The government through the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources has banned the use of plastic bags in the country.
Environment Cabinet Secretary (CS) Prof Judy Wakhungu indicated that the ban will take effect in six months and is in line with the ministry's environmental management programme.
“It is notified to the public that the CS Environment and natural resources has with effect from six months from the date of this notice banned the use, manufacture and importation of plastic bags for commercial and household packaging,” a notice issued on Tuesday read in part.
The ban will directly affect supermarkets and retailers as they will not be allowed to use polyethene bags in packaging goods for customers.
Customers will also pay more for goods as retailers will be required to charge customers packaging costs. Failure to charge these costs may lead to either a Sh3 Million fine or 12-month jail sentence.
The government had earlier set a minimum size and thickness of plastic bags but the move failed after resistance from stakeholders.
In 2007 and 2011, the government and National Environmental Management Authority banned the use of plastic bags but nothing much was achieved.
If the ban is actualised, Kenya will join Rwanda which is the only country in East Africa that has banned the use of plastic bags.
Ferdinand Omanyala Loses His First Race in 2024 News Just In
