President Uhuru Kenyatta, on Wednesday, announced a ban on plastic bottles two years after the country implemented another on plastic bags.
While speaking at the Women Deliver Conference 2019, the president banned all single-use plastics a move expected to take effect on June 5 next year.
"Kenya is a host to the global environment programme and has remained a campaigner for a sustainable environment. Two years ago we banned the use, manufacture and sale of environmentally harmful plastics, polythene bags and packaging materials.
"Today I am announcing another ban on single-use plastics in all our protected areas, including National Parks, beaches, forests and conservation areas effective 5 June, 2020," he announced.
The president made the announcement to mark the World Environment Day which was being celebrated at the time of the event.
While praising predecessors in the environmental campaigns, the president called upon women and girls to take up and own the campaign since they are highly likely to fall victim to unsustainable practices.
"This leadership was paved by a distinguished Kenyan woman, Prof Wangari Mathai, whose vision saw her receive a first Nobel prize for a woman in Africa in recognition of her work for the environment and the empowerment of women.
"Sustainable environment is a guarantee to a healthy, better and productive society. And that is why women and girls who are key victims of unsustainable practices must own this campaign as part of the gender equality campaign," he continued.
On 28 February 2017, the country completely banned the use, manufacture and sale of plastic bags in an effort to conserve the environment.
Several other countries in Africa including Tanzania, Rwanda, Mauritania and Eritrea have also banned the use of plastic bags.
