Members of Murang’a County Assembly (MCAs) have raised concern over the poor Electronic Waste (E-waste) management system in the county.
E-waste entails electrical or electronic devices like computers, television, radio which are destined for, reuse, resale, salvage, recycling, resale or disposal.
In a report tabled in the House, the MCAs observed that the county lacks proper infrastructure to deal with E-waste and that there is no adequate public sensitization on E- Waste handling and threats it poses to the public.
Tabling the report on E-Waste Management in Murang’a County, the Assembly’s Chairperson for the sectorial committee on ICT and E-Government Moses Macharia Mirara said the county needs to come up with a way of disposing electronics once they cease operating in a manner that will protect the environment, health conditions of both humans and animals, as well as aquatic life.
Mirara said the growing consumption of electronic goods due to the digital revolution and innovations in technology has led to E -waste problems and hazards.
“With technological advancement across the globe, there has been a significant rise in E- waste, which the county government is obligated to handle,” said Mirara adding that with the county’s rapid digitization, effective E-waste management has become critical.
According to the report, harmful materials found in electronic scrap components like, mercury, chromium, cadmium among others can lead to chronic damage to brain and respiratory system and also cause toxic irreversible effects on human health as it accumulates in kidneys and liver.
Mirara said waste management is intended to reduce the adverse effects of waste on human health, environment, planetary resources and aesthetics.
“E waste has been an emerging environmental challenge worldwide as certain devices therein contain hazardous components that have implications on environmental and human health,” he said.
He divulged that the county government has embraced E- Government and this will trigger a rise in the number of electronics utilized within the county.
“Training institutions as well as individuals have embraced new technology, which have seen an upsurge in purchase of electronic devices” said Mirara who is also MCA Kangari ward.
MCA Kahumbu ward Isaac Chefman while seconding the motion said that some of the challenges facing e-waste management in the county include lack of awareness, inadequate information, and technological advancement.
“Many individuals and organizations are unaware of the potential environmental and health hazards posed by improper E- wastes disposal,” he said adding that it is necessary for the public to be educated on proper waste management.
Nominated MCA Pauline Njeri in support of the motion said that improper e-waste disposal could be one of the causes of diseases like cancer, which is on the rise.
The MCAs recommended that the County Executive Committee Member (CECM) for ICT and E-Government create public awareness by educating residents about proper disposal methods of E- waste and the danger they pose to the health of citizens.
The report recommended that CECM for ICT and E-Government provide infrastructure framework including collection centers and safe disposal systems of E-waste across the county.
The report also recommended for the government to initiate policy formulation that will enhance compliance with laid down regulations on handling e-waste
Further, it also recommended the county government to consider allocating resources for the e-waste management process.
The Kenya National Digital Master plan 2022-2032 recognizes the importance of responsible electronic waste disposal for environmental sustainability and public health.
This comprehensive approach aligns with the plan’s goals of promoting sustainable practices within the digital ecosystem in the country.
By Anita Omwenga
