The National Environmental Management Authority (NEMA) has launched a public sensitization programme on environmental conservation ahead of the World Environment Day to be observed on June 5th.
Machakos County's NEMA director Titus Simiyu said the ban on usage of plastic bags has been successful in the county.
Simiyu said according to their estimates, the county had achieved 85 percent compliance stating that the total eradication of the plastic pollutants will be attained in two years.
Speaking at Gelian Hotel in Machakos where the authority held the Mr and Miss Environment contest on Saturday night, Simiyu said plastics were a major cause of pollution of the Athi River which flowed through the region.“Machakos County has become the target for many unscrupulous sand traders with interest in activities which threaten the environment," Simiyu said.
He said the Mr and Miss Environment will be involved in creating awareness on environmental pollution as the county marks the World Environment Day tomorrow.
The county's celebrations with the theme, 'Beat plastic pollution', will be held at Mavoko Stadium in Athi River town.