Kenya officially bans the use of plastic bags.

(Baonghean.vn) - The ban on the use, sale, and production of nylon bags has finally come into effect in Kenya after years of delay.

A ban on the use of plastic bags has just come into effect in Kenya. Anyone selling, manufacturing, or transporting them faces fines of up to $38,000 or four years in prison. Tourists arriving in Kenya who bring plastic bags will also be required to leave them at the airport, according to the National Environment Management Board.

Reportedly, the government believes the ban will help protect the environment. Previously, Kenya had given people six months to gradually adjust their habits regarding the use of plastic bags, which expired on the evening of August 27th. After that date, violators will be fined. To date, shoppers using plastic bags have only received warnings and had their bags confiscated; no arrests have been made.

The complete ban on plastic bags has just officially come into effect and is expected to be effective in improving the country's environmental situation.

The reason this seemingly strange and strict ban stems from Kenya's severe environmental pollution, with the improper use and disposal of plastic bags being a significant contributing factor. It is estimated that Kenyans use 24 million plastic bags per month. Furthermore, plastic bags are frequently found in the stomachs of Kenyan cattle, severely impacting the quality of agricultural and food production, which is the primary source of income for the majority of the population.

Kenyans are gradually getting used to shopping in bags made from non-plastic materials. At local supermarkets, people use cloth bags, newspaper, baskets, etc. Many people put their purchases in backpacks. When there is nothing else to put things in, many people are willing to carry their purchases in their hands. However, at the main markets, vendors still use plastic bags to carry goods for customers.

According to the BBC, this is the third attempt in the past 10 years to ban the use of plastic bags in Kenya. Manufacturers of plastic bags disagree with the ban, arguing that it will lead to 80,000 job losses. Last week, a Kenyan court also rejected a lawsuit filed by two importers of plastic bags calling for an end to the ban. The court stated that, at this time, environmental concerns are more important than commercial interests.

Nhat Minh

(According to BBC)