After years of threatening to do so, the government has now officially banned the use of plastic bags, giving Kenyans a grace period of 6 months.
In a Kenya Gazette notice dated 28th February 2017, environment and natural resources cabinet secretary Judi Wakhungu directs that the ban will come into effect 6 months from the notice date.
The ministry has banned the use, manufacture and importation of all plastic bags used for commercial and household packaging.
The date of the last usage of the plastic bags will be allowed is therefore August 28th.
Plastic bags have been a huge environmental hazard in the country, and are so often blamed for blocked drainage leading to flooding.
Some supermarkets eg. Nakumatt have in the last few years been encouraging the move from plastic bags, by offering reusable heavy duty carry bags.
Here’s the gazette notice.
