This archive report was first published on 15 October 2019.
On the International Day of E-Waste, marked in Nairobi, Safaricom called on customers to responsibly dispose of old electronics such as phones, computers, and radios. This is part of the company's efforts to promote environmental conservation.
According to Sanda Ojiambo, Head of Sustainable Business and Social Impact at Safaricom, technology has become an integral part of our lives, leading to increased use of devices like phones and computers. When they stop functioning or are no longer needed, it is essential to dispose of them in a way that encourages recycling and repurposing.
Safaricom is one of the largest private-sector collectors of e-waste in Kenya, having collected over a thousand tonnes of e-waste since 2015. In its latest Sustainable Business report, the company collected 217 tonnes of e-waste in the last financial year.
It is estimated that only 20 per cent of global e-waste is recycled each year, leaving 40 million tonnes to be placed in landfills, burned, or illegally traded. Much of it consists of hazardous materials such as mercury, cadmium, and sulphur.
The Ministry of Environment and Forestry has also emphasized the importance of responsible disposal of electronic waste, citing the dangers it poses to the environment. The ministry has called on companies dealing in electronic devices to establish e-waste collection centers as one way of dealing with the menace.
Speaking during the celebrations, Ministry of Environment Chief Administrative Secretary Mohammed Elmi noted that proper e-waste management practices will provide opportunities while promoting innovations, creating jobs, and stimulating economic development.
As the world marks the International Day of E-Waste, it is essential to recognize the importance of responsible disposal of electronic waste and the role that companies like Safaricom can play in promoting environmental conservation.
