The International Electrotechnical Commission Global Impact Fund (IEC-GIF) has announced the start of an initiative to enhance battery e-waste management in the country.
The initiative, "Turning Battery E-Waste into E-Resources," has received an initial funding of Sh58 million.
The project will support Small Medium Enterprises-led environmental innovations over its two-year duration.
IEC-GIF provides grants for the implementation of solutions that address specific global environmental, governance and societal challenges.
Matthew Doherty, Senior Advisor and Officer of the IEC-GIF underscored the importance of local collaborations during his courtesy call to the Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) and the Kenya National Committee of the International Electrotechnical Commission (KNCIEC).
Reflecting on the initiative's significance, Esther Ngari, Managing Director of KEBS, expressed her enthusiasm for the project
"This partnership with the IEC Global Impact Fund represents a pivotal moment for Kenya in leading sustainable practices within Africa. By turning battery e-waste into valuable resources, we're not just addressing an environmental challenge; we're setting a precedent for innovation in the continent. We're honoured to be part of this transformative journey,” she said.
Battery recycling has become a significant aspect of developing new technologies that can facilitate the recycling of used batteries.
Since batteries are made from elements such as cobalt, nickel, lithium, and others, these elements need to be extracted from ores.
Some of these ores are found on the Earth's surface, while others are located deeper underground.
These elements are extracted and used to manufacture batteries. Therefore, every time new batteries are produced, the Earth's surface needs to be excavated to obtain the raw elements.
This continuous extraction hurts the environment. To minimise the extraction and reduce the environmental impact, it is crucial to recycle these elements.
Ngari said Kenya's selection as the first beneficiary of the inaugural fund represents a significant honour and opportunity.
The project's success hinges not only on the immediate impact of the investment but also on demonstrating a sustainable model that can continue beyond the initial funding period.
Through this initiative, the IEC-GIF, together with DCP and local partners, aims to establish a blueprint for sustainable development that can be replicated across Africa and beyond.
"It's an honour to collaborate with Kenyan partners and stakeholders on this crucial initiative. Our goal is not just to mitigate the environmental impacts of battery e-waste but to spark a broader movement towards sustainability and innovation in the region,” Doherty said.