Alternatives to plastics bags Showcased

The Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources in conjunction with National Environment Management Authority among other stakeholders organized an Alternative Eco-Friendly Exhibition at the KICC on the 24th and 25th August 2017 for the manufacturers, retailers, distributors and the general public. 

CS Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources, Prof Judi Wakhungu making her remarks during the plastic ban forum at KICC

The Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources in conjunction with National Environment Management Authority among other stakeholders organized an Alternative Eco-Friendly Exhibition at the KICC on the 24th and 25th August 2017 for the manufacturers, retailers, distributors and the general public.

The forum was opened by the Cabinet Secretary ministry of Environment and Natural Resources, Prof Judi Wakhungu who stated that the Government was committed towards a clean and healthy environment for all. The  During the exhibition that was attended by hundreds, there was a public forum on the plastic bags ban. The forum composed of the Permanent Secretary State Department of Environment, Mr. Charles Sunkuli, NEMA Director General Prof Geoffrey Wahungu, Kenya Association Manufacturers (KAM) Sector manager, Samuel Matonda and Retail Trade Association of Kenya (

The forum composed of the Permanent Secretary State Department of Environment, Mr. Charles Sunkuli, NEMA Director General Prof Geoffrey Wahungu, Kenya Association Manufacturers (KAM) Sector manager, Samuel Matonda and Retail Trade Association of Kenya (Retrak) Chief Executive officer, Wambui Mbarire. The talk was moderated by the NTV’s Smriti Vidyarthi.

DG NEMA, Prof Geoffrey Wahungu                                                             PS Ministry Charles Sunkuli

During the forum, NEMA Director General informed the public of various salient issues surrounding the ban. On the question of fines, the Director General stated that, “The fines are based on the revised EMCA 2015 that was reviewed through public participation in order to make environmental crimes punishable enough.” Prof Wahungu added that the county governments have a role in the implementation of the ban. “You heard about Kidero grass? How did they make into law that it is wrong to step on grass?, Prof Wahungu asked an enthusiastic listeners. The success of the strategy in

The success of the strategy in implementation of the plastic bags ban will be possible just like the way the littering regulations were enforced. The Director General expressed optimism that the ban will be successful as the Authority had laid down a clear strategy in implementation of the ban starting 28th August 2017. Prof Wahungu reiterated that the Gazette notice on the ban on plastic bags was done on February 28th 2017 giving the users, manufacturers and importers a six months grace period to comply with the notice.

Therefore, no one should say that the ban is being implemented hastily, Prof Wahungu stated. Moreover, the plastic bags ban debate has been ongoing since 2007 with two failed attempts in the past that sought to ban the plastic based on the composition of the microns. The Director General informed the public that the Authority is setting up a take-back scheme and supermarkets have been requested to be in charge of the take-back from where licensed recyclers involved in the cleanup of plastics can pick up the bags.

The DG however informed the public that the Authority is not interested in arresting the public rather the focus is on behavior change and get rid of plastics menace from the environment. During the talk on plastic bags, the PS, State Department of Environment stated, “This is not a blanket ban as there are exemptions based on the assessment by NEMA and the ministry. “This is not a blanket ban as we have exempted primary packaging, hazardous, biomedical and garbage liners plastic bags” the PS said.

The PS remarked that, “If you have any plastic bags in your house, please declare it to the County Governments.”Prof Wahungu asked the public to adhere with the notice since from Monday 28th August, no one will be allowed to use, manufacture or import plastic carrier bags.

SHOWCASED ALTERNATIVES