Kenyan shoppers have been urged to prepare for a life without plastic as nationwide ban on plastic carrier bags is on the way. [Photo/Business daily]
National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) has urged Kenyan shoppers to prepare for a life without plastic as a nationwide ban on plastic carrier bags is on the way.
According to NEMA Director General Prof. Geoffrey Wahungu the ban is meant to reduce ‘overall pollution’ and will take effect in two months’ time.
Wahungu said plastic bags used for commercial and household packaging will no longer be in use from September 2017 when the prohibition takes effect.
He noted that the plastic ban rule will not be bent and has urged the affected manufacturers to put measures in place to ensure compliance.
"At the moment, together with other stakeholders, we are involved in creating awareness of the new change in policy," he said as quoted by Kenya News Agency.
He added that NEMA is in the process of trying to demystify the ban, while exploring natural and Eco-friendly alternatives to plastic bags.
He further urged plastic industry players to understand the ban and what they will need to do to adjust.
Wahungu was speaking at the Pwani Mazingira forum at Mombasa Hotel where he reiterated that there will be no compromise on enforcing the ban on the production, distribution and use of plastic bags in the country.