Plastic bag makers to declare all their stock

Retail chain operators are now being asked to promote purchase and use of reusable bags and to sensitise shoppers on the alternatives. PHOTO | FILE | AFP 

By JAMES KARIUKI

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Summary

• Watchdog says any person, seller, retailer or manufacturer found using nylon paper bags after the ban will face a fine of between Sh2 million and Sh4 million or a jail term.
• Nema says it has formed a team to monitor polythene bag sales, manufacture and import to ensure all existing stocks are used ahead of the deadline.
• A number of manufacturers are co-operating with Nema on how they intend to destroy surplus stocks.

Polythene bag makers have been told to declare their remaining stock and how they will destroy unsold wrappers when the plastic ban takes effect on August 28.

The environmental watchdog says any person, seller, retailer or manufacturer found using nylon paper bags after the ban will face a fine of between Sh2 million and Sh4 million, or a jail term of between one and two years, or both.

Retail chain operators are now being asked to promote purchase and use of reusable bags and to sensitise shoppers on the alternatives.

In an interview, the National Environmental Management Authority (Nema) director general, Prof Geoffrey Wahungu, said they had formed a team to monitor polythene bag sales, manufacture and import to ensure all existing stocks are used ahead of the deadline.

“We are serious about the ban since we know its economic benefits far outweigh the expected loss of jobs and closure of businesses. Every manufacturer of polythene bags must comply,” he said.

Among those to feel the heat will be mama mbogas, retail chains, and vendors of vegetables, fruits, milk, clothes and paraffin who usually use black bags to package products.

Charcoal dealers will also feel the pinch.

Prof Wahungu said a number of manufacturers were co-operating with Nema on how they intend to destroy surplus stocks.

He said companies are at liberty to formulate disposal plans and forward the same to Nema.

Re-usable bags

Meanwhile, Nakumatt Holdings is offering its loyalty card holders across East Africa an opportunity to redeem their smart points for an eco-friendly reusable carry-bag.

Speaking on Friday when he launched the Nakumatt Think Green, Go Blue Behavioural Change campaign, chief marketing officer Andrew Dixon said all their stores in Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania and Rwanda will roll out the programme to discourage use of polythene bags.

“This provides a good platform to foster a culture of reusable bags. The plastics and electronics waste environmental conservation challenge can only be won through an integrated, focused and sustainable approach,” he said.

Every Nakumatt shopper will part with 33 points for a small size reusable bag valued at Sh50 and 50 points for a large size reusable bag worth Sh75.

The ban on use of polythene bags at retail chains and village shops was issued last month. Sellers and manufacturers were given six months to clear stocks.