Tree nursery operators and seedling farmers in Kenya could face fines ranging from at least Sh. 2 million to a maximum of Sh. 4 million in the latest enforcement efforts targeting vendors selling trees in plastic bags.
This action is a result of the National Environment Management Authority’s (NEMA) initial crackdown on the use of plastic bags for commercial and household packaging, back in 2017.
In the notice directed at plastic carrier bag manufacturers, importers, and users, NEMA maintained that those using plastic bags without their have been granted a grace period to shift to non-plastic packaging alternatives.
“The transition to biodegradable (compostable) seedling planting bags is long overdue,” NEMA stated, adding that only 100% biodegradable plastic bags would be allowed for seedlings.
“The same shall be duly approved and certified by the Kenya Bureau of Standards as being compliant with local and applicable international standards,” the notice read in part.
If one is caught in violation of these rules, they may be subject to a fine not less than Sh. 2 million and not exceeding Sh. 4 million.
Failing to pay this sum could result in a prison term of over 1 year but less than 4 years. Offenders may also face both imprisonment and a fine simultaneously.
In their official statement, NEMA pointed out a recent resurgence in the use of plastic bags, even though there had been a prior crackdown on their usage.
Why Kenya’s working women leave their husbands out of their Will
They noted that products like flour, matchboxes, books, printing paper, and cigarettes, which were traditionally packed in paper bundles, were now being stored in plastic bags.
“The manufacture, importation, sale and use of clear, flimsy plastic flat bags and all carrier bags is strictly banned. The Authority strongly recommends a shift to the 100% biodegradable (compostable) alternatives.”
In light of this, all manufacturers and importers will be required to supply these bags after getting NEMA’s approval.
“Only essential primary industrial plastic packaging will continue (to use plastic) with the approval of NEMA through a clearance system.”
