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Championing a Just Transition for Waste Pickers at the County Level

A Just Transition to an environmentally sustainable economy involves inclusive and fair strategies for shifting to sustainable plastic production and consumption, ensuring no one, especially waste pickers and informal workers, is left behind

Just Transition towards an environmentally sustainable economy can be described as the process of designing, promoting, and implementing actions to transition to the sustainable production and consumption of plastics in a fair and inclusive manner. This ensures that no one is left behind, especially workers and communities most affected by environmental and economic changes. Within the context of the plastic waste value chain and the global plastics treaty, this means recognising and uplifting the role of waste pickers and other informal workers. Social inclusion is vital for achieving a just economy and building a safe, non-toxic circular economy.

In the first quarter of this year, CEJAD hosted sensitisation meetings on Just Transition for waste pickers in Uasin Gishu, Trans Nzoia and Nakuru counties, with a focus on integrating them into formal solid waste management systems. These meetings emphasised the importance of involving waste pickers not only in day-to-day waste handling but also in policy-making decisions that shape the future of waste governance in Kenya.

By recognising the critical role of waste pickers in environmental conservation, counties are committing to supporting their transition into structured and sustainable frameworks. This collaborative approach not only promotes environmental sustainability but also ensures that waste pickers are valued and supported in their essential work.

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Under this program, CEJAD aims to eliminate the risk posed by exposure to lead in paints to women and children, and improve the regulatory frameworks to phase out lead in paint at national, regional and international level.

Our work under this program aims to promote the phase out of Highly Hazardous Pesticides (HHPs) from use, especially in agriculture to protect human health and the environment. The use of HHPs is threatening the lives of vulnerable populations, food systems, biodiversity and the environment at large.

Our work under the Mercury Program aims to protect human health and the environment from anthropogenic emissions and releases of mercury and mercury compounds in line with the Minamata Convention on Mercury, a legally binding global treaty adopted in 2013. Kenya is a party to the Minamata Convention.

The Montreal Protocol, adopted in 1987, protects the ozone layer by regulating ozone-depleting substances (ODS), such as chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) and hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs). It mandates the phase-out of CFC and HCFC production and consumption with specific timeframes for different Parties, based on their status as a developed or developing country.

Our work under this program aims to reduce the health and environmental impacts associated with waste and plastics throughout their life cycle. Over the years, plastic and plastic products have emerged as problematic and hazardous to human health and the environment.