Plastic Bags Users To Face Huge Fines Or Long Jail Term: What You Should Know

Kenyans found guilty of using plastic bags will pay a fine of no less than KSh 2 million or serve a jail term no shorter than one year.

This is one of the new drastic measures aounced by the Ministry of Environment under the Environment Manufacturers and Co-ordination Act general penalty.

Speaking at the United Nations head office in Nairobi yesterday, Environment Cabinet Secretary Judi Wakhungu said this was part of the government’s efforts to ensure that the ban would be fully implemented. She further said that the ban would apply to both individuals and manufacturers.

“We do not wish to go that route; however, that is what is provided by the Act.”

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National Environment Management Authority (Nema) Director General Geoffrey Wahungu said they were working on criminal charges for non-compliant individuals with the help of county governments.

“We are working towards domestication of the law for small offenders and hoping for assistance from the counties in implementing it,” said Mr. Wahungu.

Prof. Wakhungu said Kenyans should inculcate the habit of carrying alternative products because regulating bags could mitigate harmful impacts on the environment.

“Reducing bags use can also relieve pressure on landfills and waste management.”

She added that the ban would also create a good platform for local products and in turn boost the economy.

“Alternative products such as baskets will open up a new market that will boost the economy.”

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This is not the first time Kenya has attempted to ban the use of plastic bags. Similar but unsuccessful attempts were made in 2007 and 2011.

In Rwanda, however, plastic bags and all environmental pollutants have been baed. It is the only country in the region with such laws.