Plastic bags at a dumpsite ( Photo/kenyacic.org)
Residents of Mombasa County have responded positively to the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) ban on the use of plastic.
This is after a gazette notice issued by NEMA in February indicated that the ban on the use of plastic bags was to take effect on 28th August.
The directive affects secondary packaging and not primary packaging.
Individuals who will go against the order are liable to 1-4 years in jail. Environment inspection officers conducted inspection across the city following the ban.
Speaking to Baraka FM, NEMA Mombasa county director Stephen Wambua, officials from the county government will continue to conduct spot checks to determine whether the ban has been affected, adding that a stern action will be taken against offenders.
“The ban has kicked off today and we are only making routine checks to see if people are complying but as from tomorrow action will be taken against those found in possession of plastic bags,” he said.
Businessmen in different areas have resolved to use other ways of packaging including newspapers.
Adow Abdi a trader at Marikiti market told the local daily that he has opted to package shoes in newspapers in compliance with the new regulations.