Environment PS Charles Sunkuli.Photo/NTV
The government has gone a step further in its bid to ensure that the nation is free from polythene bags.
Speaking during a press conference Wednesday,Environment Principal Secretary Charles Sunkuli maintained that the ban on the product which is scheduled to begin Monday will neither be lifted nor postponed further promising that the government will look into the tax matter for those coming up with alternative bags to ensure that plastic bags are completely out of the environment the soonest possible.
''We will not change the date of implementation.There is also no need for fears among Kenyans on what will be used after the ban as we have lots of creative people who are already coming up with alternative solutions.The government will consider such people with regards to taxes,'' said Sunkuli.
He also rubbished claims that the ban will lead to an increase in unemployment saying that some of the companies producing the product also create other products including plastic chairs and tanks which are not affected by the law currently.He also said that the new sector is expected to bring on board even more people.
''The alternative solutions will as well be made by our local people ruling out any chances of joblessness.This new sector has the ability to create far more employment opportunities than the closing one,'' he said.
The ban which seeks to stop the domestic and commercial use of plastic bags was first announced through a gazette notice on February 28 seeks to contribute to Kenya's vision 2030 of being a clean middle income economy.