Kenya’s E-waste revolution gains global recognition

The recognition comes after Bonnie Mbithi, Chief Executive Officer of the WEEE Centre, received the E-Waste Management & Circular Economy Leadership Excellence award during the African Prestige 100 Honoris Awards.

Mbithi said the award reflects the growing global attention on Kenya’s innovative approach to addressing the mounting challenge of electronic waste through circular economy solutions.

Kenya generates an estimated 50,000 to 60,000 tonnes of electronic waste annually as the use of mobile phones, computers and other electronic devices continues to rise.

However, inadequate disposal systems have seen much of the waste end up in landfills or informal recycling channels, posing serious environmental and health risks.

Through structured collection, dismantling and recycling systems, the WEEE Centre is helping shift the country away from unsafe disposal practices while promoting reuse and refurbishment of electronics.

The organisation’s initiatives, including the Circular Innovation Hub and Revivo, are supporting green entrepreneurship and creating jobs by reintroducing refurbished electronic products into the market.

Mbithi said electronic waste should be viewed as a valuable economic resource rather than a disposal problem, noting that discarded electronics contain reusable materials such as copper, aluminium and precious metals.

The WEEE Centre has also intensified public awareness campaigns to educate households, institutions and businesses on responsible disposal of electronic waste and the dangers associated with informal recycling.

As discussions on climate action and sustainability grow across the continent, Kenya’s progress is increasingly being highlighted in regional forums such as the Africa International E-Waste Conference, where stakeholders are pushing for stronger regulations and investment in recycling infrastructure.

The award presented by Aspire West Africa underscores Kenya’s rising influence in shaping Africa’s response to the growing global e-waste challenge.