Uasin Gishu Members of County Assembly (MCAs) on Wednesday passed a motion to compel supermarkets to give free alternative carrier bags following the ban on plastic bags.
Nominated MCA Dr Catherine Barmao moved the motion in the county assembly indicating that most supermarkets had forced customers to buy alternative bags instead of issuing them.
"Nowadays, the supermarkets have developed a habit of mixing all type of goods into one bag unlike the past where detergents and foodstuff had to be separated," Dr Barmao stated.
Ng'enyilel MCA, David Sing'oei, backed the motion explaining that ever since the ban of plastic bags, the supermarket attendants use the excuse to mistreat customers.
[caption caption="Uasin Gishu County assembly in session"]
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"You all remember so well that plastic bags were costly but the supermarkets could generously afford them and even brand them," the MCA stated.
When the floor was open for debate, most of the MCAs supported the motion while pondering over the need for supermarkets forcing customers to buy their bags.
Tembelio MCA Pius Kigen stated that: "We need to stop this culture before it gets out of hand."
The Majority Leader Josphat Lowoi, on his part, accused the supermarkets of subjecting Kenyans to unhygienic and dangerous health risks.
Nonetheless, two MCAs Sarah Malel (Kimumu) and David Keitany (Segoit) opposed the motion stating that it would hurt the supermarket business in the region.
[caption caption="File image of alternative carrier bags"]
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"All we need to do first is carry out a comprehensive market survey with a view of determining the real facts before victimising supermarkets for not giving free bags," Mrs Malel noted.
