The National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) has vowed to take enforcement action against market managers who condone the use of the banned bags and further close the markets where this crime is committed.
In 2017, the use, manufacture and importation of single-use plastic bags was banned. NEMA has been at the forefront of enforcing the ban since then. The Authority has been working with County market managers, where they have been asked to ensure that no one uses the banned bags within their markets but rather uses eco-friendly/biodegradable bags.
However, we have noted with concern the continued use of illegal bags within various County markets and businesses licensed by Counties,” the authority said in a post on its X page.
NEMA has already written to the Council of Governors cautioning counties that enforcement action would be taken against the use of banned plastic bags.
“It’s ironical that market managers cannot allow the sale of banned items such as bhang and other drugs, but are condoning the use of banned plastic bags,” the authority further lamented.
NEMA has vowed to take enforcement action on market managers who condone the use of the banned bags and further close the markets where this crime is committed as provided for under Section 145 of the Environmental Management and Coordination Act (EMCA), 1999 –
Section 145 (1) When an offence against this Act, is committed by a body corporate, the body corporate and every director or officer of the body corporate who had knowledge of the commission of the offence and who did not exercise due diligence, efficiency and economy to ensure compliance with this Act, shall be guilty of an offence.
Section 145 (3) A person shall be personally liable for an offence against this Act, whether committed by him on his account or as an agent or servant of another person.