Parliament Recommends the Suspension of the Plastic Bag Ban
An Opportunity for Holistic Waste Management Solutions
The National Assembly adopted a report (attached) by the Committee on Environment and Natural Resources recommending suspension of the gazette notice – banning the use, manufacture and importation of plastic bags on 30th May 2017.
The suspension was on the basis of:
- The short time frame to implement the gazette notice
- Lack of adequate stakeholder consultations in line with Kenyan laws
- Non-compliance with provisions of the Statutory Instruments Act 2013
The Committee also recommended:
- Adequate consultations to be conducted and provisions of Statutory Act implemented.
- Revenue generated from the excise duty levied on plastic bags manufacturers should be ring-fenced by The National Treasury.
- This should be specifically used to:
- Implement projects and programmes related to plastic waste control and management;
- Fund research and entrepreneurial initiatives geared towards production of alternatives to plastics
- National Government to enact strategic policy and legal framework to guide county governments in waste management.
- The closure of all unlicensed plastic bags manufacturers operating in the country
As key stakeholders in ensuring the well-being of our environment, this provides an opportunity for us to develop sustainable solutions towards waste management in the country.
Download the attachment here