The National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) has issued a stern warning to individuals using banned plastic bags, stating that offenders will be arrested and prosecuted in accordance with the law.
Speaking during the destruction of confiscated plastic bags at the Busia County Referral Hospital incinerator, Busia County NEMA Director Cliff Barkatch reaffirmed that plastic bags remain outlawed in the country and their use will not be tolerated.
“We have destroyed six bales, each containing 12,000 pieces, making a total of about 72,000 plastic bags. The offender was arrested while attempting to sneak them into the country and has since been charged and sentenced,” he said.
Barkatch emphasised that the crackdown will continue to ensure compliance with environmental laws, noting that NEMA will work closely with other enforcement agencies to eliminate the use of the banned plastic bags.
“We will not relent in the fight against banned plastic bags. We will sustain the crackdown to ensure there is no use of these materials in our county,” he added.
He urged business operators who may require plastic packaging for legitimate purposes to apply for the necessary licenses, warning that unauthorised use remains a punishable offence.
“It is illegal to use these bags in the country. Anyone whose business requires them must first seek approval and obtain a license,” he said.
Barkatch also cited cross-border challenges, pointing out that differences in legislation between Kenya and Uganda have contributed to continued smuggling of plastic bags through porous borders.
“The lack of a strict ban in Uganda has made enforcement difficult, as some individuals unknowingly bring in the bags, while others are deliberately engaging in illegal trade. We urge those involved to stop,” he noted.
Busia Resident Magistrate Daniel Ochieng called on the public to be aware of and adhere to Kenyan laws, regardless of practices in neighbouring countries.
“As the judiciary, we continue to enforce the law and create awareness. What is prohibited in Kenya must be respected, even if it is allowed elsewhere,” he said.
He warned that offenders will face the full force of the law, adding that courts will continue to handle such cases firmly and efficiently.
By Salome Alwanda and Rodgers Omondi
