Haki Africa executive director Khalid Hussein at a past event. [Photo/ the-star.co.ke]
Haki Africa, a non-governmental organisation based in Mombasa has accused the National Environment Management Authority (Nema) of bias in the implementation of the plastic ban in the country. Haki Africa executive director Hussein Khalid accused the authority of favouring manufacturers in different sectors of the economy while arresting and prosecuting common wananchi found using the plastic bags. Khalid also Kenyans welcomed the ban, adding that everyone must abide by the law.“The right to a clean and safe environment must be guaranteed by the government. All plastic bags, whether by industries, should be banned,” said Khalid in a letter addressed to Nema director general Geoffrey Wahungu.He argued that it is unfair for Nema to maintain a hard stance on other Kenyans whereas manufacturers have the freedom of using the bags. The lobby group questioned why bread and other manufacturers are still free to use the plastic bags despite the ban.Individuals found using plastic bags risk a jail term of two years or pay a Sh2 million-Sh4 million fine.Nema chief cooperate manager Evans Nyabuto has, however, denied claims that Nema is biased in the ban on the usage of plastic bags.