13 Traders Arrested in Nairobi for Using Banned Plastic Bags

13 traders have been arrested in Nairobi after they were found in possession of banned plastic bags.

The suspects were nabbed during a crackdown conducted by officers from the National Environmental Management Authority (NEMA) and the Nairobi Metropolitan Services (NMS) in Toi Market and Dangoretti Corner.

Anthony Saisi Aura, the Nairobi regional NEMA director said all those arrested were end-users found using plastic bags to package items for customers.

While terming the country’s ban on single-use plastic bags as successful, Aura noted that some unscrupulous traders are out to erode the gains the country has made in safeguarding the environment and blamed some members of the public for creating a market for them. 

“We saw how stormwater was being choked, and wildlife and livestock were feeding on the same but when the ban came there was a very big change,” Aura said.

“The ban had succeeded for some time but there seems to be a surge of the plastics. We tell those that are still using or producing the plastics that we shall not tire in enforcement to ensure Kenyan environment is clean and safe and secure for all of us.”

Kenya imposed a ban on single-use plastic bags in August 2017. Anyone found manufacturing, importing, or selling plastic carrier bags is liable to a fine of up to Sh5 million or face a prison sentence of up to four years. Using the banned bags carries a fine of Sh50,000 or a jail term of up to a year.