Burma Market in Nairobi is set for closure after violation of directives from the National Environment Management Agency (NEMA) on plastic bag ban.
The order was issued on Thursday indicating that the Market has colluded with the traders in a bid to suppress the ban by the agency prohibiting the use of plastic bags in Kenya.
As such, a letter addressed to Nairobi County Secretary Leboo Ole Morintat directed the closure of the market until it ensures compliance with the laws on plastic bags ban.
“Ground inspection by NEMA has clearly established that traders at Burma Market have continued to use banned plastic bag.
"The authority hereby orders the closure of Burma market immediately and within the 24 hours after the receipt of this order,” part of the letter read.
[caption caption="File image of a Kenya market"]
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The environment agency disclosed that it had apprehended and prosecuted 10 traders in the market found using plastic bags.
However, the action did not appear to deter the other traders from using the same making necessary to take a more serious action.
"On February 19, 2018, NEMA, in partnership with the police arrested and charged 10 traders with the violation," the statement elaborated.
"The Authority is concerned that the offences are taking place in the presence of your staff (County government) despite your letter of cooperation," NEMA further complained.
[caption caption="Traders selling non-woven fabric bags"]
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The letter ordering the closure was signed by the Authority’s director Geoffrey Wahungu, who had earlier on threatened to close the markets for what he termed as ganging up to resist the plastic ban.
