NEMA arrests 10 in Bomet with banned plastic carriers

Bomet, 

Monday,September 18, 2023,

KNA by Lamech Willy& Eddah Mutai

Massive crackdown on plastic bags in Bomet County over the weekend saw the National Environment and Management Authority (NEMA) arresting 10 business women who were using the banned carriers.

According to NEMA County Director Mr. Samuel Ng’ang’a, the business women have been using plastic bags for packaging food stuffs like vegetables despite the call to desist from using them.

Ng’ang’a said that their main aim of visiting marketplaces was to enlighten business people on the risks that come along with the usage of plastic bags to the environment.

"Today, we have burned over 5,000 polythene bags which were found at the market. This should sound as a warning to every polythene bag-distributor and manufacturers who should consider the damages caused by these bags," he stated.

Ng’ang’a however, encouraged all business persons to use canvas bags if need be for packaging their food stuff, saying there are other good options for everyone to use instead of these banned polythene bags which are non-biodegradable.

“These bags are harmful to our environment and it is good if all of us would be responsible in conserving this environment and ensuring that we get rid of all the danger that we might unknowingly be bringing to ourselves,” he added.

He further stated that anyone caught using the banned bags including food handlers will be liable to a fine amounting up to Sh 2million.

Ng’ang’a said NEMA has stepped up its operations to ensure 100 percent compliance with the law on the banned bags.

Courtesy; KNA