The National Environment Management Authority (Nema) Thursday ordered the immediate closure of Nairobi’s Burma market.
While confirming the closure, Nema Corporate Communications Manager Evans Nyabuto said the closure is as a result of a “high level of violation of the plastic ban”.
He said the popular market will remain shut until it can demonstrate full compliance with the plastic bags ban.
The Environment agency further said it had consulted with all law enforcement agencies in Nairobi, including the county police commander and his team and county askaris, all who will ensure the shutdown is enforced.
The shut down comes in the wake of a crackdown on traders who are still using plastic bags.
Thirty-one people were arrested in Mombasa on Monday for being in possession of plastic bags. A vehicle ferrying the bags without a permit was also impounded.
Following the arrests, 29 people were on Tuesday fined Sh50,000 each or serve one year in jail after they pleaded guilty.
Three others denied the charges and were released on a Sh400,000 bond and a surety of a similar amount.
Plastic bags were banned in Kenya with effect from August 28, with exceptions given for garbage bin liners and those used for packaging goods in industries.
