The ban on the bags was effected on August 28, 2017. [Photo/allafrica.com]
Approximately four hundred workers in Mombasa have been rendered jobless following the nationwide ban on plastics bag by the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA).Officials from the authority on Tuesday inspected the company before holding a meeting with the employees following the new move. The ban on the bags was effected on August 28, 2017 following a gazette notice in February. The affected employees were working in different companies across the county including Mombasa Plastic Manufacturing Company, Soap Plastic Recyclers and Rubi Plastics. The Mombasa Plastic Manufacturing Company terminated the contracts of the workers immediately the ban became effective.Addressing journalists in Mombasa on Tuesday, a section of employees lamented over unpaid salaries following the ban. “We were told our services were no longer required and ordered to collect our salaries after two weeks. We are yet to be paid,” James Atunga, one of the employees said as quoted by the Star.NEMA’s legal services director Irene Kamunge has said officials from the authority will camp in Mombasa to ensure residents comply with the new directive.