The disposed banned plastic bags in Kenya. [Photo/kenyacic.org]
The National environmental management authority (NEMA) has rejected application by 169 companies that re-applied licenses to continue manufacturing the plastic packing bags after the ban on plastic bags.
According to NEMA Director-general, Prof George Wakhungu, the companies failed to make full disclosure on their operations and also failed to provide proof on the production of unnecessary excessive plastic packaging bags or even their alternatives.
Nema has however allowed 1,250 companies to continue with the operation of manufacturing the plastic bags but under strict rules that include provision of identity details on there products so as to enable NEMA pursue those manufacturers that their waste products are found littering the environment.
Furthermore, Nema has also warned those local manufacturers that are producing and transporting the plastic bags at night saying that their surveillance teams will act quick and arrest them.
“Polythene bags are still on sale and are being transported at night but we have instructed our surveillance teams to act firmly during impromptu searches on public buses and private vehicles found ferrying the prohibited products at night,” he said.
Wakhungu has also warned the small businesses that are still packaging the goods in the flat bags that they would not be tolerated and NEMA will begin 'War' with such traders quoting markets, roadside kiosks, fruit vendors and foodstuff sellers.
"We have trained our officers and instructed all enforcement agencies from security personnel to county government enforcement teams to remain vigilant on anyone found with a polythene bag,” Prof Wahungu said.