SAFARICOM LAUNCHES E-WASTE IN KISUMU

Feb 18, 2014 William Adoyo Kisumu, Technology 0

An E-waste Bin

Safaricom director of Corporate Affairs Nzioka Waita says that rapid technological advancement has led to an increased volume of obsolete electronic waste however Nzioka said Safaricom is committed to carry out public awareness on the dangers of improper disposal of obsolete electronics.

Nzioka said that most electronic and electrical devices have a mixture of various toxic components such as lead, mercury and other hazardous chemicals which when left open might impact negatively on human life.

Lead is also a very dangerous poison, particularly for children, when it is accidentally inhaled or ingested and this is why we should be very careful to collect and decompose them whenever possible.

Rules and regulations prohibit lead in common products like most gasoline and paint. Lead poisoning has dramatically increased in our country. However, it is still a real problem that continues to poison thousands of our people if not attended to.

Speaking in Kisumu when he launched the e-waste collection, Mr. Nzioka said the initiative is aimed at mitigating the impact of such waste in the society.

He urged the county governments to take the lead in the disposal of electronic waste and called upon the national government to offer Green Tax incentives for e-waste investors.

According to the United Nations Environment Program, Kenya generates close to 2,000 tons of e-waste annually.

Deputy Director in charge of Environmental Educations and Awareness at National Environmental Management Authority (NEMA) Betty Nzioka however had commended the initiative saying that it is not only timely but also important.

Nzioka added:

We are now in the process of developing and implementing legislation on the disposal of electronic and electrical waste that will ensure that the environment is safeguarded and the rise in cancer and other non-communicable diseases is put in check

The e-waste will be disposed by the Waste Electricals and Electronic Equipment Center within the provisions of the draft e-waste guidelines set by the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA).