NEMA to push on with plastics ban despite opposition

Plastic bags strewn at Ngong Dump Site. About 100 million plastic bags are handed out every year in Kenya by supermarkets alone. photo:courtesy

The National Environmental and Management Authority (Nema) has said it will push for the ban on plastic bags for household and commercial use despite the move by the parliamentary committee on environment and natural resources to have the gazettement notice suspended.

Speaking from Egerton University during an awareness conference ahead of World Environmental Day on Monday, Director General for Nema Geoffrey Wakhungu said the Authority has come up with alternatives that will curb further use of plastic bags.

“We have been working with stakeholders concerned with conservation matters. We have come up with alternatives including the manufacture and use of fabrics, papyrus, sisal packaging as well as other eco-friendly materials,” Mr Wakhungu said.

The Kenya Bureau of Standards (Kebs) however said permits for the said plastics will expire on August 28 and new investors will not be allowed to venture into the business.

“We are doing our part as mandated; we are no longer giving out licenses to new investors and no permits will be revoked beginning August 28,” Eric Chesire, an official from Kebs said.