This report investigates the ongoing trade and use of lead chromates—toxic pigments used to create bright yellow, orange, and red paints—in Kenya. Despite a national standard limiting lead in finished paints to 90 ppm, customs data reveals that nearly 1,000 tons of lead chromate pigments were imported between 2021 and 2025, with no sustained decline.

Progress, Gaps, and Opportunities
This report assesses Kenya's progress on its Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) regarding food loss, food waste, and methane mitigation. It reveals critical gaps, including the absence of quantified FLW targets in the national climate architecture and a lack of disaggregated greenhouse gas data.

Despite Kenya's 90 ppm lead limit for paints, lead chromate pigments continue to be imported in large volumes to produce bright yellow, orange, and red paints. This study exposes the regulatory gap and recommends stronger import controls and a phased shift to safer alternatives

The study assessed 55 plastic consumer products in Kenya for hazardous chemicals, including flame retardants, bisphenols and heavy metals. Findings show that toxic chemicals remain present in products commonly used by children, infants, and the wider public. 

This briefing paper examines Kenya’s transition from a linear waste management system to a circular economy, driven by the Sustainable Waste Management Act (2022) and the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) Regulations (2024)

Plastic pollution in Kenya is often attributed to consumer behaviour, while the role of producers and packaging practices remains less visible. The resulting waste places significant financial, environmental and public health burdens on local governments, threatens marine ecosystems and livelihoods, and affects tourism in coastal counties.