By Benadeta Mwaura - Reporter
Kenya, 13 November 2025 - Kenya is pushing ahead with plans to outlaw the import of electronic and electrical kits that are more than 12 years old, all in an effort to stem the rising flood of e-waste across the country.
These fresh regulations if implemented will apply to everything from everyday gadgets to heavy-duty industrial gear, with the goal of cutting down on dangerous materials like lead, mercury, and CFCs.
At the same time, they will push for better recycling and refurbishing habits.
Tighter border checks is also another measure that will help safeguard people's health, boost home-grown recycling businesses, and foster a more sustainable, circular approach to electronics.
The National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) has put forward draft rules that would stop any electronic or electrical equipment (EEE) over 12 years old from the manufacturing date from coming into Kenya.
This proposal is part of the Environmental Management and Coordination (Electrical and Electronic Waste Management) Regulations 2025, aimed at tackling a serious threat to both the environment and public health.
What's Set to Change?
The new guidelines will cover a wide array of items, such as tellies, fridges, computers, mobile phones, and industrial machines.
Under the draft, anything older than 12 years will be barred unless it is headed to an approved museum or a certified refurbishment centre.
Any gear that has sat unused for more than a year, doesn't pass basic function checks, or contains risky bits like mercury switches or lead solder, will be deemed e-waste.
Importers will have to lodge a detailed manifest at least 30 days before shipping, including the brand, model, serial number, manufacture date, and a functionality certificate from a recognised labaratory or testing centre.
Teams from the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) and Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) will keep an eye on major entry points, like Mombasa Port, Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA), and key border crossings.
Individuals found to be in contempt could face fines up to KSh 10 million, blacklisting, or even jail time.
Why Does This Matter?
Kenya brings in about 70% of its electronics from abroad, a lot of it second-hand or on its last legs, adding up to around 51,300–53,559 metric tonnes of e-waste each year.
According to the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), gadgets over 10–12 years old are usually broken beyond repair and really dangerous..
Authorities say a clamp down on these older imports would lessen contact with nasty substances like lead, mercury, and chlorofluorocarbons, which are tied to cancers, breathing problems, and issues with child development.
More from Kenya
It should be noted that this is not the first time that Kenya is regulating vintage electronics.
Back in 2019, the government floated a ban on importing second-hand gadgets, set to kick in from January 2020, under an extended producer responsibility scheme. The Basel Action Network has highlighted how Kenya often ends up with used electronics masquerading as charitable donations, underscoring the dangers of lax controls.
What It Means for Everyone Involved
For ordinary folk, especially lower-income families who depend on refurbished devices, this could drive up prices and make affordable tech harder to come by.
Importers and sellers will face extra hassles and costs for testing, paperwork, and proving the age of goods, not to mention the threat of hefty penalties.
On the flip side, environmental and health specialists see it as a welcome move, creating safer surroundings while giving a leg-up to refurbishment and recycling firms.
Local recycling plants, testing labs, and proper e-waste handlers might well see a surge in business and investment.
Looking Ahead
The draft is still up for public feedback before it's officially published and enforced.
Those with stock already in the pipeline will need to meet the new age checks and tests to avoid items being held at ports or borders.
Experts reckon this will shift things from mopping up e-waste after the fact to preventing it in the first place, nurturing a truly circular economy for electronics in Kenya.
Other East African Community countries might follow suit, having already banned certain used items to stop waste dumping.
Kenya's decision to prohibit electronics imports over 12 years old marks a real turning point in policy.
It aims to shield the environment and people's health, all while sparking local recycling and refurbishment efforts.
For manufacturers, traders, buyers, and officials alike, the next few months will show how well this plays out and if it truly delivers.
