KENYA – The Kenya Association of Manufacturers (KAM) has joined forces with the International Council of Chemical Associations (ICCA) to launch the “Responsible Care Kenya” initiative In a major step towards promoting responsible chemical management and ensuring safety.
This voluntary program aims to foster safety, health, environment, and security throughout the chemical life cycle, fostering consumer confidence in Kenyan products and boosting global competitiveness.
During the initiative’s launch, Rodney Omari, Senior Assistant Secretary of the Ministry of Environment, Forestry, and Climate Change, emphasized the government’s commitment to transforming Kenya into a circular economy through the Sustainable Waste Management Act 2022.
By adopting Responsible Care principles, the country seeks to enhance safety, promote efficiency, stimulate innovation, encourage recycling, and reduce waste.
Responsible Care (RC) is a voluntary commitment undertaken by associations and industries to prioritize safety, health, environment, and security while handling chemicals.
Member companies participating in the initiative will demonstrate transparency through open reporting and undergo voluntary facility audits to certify their performance, working collaboratively with the government to establish best practices in sound chemical management.
Anthony Mwangi, Chief Executive of KAM, highlighted the numerous benefits of Responsible Care, including enhanced operational efficiency, improved safety measures, strengthened credibility, and liability protection.
By engaging in this initiative, Kenyan industries will contribute to the realization of Sustainable Development Goals and pave the way for safer chemical practices across the country.
Barry Dyer, ICCA Board Member, emphasized the pivotal role of chemicals in various sectors of daily life, such as agriculture, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and petroleum products.
Sustainable chemistry ensures that industries promote the value of safer chemicals while minimizing risks throughout the production and value chain. By prioritizing the safety of employees, consumers, and the environment, the initiative aims to strengthen capacities for effective chemical risk reduction.
Guided by Responsible Care Codes
The Responsible Care Kenya initiative is underpinned by seven guiding Responsible Care Codes, covering community awareness and emergency response, employee health and safety, product stewardship, process safety, pollution prevention, distribution, and security.
These codes provide a comprehensive framework to ensure holistic chemical management practices that prioritize safety, environmental protection, and responsible engagement with stakeholders.
As Kenya becomes the fourth country after South Africa, Egypt, & Morocco in Africa to implement the Responsible Care initiative, this collaborative effort between KAM and ICCA marks a significant milestone in promoting sustainable chemistry, enhancing consumer confidence, and driving Kenya towards a safer and more sustainable future for all.
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