahead of predicted El Nino.
Nema said the move is aimed at ensuring waste does not clog drainage systems, obstruct the flow of rivers or cause pollution to the ecosystems.
“In previous flooding incidents, urban areas have experienced clogging of the drainage infrastructure by waste, especially from packaging, textiles and diapers among others,” reads the notice.
“This exacerbates the flooding menace leading to loss of life and property. Further, the post-consumer waste degrades our wetland ecosystems such as rivers, lakes, swamps and oceans among others.”
In a notice released on Monday, the authority noted that legal action shall be taken against producers who fail to abide by the call.
“Nema shall not hesitate to take legal action on any producer whose product or packaging is found littering the environment,” the notice reads.
According to Section 13 of the Sustainable Waste Management Act, 2022, producers are required to bear mandatory Extended Producer Responsibility obligations to reduce pollution and environmental impacts of the products they introduce to the Kenyan market and waste arising therefrom.
The meteorological department said above-average rain is expected in various parts of the country in October-November-December.
Kenya Meteorological Department Director David Gikungu said the rains will lead to floods, post-harvest losses and displacement of communities, according to the latest forecast shared.
“The highest seasonal rainfall amounts (greater than 700mm) are normally recorded over the Central highlands,” it said during the 7th National Climate Outlook forum panel discussion on the changing disaster response strategies in Nairobi on August 30, 2023.
Experts have also predicted floods in major towns such as Nairobi, Mombasa, Nakuru and Naivasha.