Government issues new directive to Kenyans regarding plastic bags

david nganga

June 14, 2017 3:42 PM

Following the ban on plastic bags,Kenyans have now been advised to...

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The government has issued a new directive to Kenyans with regards to the plastic bags whose ban is set to be implemented later in August this year.

Through the Kenya Bureau of Standards (Kebs), Kenyans have been advised to use several approved materials for alternative packaging.

The firm’s Quality Assurance and Inspection Director Eric Chesire on Tuesday said biodegradable materials whose standards have been approved include canvas, polypropylene and clothes.

Mr. Chesire said that the materials are already available in the market; and added that no permit will be renewed for polythene manufacturers or new ones issued after the August 28 ban.

“We have approved standards for manufacture of materials that will be used in place of plastics bags and still working to develop standards for more materials,” he said.

The Environment and Natural Resources ministry banned the use of plastic bags currently used for commercial and household packaging. The ban also covers importation and manufacturing of such products.

ALSO READ: Kenya extends ban on plastic bags to plastic bottles

Any retailer found going against the directive risk be fined Sh3 million or a 12-month jail term or both.

Mr Chesire explained the stringent measures Kebs has adopted to get rid of uncertified products off the market and ensuring that consumers only get best quality products.

He stated that Kebs will continue with market surveillance to get rid of low-quality products sold to unsuspecting consumers by con retailers and manufactures.

david nganga