The Kenya Wildlife Service has enforced the plastic ban (single use) with effect from 5th June 2020, henceforth advocating the use of less polluting materials such as wooden, metallic, or reusable plastic containers.
The single-use plastics in context include disposable plastic water bottles, disposable cutlery, non-woven plastic carrier bags, snack wrappers, disposable sanitary items, and wet wipes.
Furthermore, the use of polythene tubes to grow seedlings in nurseries managed by Kenya Forest Services (KFS) has also come to an end.
According to the Chief Conservator of forests, John Kamau, the ban covers public forests managed KFS, which comprise 2.59 million hectares, and those operated by the County governments and communities that make up 1.7 million hectares.
Apart from forests, other areas affected by the ban include nature trails, beaches, picnic sites, tree platforms, boardwalks, canopy walks, guided tours, quarry sites, construction sites, and installation sites within forest reserves.
Individuals found violating the regulations will be subject to a fine not exceeding KSh3 million and/or imprisonment for a term not exceeding ten years.
Kenya outlawed the use of plastics carrier bags in 2016 and has been considering extending the ban to other single-use products. The UN Environment Department reports that about eight million tonnes of plastic are yearly dumped into the Indian Ocean.
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