Editor's Review

NEMA has directed all counties to reorganize existing dumpsites and enforce strict waste segregation within 21 days. 

The National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) has given all counties a 21-day ultimatum to reorganize existing dumpsites and enforce strict waste segregation.

In a notice on Friday, September 19, NEMA said county governments are mandated to provide the necessary infrastructure to promote waste segregation under the Sustainable Waste Management Act (SWMA).

NEMA explained that transporters of waste are required to only carry segregated waste, while counties are expected to provide necessary infrastructure to support the process.

The authority noted that it previously issued directives on December 19, 2024, and June 18, 2025, requiring counties to set aside separate reception areas at dumpsites for organic waste, general waste, residual waste from material recovery facilities, and landfill for unrecoverable waste.

NEMA warned counties that failure to comply with the directive would prompt the Authority to invoke provisions of Section 27 of SWMA.

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File image of NEMA Director General Mamo Boru.

“Take notice that all county governments are required and are hereby directed to, within the next 21 days, accelerate the transition towards a circular economy in waste management by facilitating segregation of waste at source and in transit by reorganizing dumpsites accordingly and by giving effect to sections 9, 12, 16, 17, and 21 of the SWMA.

“Take further notice that the authority remains at liberty to invoke the provisions of section 27 of the SWMA on compliance and enforcement,” NEMA stated.

This comes weeks after NEMA launched a crackdown targeting illegal manufacturers of banned polythene bags across the country.

In a statement on Thursday, August 19, the authority revealed that its enforcement teams have intensified operations following concerns that some companies have continued to engage in the outlawed trade.

"NEMA inspectors carried out operations in several facilities suspected of manufacturing banned polythene bags. This follows reports that some companies have been operating discreetly in the production of the outlawed bags," the statement read.

The authority explained that the renewed crackdown is part of its commitment to protecting the environment, further appealing to the public to help report people involved in making the bags.