PLASTIC BAN IN KENYA !

It has been a few years since Kenya took the step to ban plastic carrier bags. This included importation, usage as well as manufacturing. Most people thought it was plausible, but hey, it was really happening. The National Environment Management Authority deserves applause and more so the Kenyans who have decided to stay away from plastic bags. Unfortunately, some people are still using plastic bags in the country.

Just take a walk in Nairobi city and you’ll be surprised to see fruit vendors, butchers and hawkers packing fruits, meat and vegetables in polythene bags. The law has forced many to refute plastic bags, due to fear of penalty, but some just don’t care. Where do they get them from?  Let’s consider the fact that the bags are used often and without discretion. There exists a loophole in implementation of the law.

The ban was quite sudden and it came with some challenges such as controlling entry of the bag through the Ugandan and Tanzanian border. Another challenge is that plastic such as those used to wrap food (cling film) and trash bags were exempted from the ban. On the bright side, plastic bags have significantly reduced since the ban and the city appears somewhat cleaner than before. Furthermore, many regulations are coming up, all in the hopes of making the country plastic free.

In 2019 the government has been trying to ban non-woven bags that replaced the plastic bag during the ban. However, the High court suspended the ban, awaiting the right standards of shopping bags to be set by Kenya Bureau of Standards.

Plastic ban in National Parks, beaches, forests and conservation areas became effective on 5^th June 2020. Hence, visitors will not be allowed in such areas with disposable water bottles, cups, cutlery or straws. The government is committed to addressing plastic pollution and it has been taking bold steps. In general, the ban has been somewhat effective despite some loopholes, Kenya is doing great and we are not looking back!

LEAVE NOTHING BUT FOOTPRINTS!!!