Measures to reduce the millions of tons of electronic waste generated each year by the manufacture of computers, mobile phones and other consumer electronic products will be the focus of a United Nations-sponsored conference in the capital of Kenya.

Delegates from about 120 governments gathered in Nairobi on today to begin week-long talks on how to reduce the use of toxic substances, such as lead, cadmium and mercury, found in PCs and cell phones, and to promote programmes for recycling and re-using as many components as possible.