A ban on plastic bags came into force Monday in Kenya and those found in violation of the ban could be given a maximum fine of $40,000 (approximately 15 million Naira) or risk imprisonment of up to four years. The East African nation joins more than 40 other countries that have banned, partly banned or taxed single use plastic bags, including China, France, Rwanda, and Italy.
Many bags drift into the ocean, strangling turtles, suffocating seabirds and filling the stomachs of dolphins and whales with waste until they die of starvation. Kenya’s law allows police to go after anyone even carrying a plastic bag. Kenya’s environment minister said enforcement would initially be directed at manufacturers and suppliers.
It took Kenya three attempts over ten years to finally pass the ban, and not everyone is a fan. A spokesman for the Kenya Association of Manufacturers, said it would cost 60,000 jobs and force 176 manufacturers to close.
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