Public Warned Against Buying and Using Banned Single Polythene Bags
The Mt Kenya Times 
Kisii County National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) Director, Leonard Ofula speaking with the press in his office has warned members of the public against buying and using banned single polythene papers photo credit/Elizabeth Angira
By Elizabeth Angira
In 2017 Kenya passed the world’s toughest ban on single-use plastic bags, as environmental conservation measure.
There were hefty fines that came with the ban, aimed at controlling plastic-bag manufacturers. While many complied, there were some manufacturers who were arrested for producing plastic bags despite the ban.
A study supported by the National Environmental Management Agency (Nema) found that more than 50% of cattle near urban areas were found to have plastic bags in their stomachs.
So after years of promising to take action, the government made the manufacturing, sale and distribution of plastic carrier bags illegal.
The polythene bags are slowly finding their way back to the markets.
Kisii County National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) Director, Leonard Ofula has warned members of the public against buying and using banned single polythene papers.
Speaking with the press at his office Mr Ofula sates that plastic bags have not disappeared entirely and are slowly finding their way back to the markets.
“Let me warn those who will be found in possession with the polythene bags will rsik to be arrested and charged in court,” he said.
He noted some individuals bought the papers from the neighboring countries, sneaked them across the border at night and sold them to small-scale traders to wrap food stuff.
According to him while supermarkets and many shops are no longer handing out carrier bags, small traders have been using a smaller bag made of clear plastic.
The officer stated when sellers were arrested and arraigned; the courts fined them little money, only for them to continue with the business, negating the war on the illegal papers.
Mr Ofula appealed to courts to impose heavy fines on sellers, buyers and users of the papers to deter others and foster a clean environment
He warned members of the public using the papers to carry food stuff stressing, like sellers, they risked arrest, prosecution and face the charges in court.
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