The National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) has directed all county governments to fully implement waste segregation at existing dumpsites within 21 days, in a renewed push to transition Kenya toward a circular economy.
In a public notice dated September 19, 2025, NEMA said the directive is anchored on the Sustainable Waste Management Act (SWMA), which seeks to reduce waste and increase recovery of valuable materials.
The Authority reminded Kenyans that all waste generators must segregate waste at the source, while transporters are required to carry waste in its segregated form.
Under the Waste Management Regulations, 2024, all households, businesses and institutions are required to store their waste in color-coded bins as follows:
- Green – Organic waste
- Black – General waste
- Blue – Recyclables
The move, NEMA says, will make waste collection, recycling, and disposal more efficient while reducing the amount of unrecoverable waste sent to landfills.
NEMA further directed county secretaries to reorganize existing dumpsites and create separate reception areas for:
- Organic waste
- General waste
- Residual waste from Material Recovery Facilities (MRFs)
- Landfill for unrecoverable waste
“All County Governments are REQUIRED and are hereby DIRECTED to, within the next 21 days, accelerate the transition towards a circular economy in waste management by facilitating segregation of waste at source and in transit by reorganizing dumpsites accordingly,” the notice reads.
NEMA further warned that it will not hesitate to invoke Section 27 of the SWMA to enforce compliance among counties that fail to meet the deadline.
The Authority also assured the public that it remains fully committed to working with stakeholders to build a clean, healthy and sustainable environment for both present and future generations.
The initiative is part of Kenya’s broader agenda to promote a circular economy, an approach where waste is minimized, reused or recycled and where materials are kept in use for as long as possible.
By enforcing segregation at the source and reorganizing dumpsites, NEMA hopes to turn waste into a resource that supports livelihoods, reduces pollution and contributes to climate resilience.
Stakeholders and citizens seeking clarification were encouraged to contact NEMA through its official phone lines, email or social media platforms.
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