As the world prepares for the fifth resumed session of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC-5.2) on the Global Plastics Treaty, Kenyan civil society groups and frontline waste workers are calling on African governments to champion an ambitious, legally binding treaty that addresses plastic pollution at its root.
The call was made during a media breakfast meting held in Nairobi. It was organized by the Centre for Environment Justice and Development (CEJAD), with support from the Heinrich Böll Foundation (HBF).
Call for African Unity and Leadership
The Kenyan Civil Society Coalition to End Plastic Pollution emphasized that Africa must unite and advocate for a treaty that protects both people and the environment throughout the entire lifecycle of plastic.
“This is an opportunity for Africa to assert its position and push for systemic change,” said Griffins Ochieng, CEJAD’s Executive Director. “This treaty must reflect the realities of our people—not the interests of the petrochemical industry.”
Countdown to Geneva: The Stakes for Africa
In addition, the session will take place in Geneva from August 5 to 14. INC-5.2 aims to finalize negotiations on the global plastics treaty.
The Kenyan coalition has outlined ten key demands. These includes: clapping plastic production, eliminating toxic chemicals, financing rooted in the polluter-pays principle, and protections for waste pickers through a just transition.
“Kenya’s single-use plastic ban proved policy can work,” said Fredrick Njau, Programme Coordinator at HBF. “But recycling alone is not enough. We must tackle overproduction.”
Rejecting Greenwashing and Waste Colonialism
Hellen Dena from Greenpeace Africa warned of the risk of waste colonialism: “Africa must not become a dumping ground for toxic plastic waste under false solutions like incineration.”
Waste Pickers Demand Recognition and Justice
In a powerful message ahead of the talks, Brian Gisore Nyabuti, Chair of the Kenya National Waste Pickers Welfare Association, is urged world leaders to ensure waste pickers are recognized and protected. “We collect and recycle up to 60% of plastic waste in Kenya, yet we remain invisible in policymaking. This treaty must formally recognize our role and guarantee fair wages, safety, and social protections,” he said.
Gisore rejected market-driven solutions such as plastic credits and called for inclusive decision-making where waste pickers are at the table. “We are not just part of the solution—we are the solution,” he declared.
Kenya’s civil society and grassroots communities are urging African negotiators to stand firm in Geneva and ensure the treaty centers people, not polluters