Media Urged to Champion Accountability in EPR Enforcement

Media Urged to Champion Accountability in EPR Enforcement
By Afrimedia news.
Media practitioners have been challenged to take a leading role in shaping public awareness and accountability around environmental sustainability, particularly in the enforcement of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) in Kenya.
This call was made during a high-level media breakfast convened by the Kenya Extended Producer Responsibility Organization at the Sarova Stanley Hotel under the theme “EPR Enforcement in Kenya: The Role of Media in Driving Responsible Business and Consumer Accountability.”
The forum brought together key stakeholders from government, industry, and the media to deepen understanding of the EPR framework and its implications for businesses and consumers, while highlighting the critical role of journalism in advancing environmental responsibility.
Driving Compliance and Sustainability
Delivering the keynote address, KEPRO Chief Executive Officer James Odongo reaffirmed the organization’s commitment to supporting producers in meeting regulatory requirements while strengthening Kenya’s waste management ecosystem
.
He noted that since its establishment in 2021, KEPRO has grown into the country’s largest Producer Responsibility Organization in the non-hazardous packaging sector, supporting over 1,400 member companies across all 47 counties.
The organization has:
Conducted over 700 awareness forums
Mobilized more than KES 300 million for recycling initiatives
Facilitated the collection of over 100,000 metric tonnes of packaging waste
Mr. Odongo emphasized that with the implementation of the Extended Producer Responsibility Regulations, 2024, Kenya has now entered a phase of full enforcement under the oversight of the National Environment Management Authority.
He explained that compliance requires producers to register with NEMA, obtain licenses, join a Producer Responsibility Organization, and submit Monthly Volume Declarations to guide EPR fees that fund waste collection and recycling.
“EPR should not be viewed merely as a regulatory obligation, but as an opportunity to drive innovation, efficiency, and sustainability,” he noted. “The media plays a pivotal role in shaping this narrative.”
Media at the Center of Accountability
A panel discussion moderated by Winnie Chepkorir brought together industry and policy leaders, including:
Bonface Mamboleo
Queenter Mbori
Georgina Wachuka
The discussion highlighted the intersection of media, policy, and industry, emphasizing the importance of accurate and consistent reporting in driving compliance and influencing consumer behavior.
Eng. Mamboleo clarified that many compliance gaps arise from limited awareness rather than resistance, urging the media to demystify EPR and dispel misconceptions—particularly the belief that it is a tax.
On her part, Ms. Mbori of the Association of Media Women in Kenya called for sustained, solutions-driven environmental reporting.
“The media must go beyond event-based coverage and focus on continuous storytelling that simplifies complex issues like EPR while maintaining accuracy,” she said.
Meanwhile, Ms. Wachuka from the Kenya Association of Manufacturers highlighted growing adoption of circular economy practices within the manufacturing sector, including sustainable packaging innovations and refill systems. However, she noted that policy clarity and consistent implementation remain key challenges.
Commitment to Responsible Reporting
A key outcome of the forum was a commitment by journalists to enhance coverage of EPR and sustainability issues. This includes raising public awareness, promoting proper waste management practices, and strengthening accountability across the value chain.
The event concluded with a networking session, reinforcing the need for continued collaboration between the media and stakeholders in advancing Kenya’s circular economy agenda.

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