Member Of Parliament Backs Plastic Bag Ban As Paper Mills Get To Manufacture Alternatives

Webuye West Member of Parliament Dan Wanyama has welcomed the plastic bag ban saying paper mills in the country will benefit from it.

Speaking to Journalists on Monday, Mr. Wanyama said the mills will benefit from manufacturing alternative bags. He specifically mentioned Rai Paper mill adding that it could now also attract investors.

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“We know all the products that are environmentally friendly will now be produced at Rai Paper, creating employment for Bungoma and Western residents at large.”

Wanyama added the ban is long overdue given neighboring countries such as Rwanda have already made cities clean and environmentally friendly.

“If you go to Kigali, you are thoroughly checked at the airport for plastic bags,” he added.

The MP-elect also lauded the penalty of up to KSh 4 million or between two and four years in jail, saying it will ensure no one is found contributing to pollution.

Read Also: Plastic Bags Ban: Ministry Of Environment Sued For Unlawful Notice

NEMA has, meanwhile, been accused of conducting random checks with the police of people’s cars for plastic bags.

Communications director Evans Nyabuto denied the claim saying the officers were just looking for cars with non-compliance to traffic rules.

“We have not issued an order of the inspection of cars by traffic police. Traffic police work under NTSA and KENHA,” he said.

The environmental agency further clarified that they are not arresting anyone yet, noting that they will issue statement regarding disposal of plastic bags.

“Today we are all over the country with much focus on awareness creation. The full implementation begins tomorrow,” it said via Twitter on Monday.

The National Environment Management Authority today flagged off its inspectors and environment police to inspect whether manufacturers have complied with the plastic bag ban.

The ban takes effect today, 29th August, and consumers will be forced to embrace eco-friendly substitutes to avoid attracting fines of between Sh2 million and Sh4 million, or a jail term of between one and two years, or both.