By Thuku Kariuki
At the third UN Ocean Conference (UNOC3) in Nice, 95 countries endorsed a landmark declaration titled “Nice Wake-Up Call for an Ambitious Plastics Treaty,” advocating for a legally binding Global Plastics Treaty to tackle plastic pollution at its source.
Notably absent from the signatories was Kenya, a nation often lauded as an environmental leader in Africa, raising questions about its stance as global negotiations intensify.
The declaration, issued on June 13, outlines five key principles for a science-aligned treaty: adopting a full lifecycle approach to plastic management, limiting production, phasing out hazardous chemicals and problematic plastics, improving product design for sustainability, and ensuring treaty flexibility to adapt to scientific and technological advances. These principles align with long-standing calls from scientists and civil society for a comprehensive response to the plastic crisis, emphasizing upstream interventions and a legal framework that evolves with evidence.
“This declaration marks a historic moment, with nearly 100 countries uniting for an ambitious plastics treaty,” said Rebeca Grynspan, Secretary-General of UNCTAD. “It’s a strong signal ahead of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC-5.2) in Geneva this August, where the treaty’s final structure will be shaped.” The urgency stems from the treaty’s delayed timeline, initially set for completion by 2024 but now likely extending into 2025.
Kenya’s absence from the declaration is striking, given its environmental credentials. In 2017, it implemented a pioneering ban on plastic carrier bags, earning global praise. As host of the UN Environment Programme (UNEP) headquarters, Kenya has been a regional leader in environmental policy. Yet, its non-endorsement raises speculation about its position in global plastics governance.
Kevin Lunzalu, a Kenyan marine ecologist with the Wildlife Society, cautioned that declarations, while symbolic, lack enforceability. “This is just a statement for now,” he said. “Without binding commitments, it’s hard to hold countries accountable.”
Plastic pollution poses a multifaceted challenge for Kenya and other African nations. Despite progress in waste management, challenges like limited funding, informal recycling systems, and enforcement gaps persist. Lunzalu highlighted the broader implications: “SDG 14—Life Below Water—is chronically underfunded, yet oceans are vital for climate stability, food systems, and coastal economies.” Plastic pollution threatens Kenya’s fisheries, tourism, biodiversity, and public health, underscoring the need for a robust treaty.
Equity in treaty implementation is a critical concern. Grynspan emphasized a “just transition” at UNOC3, noting that developing nations must not be left behind. “Plastic pollution is a development issue,” she said. “For Africa’s coastal nations, it creates compliance burdens in trade while threatening livelihoods.”
A legally binding treaty could enforce production caps, set global chemical safety standards, and regulate plastic waste trade. However, African nations worry about bearing disproportionate compliance costs without adequate financial and technological support.
The upcoming INC-5.2 session in Geneva will be pivotal. Developing nations and civil society are pushing for firm commitments to reduce plastic production—a move resisted by petrochemical and fossil fuel industries. They also demand provisions for financing, technology transfer, and capacity building to ensure low- and middle-income countries can comply without economic strain. Lunzalu stressed the need for accountability: “Without enforceable measures, there’s little incentive for responsible plastic production, trade, or disposal.”
Kenya’s absence from the declaration does not diminish its environmental legacy but highlights the complexities of global cooperation. As negotiations approach, the world watches whether Kenya will champion a treaty that balances ambition with equity, ensuring that the fight against plastic pollution does not disproportionately burden those least responsible for the crisis.
