[Herders and traders in Garissa support ban on plastic bags, which took effect on Monday August 28, 2017.] (Photo/brettcolephotography.com)Herders and traders in Garissa County have criticized manufactures who are challenging the ban on plastic bags.
The group which was led by Livestock Marketing Council chairman Dubat Amey said the manufacturers who were against the move are greedy, selfish and have failed to see the bigger picture.
Amey said the manufactures should come up with innovative alternatives to help people switch from environmentally damaging plastic bags.
“Many countries in the world banned the use of plastic bags several years ago and it’s only in Kenya where the bags are still tolerated.”
“The government must stand firm. It should not bow to pressure to lift the ban. This lame excuse that there will be job losses does not hold,” Mr Amey said.
The herders and traders welcomed the move by the government to ban plastic bags saying the ban will save their livestock.
Amey said their animals have been eating the plastic bags especially during dry spells adding that the ban should have been enforced a long time ago as they are highly toxic and damage the ecosystem.
The herders said they have lost their goats, cows, donkeys and camels which have died due to eating the plastic bags which cause clogged stomachs.
They further said that the plastic bags are breeding grounds for mosquitoes during the rainy season and also contribute to the spread of waterborne diseases.
“When carried away by the wind, the bags are trapped in fences, trees and perimeter walls. The water drainage is blocked. They are all over and make the outskirts of the town look dirty,” said Mr Mahat Hassan, a livestock keeper.