NEMA has warned against possessing, selling or using prohibited plastic carrier bags.
NEMA urges compliance after the arrest of two Embu traders over possession of 4,995 prohibited plastic carrier bags.
The National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) has warned Kenyans against possessing, selling or using banned plastic bags. Offenders risk fines of up to Sh4 million, imprisonment, or both upon conviction.
The warning follows the arrest of two traders in Embu town over possession of 4,995 prohibited plastic carrier bags. The pair subsequently appeared in court to face charges relating to possession of the bags.
Banned plastic bags carry steep penalties
In its statement, NEMA said manufacturing, importing, exporting, using or selling plastic carrier or flat bags without a licence constitutes an offence. The authority also urged the public to comply with the ban and avoid activities involving prohibited bags.
NEMA cited Section 144 of the Environmental Management and Coordination Act and the 2024 plastic packaging management and control regulations. Under these provisions, a conviction carries a prison term of between one and four years.
Offenders can also face fines ranging from Sh2 million to Sh4 million. Courts may impose both a fine and imprisonment.
Kenya introduced the plastic carrier bag ban in August 2017 to curb environmental pollution from plastic waste. NEMA’s latest warning reiterates the public’s obligation to comply with restrictions on the prohibited materials.
