The ban on the plastic bags is already on its way to restore sanity with regard to environmental hygiene in the country.
The ban of single – use plastic bags which was effected in 2017 cannot be underrated.
This move came after the United Nation declared a war on plastics through its ‘Clean Seas’ initiative.
Kenya therefore ‘ran’ with this agenda, 3 weeks after the declaration.
For us to succeed in managing the environment, then we need the cooperation of everyone especially the traders, even consumers of the products
NEMA Director
The threat
An article by UN Environmental Program noted that plastic bags pose a great threat to birds, fish and other animals that mistake them for food.
Additionally, they damage agricultural land, pollute tourist sites and provide breeding grounds for the mosquitoes that carry malaria and dengue fever.
Even with this awareness, the National Environment Management Authority, NEMA, says the outlawed single – use plastic bags are still being smuggled into the country through the Busia border.
“For us to succeed in managing the environment, then we need the cooperation of everyone especially the traders, even consumers of the products,” said Rob Kipkoech, NEMA director.
In a press release it was reported that before the ban approximately 100 million plastic shopping bags were being distributed monthly to supermarkets.
This contributed immensely to pollution on land and water sources.
We have open fields that is littered with wastes, it would be our humble request that we start the cleaning by doing it ourselves, we have to ensure all the waste products are cleared and eliminated
Busia Land Registrar
Clean ups
NEMA, chaired by Eric Mungai had previously mentioned their intention of working with the government to have a monthly clean-ups across the 47 counties in Kenya.
“We have open fields that is littered with wastes, it would be our humble request that we start the cleaning by doing it ourselves, we have to ensure all the waste products are cleared and eliminated,” said Busia Land Registrar during a clean up exercise in Busia.
During such exercises, they will tell traders to not just throw garbage but play their role in the community.
This will enhance cleanliness and health of environment.