Prices Set to Rise as Government Introduces New Fees for Manufacturers and Importers
The cost of various goods in Kenya is expected to increase after the government introduced new registration and licensing fees for manufacturers, importers, and brand owners.
The new charges were announced by Environment Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale under the Sustainable Waste Management and Extended Producer Responsibility Regulations 2024, which were officially published on Tuesday, February 18. These fees are likely to affect production costs as well as the price of imported goods, leading to higher retail prices for consumers.
New Rules Hold Producers Responsible for Waste Management
According to the Sustainable Waste Management Regulations 2024, businesses involved in manufacturing, importing, or branding products will now bear the environmental responsibility for their goods throughout the product’s entire life cycle— from production to disposal.
The regulations outline a list of products that must meet environmental compliance standards. These include:
✅ Packaging materials for non-hazardous products such as cardboard, glass, plastic, and aluminum.
✅ Packaging for hazardous products, including chemicals, electrical appliances, treated wood, and accumulators (batteries).
The government argues that these products pose a threat to the environment, human health, and even animal life, making it necessary to regulate how they are handled and disposed of.
Mandatory Registration and Compliance Fees
Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale stated that all businesses dealing with the listed products must apply for registration and obtain an Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) Certificate from the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA). Companies must also pay a fee before being granted a compliance license.
“All producers of products listed in the first schedule shall, within six months of the commencement of these regulations, apply to NEMA for registration and issuance of an Extended Producer Responsibility Certificate,” CS Duale announced.
The regulations require companies to design, manufacture, and package their products in ways that minimize environmental waste while also encouraging reuse and recycling.
Fees for Manufacturers, Importers, and Brand Owners
The government has outlined specific charges for businesses seeking compliance:
🔹 Manufacturers and brand owners must register through the NEMA portal and pay a fee of Ksh 5,000.
🔹 Importers must also apply for certification before bringing in finished products and will be required to pay Ksh 150 per listed item at the point of entry.
“These regulations highlight the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) obligations that each producer must fulfill, including registration and licensing fees,” Duale stated.
He further urged all affected businesses—manufacturers, importers, and brand owners—to immediately register on the NEMA website to avoid penalties.
Heavy Fines for Non-Compliance
Failure to comply with these regulations could result in severe penalties. Any business that does not register or adhere to the requirements risks being fined up to Ksh 2 million or facing imprisonment for up to four years—or both.
With these new regulations in place, businesses will have to factor in the additional costs, which may lead to higher prices for goods in the market. Consumers should brace themselves for possible price hikes as manufacturers and importers adjust to the new rules.
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