Former commissioner of the Electoral and Boundaries Commission Independent (IEBC) Rosylyne Akombe has congratulated President Uhuru Kenyatta after banning the usage of single-use plastic products in all protected areas.
The President made the announcement during the Women Deliver 2019 Conference in Canada that ended last week.
The ban, which will take effect on June 5, 2020, means visitors to national parks, forests and beaches will not be allowed to carry single-use plastic products, which Uhuru said were major nuisance to the environment.
Single-use plastic products include disposable plates, cups, straws, spoons, forks and water bottles, among others.
"President Uhuru Kenyatta announced a ban on the use of single-use plastics in protected areas in the country. The ban announced on World Environment Day covers national parks, forests and beaches, and will become effective on 5th June 2020," the State House tweeted on Wednesday.
Akombe lauded the Head of State following the move, adding that in the same spirit, the government should stop construction of Lamu coal power project.
The country's first coal-fired power station, which is estimated to cost Sh200 billion, is situated at historic Lamu Old Town.
The Town was in 2001 declared a UNESCO World Heritage site since it is "the oldest and best preserved Swahili settlements in East Africa".
"Congratulations State House Kenya for this announcement meant to further protect our environment. In this same spirit, do preserve our national and UNESCO heritage site in Lamu by ending efforts of Amu Power et al to continue with the Lamu Coal Plant," she tweeted on Monday.
Akombe holds a senior position in United Nations (UN), New York, at the Department of Political Affairs.