[The four were arrested in Marsabit for packaging items using plastic bags.] Photo/Star.)
Four traders were on Friday arrested in Marsabit, after they were found packaging items in plastic bags.
NEMA County Director Simon Tonui said the four were found with plastic bags in their business premises during a sting operation by the authority's officers.
Tonui said Osman Khalid a bread vendor, Hirbo Gosa a butchery operator, Jackline Atieno vegetable seller and another unidentified trader were warned and pardoned after the arrest.
The NEMA boss said the 4 will be charged and fined if they continue violating the ban.
"We will continue to undertake daily monitoring to ensure the ban adhered to. We will also sensitise residents on the effects of these plastic bags," Tonui said.
The operation caused panic among traders and customers who have not yet accustomed to use of alternative bags to carry their shopping following the plastic bags ban in August 28, 2017.
Kenya banned the use of plastic bags a fortnight ago.
Offenders may be fined up to Sh4 million or face up to four years in jail.