Banned Goods Smuggling Sparks NEMA Crackdown
The National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) commenced a nationwide crackdown. Against businessmen and other Kenyans who use banned plastic bags on Wednesday, May 10.
After determining that Kenyans had devised new methods. To circumvent the system and allow the circulation of banned plastic bags, the operation was initiated.
Njoki Mukiri, regional director for Rift Valley at NEMA. Stated that some businesses had found a way to acquire plastic bags that had been banned by the government.
She explained that the seized bags had been printed and were already in circulation. Thereby circumventing various systems that had been implemented.
“We have already arrested approximately four individuals, primarily from bakeries, for using printed bags that have not been approved by NEMA. Mukiri stated that they have been arrested and will be arraigned in a court of law. “We have discovered that they have been issued clearance but are not adhering to the conditions that were issued.
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In addition to printing bags without adhering to the proper procedure. NEMA reported that certain traders were using porous border crossings to import banned plastic bags into the country.
“We want to ensure that we continue these kinds of inspections because we’ve realized that we still have very porous borders, such as Eldoret, which is not far from the Ugandan border, and therefore these documents can be easily brought in,” she said.
She added, “We want to adopt a multi-agency approach and collaborate with other organizations because these bags come from neighboring countries.”
Following the revelations, NEMA stated that businessmen and other Kenyans found with the banned bags. Would be subject to a maximum fine of Ksh2 million.
NEMA executives defended the decision by arguing that the 2017 ban on plastic bags had contributed to environmental pollution.
“The penalty is either two million Kenyan shillings or one year in prison.” Whether we catch you with one polythene bag without a license, that is the penalty. We do not differentiate between penalties for manufacturers and users, said Solomon Kihiu. Director of the NEMA for the county of Uasin Gishu.
“We are advising the users of these plastic bags that there are numerous alternatives on the market, and we expect them to comply,” he added.
Banned Goods Smuggling Sparks NEMA Crackdown
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