Plastic wastes harm the environment. PHOTO | BENSON MOMANYI
Regional legislators on Thursday passed a
Bill that will ban polythene shopping bags in the East African
Community (EAC), adding fuel to a raging local debate on a similar
national law.
If signed by the heads of state in the
economic bloc, the Polythene Materials Control Bill 2016 will see all
plastic shopping bags banned from the region within a period of 18
months.
“The use, sale, manufacturing and importation of polythene shopping bags is banned in the partner states,” the Bill reads.
Exemptions
have been made for materials used in medical stores, industrial
packaging, and agriculture. Punishment for those caught breaking the law
will be left at the discretion of member states.
Incentives
will also be provided, including financing from the East African
Development Bank (EADB), for companies that manufacture biodegradable
packaging.
Impose levies
East
African Legislative Assembly MPs rejected concerns by manufacturers and
proposals from the East African Business Council that the Community
ought to impose levies on plastic bags and encourage recycling rather
than pursuing an outright ban.
In February, Environment and Natural Resources Cabinet
Secretary Judi Wakhungu announced a ban on plastic bags, effective
August this year.
Fines of up to Sh4 million were to be imposed on rule breakers.
Manufacturers have protested, saying that such a move could lead to the loss of at least 60,000 direct jobs.
And although MPs had seemed to initially back the ban, they have since taken a U-turn, demanding its immediate reversal.
Little choice
If
presidents from EAC member states adopt the bill as law, Kenya will
have little choice, but to implement it, regardless of opposition from
members of Parliament.
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