Kenyans found carrying a plastic bag after the General Election will face a four-year jail term or a Sh4 Million fine following an order by Environment Cabinet Secretary (CS) Judi Wakhungu.
The new clause in the Environment Manufacturers and Co-ordination Act, effective from August 28, will see Kenyans jailed for no less than a year and pay a fine of no less than Sh2 Million, with the maximum being Sh4 Million.
Prof. Wakhungu outlined that the new law is a government effort to ensure that the ban on plastics is fully implemented.
She emphasised that the penalty would apply to both manufacturers and individuals.
"We do not wish to go that route; however, that is what is provided by the Act," Prof. Wakhungu reiterated.
The National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) Director General, Geoffrey Wahungu, supported the law conveying that the body would work with county administrations to ensure the law is implemented.
"We are working towards domestication of the law for small offenders and hoping for assistance from the counties for implementing it," Mr Wahungu conveyed.
The Environment CS asked Kenyans to take the ban as a positive effort towards mitigating harmful effects on the environment.
She added that the ban will also create a platform for local products that will be used as alternatives.
"Alternative products such as baskets will open up a new market that will boost our economy," she observed.
