Kisii University Vice Chancellor Prof. John Akama has raised a red flag over negative effects of E-Waste if the national government will not put in place long-term management policies to address the socio-economic challenges posed by the waste.
Prof Akama observed that E-waste has become a serious issue; both in developing world and the developed communities, based on the environmental health threats associated with it.
Speaking on Tuesday at a Kisii hotel after attending an International E-waste workshop, Akama, whose university is collaborating with other partners from the European Union, regretted that local communities face serious E-waste health-related threats, given the high and growing volume of E-Waste found in their midst.
"Local communities are exposed to serious negative health impacts from E-waste, since there are no sound E-waste management policies in place,” stated Akama.
Flanked by Kisii Governor James Ongwae, the VC disclosed that an E-waste recycling container shipped into the country will be stationed at the Kisii University to serve as a collection point for assorted E-waste materials, before being recycled into economically useful products.
Ongwae thanked the European Union (EU) for supporting the project and identifying Kisii County as a premier County to implement the E-waste recycling and management project, not only in Kenya but also in the great Lakes Region and the whole of African continent.
“Improper E-waste management contributes to serious health-related challenges to human health since electronic gadgets, such as mobile phones consist of a large number of harmful chemical elements and compounds,” stated Ongwae.