Kenya officially bans plastic bags

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

A ban on plastic bags has just come into effect in Kenya. Anyone selling, manufacturing or transporting them will face a fine of up to $38,000 or four years in prison. Travelers arriving in Kenya with plastic bags will also be asked to leave them at the airport, according to the National Environment Management Board.

It is known that, from the Government's point of view, the ban will help protect the environment. Previously, Kenya gave people a 6-month period to gradually adjust their habits of using plastic bags and it just expired on the evening of August 27. After this date, those who violate will be fined. Up to now, shoppers using plastic bags to carry things have only been warned and their bags have been 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 for this seemingly odd and somewhat harsh ban is that Kenya’s environment is severely polluted, and the improper use and disposal of plastic bags is also a notable factor. It is estimated that people in this country use 24 million plastic bags every month. In addition, plastic bags are often found in the stomachs of cows in Kenya, seriously affecting the quality of agricultural and food production, which is the industry that brings income to the majority of people.

Kenyans are getting used to shopping with bags made from materials other than plastic. At local supermarkets, people use cloth bags, newspapers, baskets, etc. Many people put their items in backpacks. When they have nothing to put in them, many are willing to hold their purchases in their hands. However, in the main markets, vendors still use nylon bags to carry items for customers.

According to the BBC, this is the third attempt in 10 years to ban plastic bags in Kenya. Plastic bag manufacturers oppose the ban, saying it will put 80,000 people out of work. Last week, a Kenyan court dismissed a lawsuit filed by two plastic bag importers calling for an end to the ban. The court said that environmental concerns outweighed commercial interests at the moment.

Nhat Minh

(According to BBC)