NEMA to arrest anyone found with non-woven bags

Samuel Nyanjom business man who import non Woven bags from Uganda and Singapore display some of his product on 22nd August 2017 [Edward Kiplimo/Photo]

National Environment Management (NEMA) has now outlawed the use of non-woven bags from today April 1, 2019.

According to the regulator, anyone found making, selling or importing no-woven bags will face arrest and a possible jail term.

"In a public notice, NEMA banned manufacture, importation, supply, distribution and use of non-woven polypropylene bags in Kenya markets effective March 31, 2019. The authority has begun implementing the ban from today. You risk arrest for carrying non-woven bags," Nema tweeted.

NEMA had previously set March 31st, as deadline for shoppers and retail outlets to come up with appropriate bags after the regulator announced a ban on non-woven bags. 

The regulator changed its approach to what it had approved to be safe carrier bags, after the manufacturers took advantage of the rising demand for non-woven bags in the market to produce low-quality bags that cannot be used by consumers multiple times as was intended.

"The authority directs that all manufacturers, importers, suppliers and users of these non-woven polypropylene bags should stop their manufacture, importation, supply and use in the Kenyan market effective March 31, 2019," the notice read.

Nema to start raid on Non-Woven Bags

Following the ban on plastic bags that came into effect on August 28, 2017, NEMA believes it made great strides in clarifying on the acceptable alternative options to the plastic carrier bags.

Plastic bags have been long identified as a major cause of environmental damage and health problems, to the people and animals.