NEMA has warned of heavy penalties for offences involving prohibited plastic carrier bags.
NEMA says officers arrested two Embu traders with 4,995 prohibited carrier bags and took them to court.
The National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) has warned Kenyans against handling banned plastic bags after arresting two traders in Embu town. The authority said officers found the traders with 4,995 prohibited plastic carrier bags.
In a statement on November 3, NEMA said the traders had appeared in court on possession charges. It also warned that offenders risk fines of up to Ksh4 million, imprisonment, or both.
Penalties for banned plastic bags
NEMA cited Section 144 of the Environmental Management and Coordination Act and the Environmental Management and Coordination Regulations, 2024. The authority said these provisions cover manufacturing, importing, exporting, using or selling plastic carrier or flat bags without a licence.
Anyone convicted faces a prison term of between one and four years, NEMA said. Alternatively, a court can impose a fine ranging from Ksh2 million to Ksh4 million, or both penalties.
Following the arrests, the authority urged the public to comply with environmental regulations. Its warning extended beyond traders to anyone engaging in activities involving prohibited carrier bags.
Kenya’s plastic carrier bag ban
The government introduced the ban in 2017, prohibiting the use, manufacture, importation and sale of plastic bags. The Ministry of Environment said the measure aimed to reduce pollution and improve health and safety.
Before the restrictions, Kenya reportedly used about 24 million plastic bags each month. Plastic waste contributed to environmental pollution and clogged water and drainage systems in urban areas.
However, some traders reportedly continue importing prohibited bags from neighbouring countries, including Uganda, for secret sales to the public. Meanwhile, NEMA continues enforcing the restrictions to address pollution and improper plastic waste disposal. The authority warned that anyone breaching the law would face legal consequences.
