Necc says the manufacture of plastic bags by unregulated firms is continuing.
Public officials aiding illegal activity by unregulated firms, says committee
Nema says it will intensify surveillance following information on increased activities by illegal plastic bag manufacturers.
A State body that investigates complaints on environment matters has revealed that cartels of public officials are conspiring with manufacturers to produce banned plastic carrier bags.
The National Environmental Complaints Committee (NECC) says the manufacture of plastic bags by unregulated firms is continuing, more three months after the ban of the products.
The underground manufacturers are mainly based in Nairobi’s Industrial area, Mlolongo and Thika, and they are feeding traders who are using plastic bags for packaging.
“Most of these banned plastic carriers are sold in backstreet markets and those who deal in the them have the blessings and protection of influential but dishonest government officials,” said John Chumo, the committee’s secretary.
The committee is charged with investigating complaints regarding the condition of the environment and undertakes public interest litigation on behalf of the citizens in environmental matters.
Ban on plastic carrier bags came into force on August 28, which means that anyone found selling, manufacturing or carrying them could face fines of up to Sh4 million or prison sentences of up to four years.
The National Environment Management Authority (Nema) say it will intensify surveillance following information on increased activities by illegal plastic bag manufacturers.
Sources indicate that nearly 20 plastic bag makers are operating illegally in Nairobi, highlighting the weakness of implementing the ban as traders continue to defy the directive.
