Kenya Bureau of Standards (Kebs) has approved eco-friendly materials to be used as alternative packaging to plastic bags.
Kebs Quality Assurance and Inspection Director Eric Chesire said the bags are made of biodegradable materials that include canvas, polypropylene, and clothes adding that they are now available in the market.
Eric Chesire claimed that no new permit will be issued or existing ones renewed for polythene bags manufacturers after the August 28, when the ban is expected to be implemented.
He said in nyeri town during a workshop for its stakeholders “We have approved standards for the manufacture of materials that will be used in place of plastics bags and still working to develop standards for more materials”.
The ban also covers importation and manufacturing of the product.Mr Chesire explained stringent measures adopted by Kebs aims to rid the market of uncertified products ensure consumers get best quality products.
There will also be market surveillance to get rid of low quality products.He also pointed out that construction metal bars and water pipes are some of the products that are mostly manufactured without adhering to recommended standards.