The National Environment Management Authority of Kenya (NEMA) on Friday, March 1, announced that it would be taking enforcement action against market managers who condone the use of plastic bags.
While declaring the crackdown, NEMA reiterated that upon the arrest of a market manager, it would proceed to close down the specific market.
According to the Authority, it is ironic that market managers do not allow the sale of banned items such as bhang and other drugs, but condone the use of banned plastic bags.
“The Authority has been working with County market managers, where they have been asked to ensure that no one uses the banned bags within their markets but rather use eco-friendly or biodegradable bags,” read part of a statement by the environmental authority.
In defence of the measure, NEMA stated that the new action aligns with Section 145 of the Environmental Management and Coordination Act (EMCA) of 1999.
The Act specifies that when a crime is committed by a body corporate, the corporation and every director or officer of the body who was aware of the offence shall be held accountable.
NEMA highlighted that it had already communicated with the Council of Governors to caution counties about potential enforcement actions against the use of prohibited plastic bags.
The ban on the use, manufacture, and importation of single-use plastic bags was implemented in 2017, and since then, the Authority has been implementing measures to curb their usage.
The announcement comes five days after NEMA apprehended over 200 traders in Kisumu for employing banned plastic bags.
Leonard Ofula, the NEMA County Director in Kisumu, noted a surge in the use of prohibited bags despite the government's prohibition.
Ofula further disclosed that plastic bags are being produced in neighbouring countries like Uganda and Tanzania before being smuggled into the country.
The Authority vowed to conduct impromptu market searches every week to nab traders selling or using plastic bags.
