The County Government of Kakamega is finalizing the Kakamega County Sustainable Waste Management Bill, 2026, to promote proper waste management and facilitate the transition from crude dumping to a circular economy. The bill aims to establish a strong legal and regulatory foundation for modern waste management, including waste reduction, segregation, recycling, recovery, and safe disposal. This framework will align county practices with national environmental laws.
According to County Executive Committee Member for Water, Environment, Natural Resources and Climate Change Peninah Mukabane, the bill is being developed to domesticate the national waste management framework while addressing the specific waste management needs of the county. Mukabane made these remarks at a stakeholder's forum in Kakamega town, where the proposed legislation was reviewed, harmonized, and finalized.
The bill is currently at the draft zero stage and is expected to progress to draft one after stakeholder consultations. It will then move to the Cabinet subcommittee stage and subsequently to the County Assembly. Mukabane expressed hope that the legislation will be enacted to deliver better waste-management services to residents, creating an enabling environment for investors, particularly in inorganic waste management.
The county has already developed a draft zero of the bill with support from Practical Action, an organization working in the waste management sector. Mukabane stated that once enacted, the proposed legislation will improve efficiency and effectiveness in handling waste while creating an enabling environment for development partners, donors, and private investors to participate in the waste management sector.
Mukabane disclosed that the county already has an investor using inorganic waste to produce fertilizer and other products. However, she noted that more investors are needed to utilize inorganic waste, which is the county's biggest waste management challenge due to the limited number of off-takers. The county is also expected to conclude the development of its environment policy, the County Environment Action Plan, and the State of the Environment report.
Chief Officer for Environment Bill Silingi called for continued collaboration among stakeholders, emphasizing the county government's commitment to developing a practical and enforceable framework. This framework aims to turn waste management into an opportunity for environmental protection, resource recovery, and economic development. County Attorney Vivian Mmbaka guided stakeholders through the draft, emphasizing the need for compliance with the Constitution, national environmental laws, and other relevant legal instruments.
Mmbaka added that the legislation seeks to change the perception of waste by treating it as a resource that can generate economic opportunities. The bill aims to onboard all stakeholders in matters relating to waste in the county, promoting a circular economy. Value addition to segregated waste will not only improve waste management but also create employment opportunities for residents through activities associated with recycling and other forms of waste recovery.
Key points
- The Kakamega County Sustainable Waste Management Bill, 2026, aims to establish a strong legal and regulatory foundation for modern waste management.
- The bill seeks to change the perception of waste by treating it as a resource that can generate economic opportunities.
- The legislation will create an enabling environment for investors, particularly in inorganic waste management, and attract more players into the waste value chain.
