How ban on plastic bags is choking ‘kadogo’ economy

A trader in Kakamega town Luice Mukhwana sell paw paw to his customers in town

NAIROBI, KENYA: Recently, as I alighted from the matatu with haste just outside my gate, I went straight to my ‘githeri man’ for some takeway. He knows my order. After exchanging pleasantries, he got straight to the point. “Do you have a dish?” he posed. We both burst into laughter, knowing clearly what he meant.

This was in reference to the recent ban on plastic bags. “You know I am risking by serving you in a plastic bag. This is my last stock. Next time, come with a dish.”