TRENDS, CHALLENGES AND INNOVATION IN MANAGEMENT OF WEEE IN KENYA

摘要

The last decade has seen a rapid uptake of electronic products in Africa, both new and second-hand. Reasons for this include the attempt to bridge the so-called "digital divide" and increasing access to cheap imported electronic devices. The European Union waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) regulations have indirectly led to increased illegal exports of WEEE to African countries. The law forbids the export of WEEE for disposal abroad. Regardless, illegal export of WEEE to various African countries continues. This has resulted in vast amounts of WEEE in these countries. Nigeria, Ghana and Kenya have been recipients of illegal exports. Limited studies have been carried out in these countries to assess the quantities and management of WEEE. The aim of this study was to assess the current trends, challenges and management of WEEE in Kenya. Specifically, the paper analyses the operations of a formal WEEE reuse and recycling centre in Kenya.