Nairobians will soon be paying for polyethene bags used for shopping if the new Bill approved by City Hall is signed into law by Governor Evans Kidero.
In the proposed Nairobi County Plastic Control Bill 2016, Nairobi County's Department of Environment will fix the prices for these bags with regards to quality and size in a bid to encourage preservation and re-use of these bags to reduce littering.
According to the Bill sponsored by Umoja One MCA Njoroge Maina, consumers will be encouraged to use alternative ways of carrying their commodities and in the end attain a pollution-free environment.
“No retailer shall make available to consumers any plastic bags free of charge,” the Bill sponsored by Umoja I Ward representative Njoroge Maina states.
This Bill targets all retailers including grocery stores, small shops, supermarkets and large shopping stores.
It also proposes punitive measures of Sh3 million fines or jail terms not exceeding one year to retailers who will be found breaching the law.