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