By Kamadi Amata
July 31, 2025
As the world gears up for critical negotiations on the Global Plastics Treaty in Geneva from August 5–14, 2025, Kenyan civil society groups are calling on African governments to push for an ambitious, legally binding agreement that tackles plastic pollution at its root.
Speaking during a media briefing in Nairobi, the Kenyan Civil Society Coalition to End Plastic Pollution, led by CEJAD and supported by Heinrich Böll Foundation, warned that voluntary measures will fail.
“Africa must assert its position. This treaty must protect our people and reflect lived realities not the profit-driven agendas of petrochemical companies,” said Griffins Ochieng, CEJAD Executive Director.
The coalition is demanding:
- Reduction of virgin plastic production at the source
- Elimination of toxic chemicals in plastics
- A just transition for waste pickers with fair wages and protections
- Robust funding from polluters under Polluter Pays Principle
- Strong safeguards against corporate interference
Plastic pollution, they stressed, is not just an environmental crisis but a public health and justice issue, harming women, Indigenous communities, and vulnerable groups across Africa.
“Kenya’s plastic bag ban showed policy works, but recycling alone won’t solve this. We must stop overproduction,” added Fredrick Njau of Heinrich Böll Foundation.
As negotiations enter a decisive phase at INC-5.2, the message from Kenya is clear: Africa must speak with one voice for a bold, binding treaty that protects health, environment, and human rights.
