Six people were last evening arrested by NEMA for being in possession of banned plastic bags in their business premises.
During the raid, over 3,000 plastic bags were confiscated by the NEMA officials in cooperation with Kenya Police from Busia Police Post.
Speaking after the operation, NEMA Field Operation Director Titus Simiyu, urged Kenyans to adhere to the environmental regulations stipulated by NEMA as a way of maintaining and protecting the environment.
“Environment is vital therefore Kenyans should ensure that our surrounding is clean through avoiding use of plastic bags as well as ensuring that we dispose waste in a proper manner that may not harm the environment,” said Simiyu
The Director gave a warning to users to cease from using banned plastic bags and those who will be found, will face punishment.
“We appeal to all markets countrywide to desist from using banned plastic bags. Any offender found guilty risks a fine of not less than Sh2 million or a six-month jail term,” he said.
The operation is meant to curb use of plastic bags which are believed to be finding their way into the country illegally.
“The ban is still in place and anybody contravening the regulations risks a fine, two-year jail term or both,” added the Director.
Busia traders are now being asked to use eco-friendly bags, which are available to package their goods and products.
“We are advising traders to use Uhuru bags which are eco-friendly and available. In the arrest we made, most of the traders were using single-use plastic bags to package rice and sugar,” said Rop Joel Kipkoech, the Busia County NEMA Director.
The operation involving officials from Busia, Bungoma and Uasin Gishu also checked and ascertained compliance with Effluent Discharge License as stipulated in the Water Quality Regulations 2006 in a facility within Busia.
The six will be arraigned in Busia Land and Environmental Court to face charges leveled against them.
Source: Kenya News Agency