Need for more sensitization on the dangers of plastic bags

Busia, Monday June 5, 2023,

by Victoria Magar/ Jael Nambanga

Despite the ban on single use plastic bags by the government in 2017, the illegal bags are still a menace in Busia County.

Speaking to the press during the celebrations to mark the World Environment Day, Busia County Director of National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) Dancan Osaale blamed the vice on the neighboring country of Uganda.

“We have managed to reduce the use of single use plastic bags by 95%,’ he said, adding that the remaining number is not so high.

He added that they have collaborated with police officers and managed to arrest a number of traders dealing in the sale of the bags and taken them to court.

“However, there is need to sensitize the local residents in the dangers caused by the banned items,” he said, adding that the County is the biggest supplier of the illegal item to other counties.

The official further pointed out that plastic containers which have not been banned contribute to 10% pollution within the county.

Busia CEC Member for sports, Paul Olung'a said that the use of plastic in our county is high because the county is next to the border of Uganda where the use of plastics has not been banned and it is smuggled to our country.

"Plastic affects in different ways, it affects the soil structure making the plants not to germinate and grow well and it also causes air pollution due to burning of the plastic,” he said.

Olunga added and said that the county they will use multi-sectorial approach to sensitize people; everyone in the county is involved.

He urged border patrol units to make sure no plastic comes to Kenya through the porous border.

On the other hand, the Assistant County Commissioner in charge of Busia Municipality, Steven Kamau said that the government banned the use of plastic bags here in Kenya and so far the bags are no longer being manufactured in Kenya except the ones that come from across the border.

Kamau stated that the security team will work closely with NEMA to arrest those engaging in the sale and use of the illegal bags.

Courtesy ; K. N. A