Over the past decade, plastic production and consumption have increased to unprecedented levels globally, pushing the planet beyond its boundaries.
While various measures have been taken to curb plastic pollution, including Kenya’s commendable ban on plastic bags, the environmental burden of plastics remains high, with poor countries bearing the brunt of both health and environmental crises.
The reality is that, without a collective global action, the scale and severity of plastic pollution will intensify, compromising both human health and the environment.
According to statistics, plastic production is projected to increase by 40 percent in the next decade. Today, plastic pollution stands as one of the gravest environmental threats of our time.
Recognising this, the global community took a bold step at the Fifth Session of the United Nations Environment Assembly (Unea 5) in March 2022 by adopting a historic resolution to end plastic pollution and forge an international legally binding agreement.
The resolution, UNEA 5/14, mandates the creation of an instrument through an International Negotiating Committee (INC), taking a full lifecycle approach from plastic production, use, and disposal.
Three years and five negotiation rounds later, progress has been slow due to the influence of political interests, industry resistance, and divergent national interests.
The upcoming African Regional Consultation in Nairobi and the African Ministerial Conference on the Environment (AMCEN 20), which will be held in Nairobi from 14-18 July 2025, are pivotal moments for Kenya and Africa at large to shape the treaty's direction with urgency and ambition.
As the host nation of Unep and a frontline actor in the battle against plastic pollution, Kenya must take the lead in driving an African convergence that champions bold measures, starting with counties' commitments and actions in reducing plastic production & securing a robust financial mechanism to effectively support the treaty’s implementation.
Kenya can lead Africa in shaping a progressive and united regional position by championing binding commitments and ensuring that frontline communities, waste pickers, and civil society voices are heard, integrated, and respected throughout this process.
The writer works for the Center for Environment Justice and Development (CEJAD).
