Greenpeace Africa, a Non Governmental Organization has blamed National Environment Management Authority for turning a blind eye on thriving black market for plastic bags in Kenya.

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In a statement issued by Greenpeace Africa’s Senior Food for Life Campaign manager Renee Olende, NEMA needs to put more efforts to seal all loopholes for effective implementation of this ban and uphold its commitment to the East African Community Polythene Materials Control Bill.

Single use plastic carrier bags were banned in Kenya in August 28th last year but six months later, plastic bags in grocery stores and small scale traders have become the norm.

Reports show that smugglers operating at Kenya’s border points are using porous borders to bring in plastic bags from other East African countries, making a mockery of the ban.

The plastic ban in Kenya is a bold and timely step as it contributes to the global effort of protecting the environment.

Plastic constitutes 60-80% of all marine litter and is increasing at an alarming rate.

It leads to the loss of marine live, flooding of Kenya’s cities, causes animal death, clogged waterways, soil degradation, landscape litter soil, toxic air and water pollution.

"Although majority of Kenyans have generally showed willingness to accept the change, many continue to use the prohibited bags," Olende said.

Olende said NEMA needs to undertake civic education and extensive awareness program to educate the public on the negative impacts of plastic to both humans and the environment and the alternative options available.

She noted that the Kenyan government should subsidize the Eco- friendly bags.

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