[A shopper carrying plastic bags in a past event. Mandera NEMA Josiah Nyandoro has asked locals to adhere to the plastic ban.] (Photo: allafrica.com)Mandera National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) county director Josiah Nyandoro has warned residents against disobeying the plastic bags ban.
Speaking to journalists in Mandera Town on Monday, the NEMA official said that those who fail to adhere to the ban risk arrest and prosecution.
The official said that the agency has deployed enforcement officer’s in the county to ensure compliance.
“The plastic ban is real and serious and we want to tell Kenyans to fully observe it to void falling in the wrong hands of the of the law,” he said as quoted by the Star.
Nyandoro said that the public was well sensitized before the ban took effect saying that ignorance will not be treated casually.
The NEMA official also dismissed claims that police officers have been mandated to enforce the ban.
He said that the ban will be only enforced by NEMA officers who will produce identification card before any arrest is made.
The ban on plastic bags took effect on Monday with Environment Cabinet Secretary (CS) Judy Wakhungu, saying that it will be enforced as provided for in the law.
Kenyans have been forced to look for alternative carrier bags as they comply with the plastic ban.