Do I have to separate my rubbish by law?
Sustainable Waste Management Act, 2022; National Environment Management Authority · sources read 5 Oct 2026
Yes. Under the Sustainable Waste Management Act, anyone who produces waste must separate it at source and hand it only to licensed waste collectors or designated collection points. Not doing so can mean a fine of up to KSh 20,000, up to 6 months in jail, or both.
- Where
- A licensed waste collector or your county's designated collection points; NEMA for reports of illegal dumping
Steps
- Separate non-hazardous waste into organic (biodegradable) and non-organic waste where it is produced.
- Put each kind into labelled, colour-coded bins, containers or bags.
- Give your waste only to a licensed waste service provider, or take it to a designated collection point.
- Report dumping of waste in undesignated places to NEMA on 0786 101 100 or 0741 101 100, or incidence@nema.go.ke.
- You can complain about waste management to the National Environment Complaints Committee and send evidence with it.
Watch out
- Not separating or disposing of waste properly is an offence: a fine of up to KSh 20,000, up to 6 months in jail, or both.
- Collectors must keep segregated waste separate too; a collector who breaks this rule faces a fine of up to KSh 50,000 or 6 months.
- Businesses face much higher fines: at least 5% of the previous year's net income or KSh 5 million, whichever is higher.
Who this covers
- Every person who generates waste in Kenya, at home or at work.
Official sources (2)
- Sustainable Waste Management Act, Cap. 387C (Revised Edition 2022) new.kenyalaw.org · read 5 Oct 2026
- Environmental Incidents Management nema.go.ke · read 3 Oct 2026