National Environment Management Authority

Naivas requires Kenyan suppliers to prove EPR compliance as NEMA enforces rules

Kenyan supermarket chain Naivas is asking suppliers to produce extended producer responsibility (EPR) certificates, proof of membership of a producer responsibility organisation and a plastic packaging licence, as the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) enforces waste rules that took effect on 4 November 2024. The Retail Trade Association of Kenya said in April that fewer than 15 percent of suppliers held EPR certification, warning that strict enforcement could cause shortages and price rises.

Why this mattersRetailers acting as compliance gatekeepers raises the bar for packaging documentation across Kenyan supply chains and could reshape demand for producer responsibility organisations.

• Kenya's Sustainable Waste Management (EPR) Regulations 2024 commenced on 4 November 2024
• Naivas has written to suppliers requesting an EPR certificate, PRO membership proof and a plastic packaging material licence
• Retail Trade Association of Kenya said in April fewer than 15% of suppliers were EPR-certified
• Producers must register with NEMA and meet obligations via own scheme or a producer responsibility organisation such as the Kenya Extended Producer Responsibility Organisation
• Fees include a one-off registration charge and an annual licence fee
• Court challenges to the regulations have been cleared, allowing NEMA to move to enforcement

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