By Doris Kathia
The Finance Bill 2024’s proposed eco-levy on diapers aims to address environmental concerns, but its economic and social implications could be devastating for Kenyan families. This tax, designed to curb the environmental impact of disposable diapers, risks imposing severe financial and emotional burdens on mothers, caregivers, and persons with disabilities.
The eco-levy on diapers is poised to significantly raise the cost of disposable diapers, a staple in infant care. Newborns typically require 10-12 diaper changes daily, with each disposable diaper costing between $0.20 and $0.30 (Laney, 2024). This translates to daily costs of $2 to $3, a considerable expense for many families. The proposed tax will inevitably increase these costs, adding to the financial strain of raising children.
Kenya’s baby diaper market, valued at approximately $239.10 million in 2024, reflects rising demand due to urbanisation and increased disposable incomes (Statista, 2024). However, the eco-levy threatens to reverse these gains, leading to higher living costs and budgetary constraints for many families. For single-parent households, particularly those in informal settlements and rural areas, this added financial pressure could force cutbacks on essential needs, including nutritious food for their children.
Mothers, often the primary caregivers, will bear the brunt of these increased expenses. Many might be pushed towards using cloth diapers, which require significant time and effort to clean and maintain. Pediatricians recommend disposable diapers for their convenience and ability to provide undisturbed sleep for infants (Wambui et al., 2015). The shift to cloth diapers, driven by cost considerations, could thus compromise the well-being and health of infants.
The implications of the eco-levy extend beyond infant care, significantly impacting persons with disabilities (PWDs) and the elderly who rely on adult diapers. The current prices of adult diapers range from Ksh. 1,350 to Ksh. 6,000, depending on material, size, and gender. Increasing these costs will place a heavy financial burden on individuals and families who already struggle with limited incomes.
Adult diapers are essential for maintaining hygiene and dignity among PWDs, especially those with incontinence issues resulting from spinal cord injuries, renal ailments, or other conditions. Inadequate access to affordable diapers can lead to severe health complications, including skin infections and urinary tract infections. The psychological stress and loss of dignity associated with incontinence can also be profound.
The eco-levy contradicts the Kenyan Constitution’s guarantee of the right to health (Article 43) and the Persons with Disabilities Act, 2003, which ensures free medical services and essential supplies for PWDs. It also contravenes international agreements like the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (ICESCR) and the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, which advocate for the highest attainable standards of health and dignity for all.
To mitigate the adverse effects of the eco-levy, the government should consider exempting adult diapers from the tax. These products are essential for the health and dignity of PWDs and the elderly, and their affordability must be protected to ensure social equity. Additionally, a more nuanced approach to environmental policy is needed—one that balances ecological concerns with the socioeconomic realities faced by vulnerable populations.
The government could explore alternatives such as promoting the use of biodegradable diapers or incentivizing manufacturers to adopt eco-friendly practices. Public education campaigns on sustainable diaper disposal and the environmental impact of disposable diapers to address the underlying environmental issues without imposing undue financial burdens on families. While the environmental objectives of the levy are commendable, its socioeconomic impacts cannot be ignored.
A careful re-evaluation of this policy is necessary to ensure that it supports, rather than hinders, the well-being and dignity of all Kenyans. By adopting a balanced and inclusive approach, the government can achieve its environmental goals without disproportionately affecting the most vulnerable members of society.
Ms Kathia a communication specialist, is a Human Rights Defender. doriskathia@gmail.com
