During a special meeting on Thursday, September 12, where the executive announced an immediate ban on the adoption of children by foreign nationals, one major change did not go unnoticed.
The plastic water bottles that are always pictured alongside drinking glasses were gone. In their place, were glass water jars in what appears to be a decisive shift towards a plastic-free future.
Even though there have been efforts to actualise the ban on single-use plastic bottles, the sight of bottled water is an enduring feature in many government functions including cabinet meetings.
The gesture appealed to many environmentalists who lauded the move by the cabinet.
"Cabinet having a plastic-free meeting shows that they are taking the lead on fighting plastics and that has an influence on how the citizens will also take up the issue on plastic ban and using alternatives," Youth4Nature regional coordinator Paul Mutuku stated.
To show his commitment in a plastic-free future, On June 5, 2019, while celebrating World Environment Day, President Uhuru Kenyatta announced a ban on single-use plastic bottles two years after the country implemented a similar ban on plastic bags.
While speaking at the Women Deliver Conference 2019, the president banned all single-use plastics, a prohibition 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.
