Uasin Gishu County Assembly buildings. [Photo: Joe Khisa]
Supermarkets in Eldoret town and other urban centers within Uasin Gishu county may soon be forced to provide free carrier bags to their customers.
This is after the Uasin Gishu County Assembly passed a motion urging the executive arm of county government to ensure all Supermarkets in the county provide alternative methods of goods packaging.
While moving the motion on Wednesday, nominated MCA Dr. Catherine Barmao lamented that after the ban on plastic bags, Supermarkets had abandoned the responsibility of packaging goods for customers.
"Nowadays attendants mix all manner of goods into one bag, unlike the past where foodstuffs and detergents were separated. This is unhygienic and unacceptable," said Dr. Barmao.
Ng'enyilel MCA David Sing'oei seconded the motion pointing out that ban on plastic bags should not be used by Supermarkets as an excuse to mistreat customers.
When the floor was opened for debate, a majority of the MCA's supported the motion while questioning the reason behind supermarkets forcing customers to buy their own bags.
"Some of the plastic bags that were given for free to customers are even more expensive compared to the current bags which customers are now forced to carry or buy and this is why we need to stop this culture before it gets out of hand," said Tembelio MCA Pius Kigen.
Two MCAs Sarah Malel (Kimumu) and David Keitany (Sergoit) however opposed the motion saying it would kill the supermarkets business."We need to do a market survey and get real facts before victimizing supermarkets for not giving free bags. They must be having a reason why they ask customers to buy carrier bags," Malel said.
When the question was put before the MCAs, the majority supported the motion which will now be forwarded to the executive arm of county government for implementation.