ICT Cabinet Secretary William Kabogo has raised concerns over the growing threat of electronic waste (e-waste) in East Africa, calling for urgent action to prevent what he termed a ticking environmental time bomb.
Speaking at the seventh EACO Regional E-Waste Awareness Conference in Nairobi on Monday, Kabogo highlighted the low e-waste recycling rates in Africa, citing the latest Global E-Waste Monitor 2024 report, which shows that the continent recycles less than one percent of its electronic waste.
“The statistics are staggering. The fact that Africa has the lowest documented e-waste recycling rate globally should alarm us all,” Kabogo stated.
While acknowledging ICT’s role in economic growth, he emphasized that it has also contributed significantly to hazardous waste streams. He urged East African nations to adopt sustainable waste management solutions, noting that Kenya’s Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) regulations provide a model for the region.
“Kenya is showing the way, but we need the whole region to come on board to make a real impact,” he added.
With global e-waste projected to hit 82 billion kilograms by 2030, Kabogo called for decisive action from stakeholders.
The three-day conference at Nairobi’s Sarova Panafric Hotel runs until March 26, featuring panel discussions, exhibitions, and strategy sessions aimed at advancing sustainable e-waste management in East Africa.
