Kenya to Ban Electronics Imports Older Than 12 Years in E-Waste Push

Kenya is considering a restriction on the import of electronic and electrical equipment manufactured more than 12 years ago, according to official news and local media reports. The draft, developed by the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) under the proposed Environmental Management and Co‑ordination (Electrical and Electronic Waste Management) Regulations 2025, aims to reduce e-waste volumes and limit public exposure to hazardous materials.

According to the draft, the proposed import restriction would apply to a broad category of devices — including household appliances, computers, mobile phones and certain industrial appliances. Any product manufactured more than 12 years prior would be prohibited from entry unless destined for an approved museum or a certified refurbishment centre. The draft further classifies items as e-waste if they have been unused for more than 12 months, fail basic functionality tests or contain hazardous components such as mercury switches or lead solder.

Importers would also be required to submit a detailed manifest at least 30 days before shipment, including brand, model, serial number, year of manufacture and a functionality certificate issued by an accredited testing laboratory.

Local reports indicate that the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) and the Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) are expected to strengthen inspections at major entry points such as Mombasa Port and Jomo Kenyatta International Airport. Violations could result in penalties of up to KSh 10 million in addition to possible imprisonment.

Industry observers note that Kenya imports around 70% of its electronics, much of it second-hand or near end-of-life. According to UNEP-referenced guidelines cited in Kenyan media, electronics older than 10–12 years often face higher failure rates and may contain degraded or hazardous components. While analysts caution that the proposed rules may increase costs for low-income households dependent on refurbished devices, they also point out that the changes could stimulate growth in domestic recycling, repair, testing and certified e-waste handling industries.

The draft regulation remains open for public consultation. Once finalized, goods already in transit may also be subject to age and functionality verification. Experts say the proposal signals a strategic shift toward preventing e-waste at the source rather than relying solely on downstream collection and recycling, potentially positioning Kenya as a regional leader in circular electronics management.

Source: Dawn Africa

SUNSHINE Spotlight: Kenya’s proposed 12-year import threshold underscores a preventive approach to tackling e-waste while accelerating the development of domestic recycling and testing systems.