Seven people have been arrested in Machakos County following a crackdown against the sale of plastic bags.

Is there a story unfolding in your community? Let Hivisasa know

The seven according to police were nabbed in Mwala when police and officials from the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) raided the main market in Mwala town after receiving a tip-off from the public that some traders were still selling plastic bags.

Mwala OCPD Henry Kimanthi said the seven will be arraigned in court "to serve as an example" to others still selling the banned product.

"We want this to serve as an example to traders who want to cling on old ways of doing things and those who do not take instructions," Kimanthi told journalists after the crackdown.

He said the crackdown will be rolled out to other markets within Mwala Sub County and ensure no sell of plastic bags takes place.

NEMA on August 2017 banned the importation, manufacture and sale of plastic bags over environmental concerns.

The ban came after the Rwandees Government effected the same ban, a development that attracted international praise as Kigali, Rwanda's capital was voted as the cleanest city in East and Central Africa.

According to NEMA, plastic bags contribute nine percent of the total waste in the country and create 90 percent of the environmental depletion.

To be the first to get updates on breaking and trending news in Kenya, send your WhatsApp number to 0792066259.