5 Arrested as NEMA Seizes 90,600 Banned Plastic Bags in Nairobi Raid

The National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) has intensified its nationwide crackdown on banned plastic carrier and flat bags.

In a statement on Thursday, October 8, NEMA said officers raided a facility in Njiru, Nairobi, where illegal plastic bags were being manufactured, arresting five suspects, including the owner of the facility.

"The team seized 90,695 single-use banned plastic bags and the suspects were booked at the South B Police Station and thereafter released on cash bail pending arraignment at Kibera Law Courts," the statement read.

The arrests came as NEMA stepped up enforcement against individuals and businesses involved in the manufacture and distribution of banned plastic bags across the country.

"NEMA reiterates that the ban on plastic carrier and flat bags remains strictly enforced across the country to protect the environment," the statement added.

NEMA warned that people found engaging in the manufacture, importation, sale or use of banned plastic bags could face severe penalties under the law.

"Individuals found manufacturing, importing, selling, or using banned plastics face severe statutory penalties. Conviction carries monetary fines between Ksh2 million and Ksh4 million, imprisonment terms ranging from 1 to 4 years, or both, alongside the permanent forfeiture and destruction of all seized manufacturing equipment and materials," the statement further read.

This comes weeks after five traders were arrested in the Coast region as NEMA intensified enforcement of the banned plastic materials.

In a statement on Friday, September 25, the authority said the arrests followed a multi-sector operation conducted by NEMA officers.

"NEMA has continued to enforce the ban on plastic carrier and flat bags countrywide. In line with the Environmental Management and Coordination (Management and Control of Plastic Packaging Materials) Regulations, 2024, the Authority conducted a multi-sector operation in the Coast region to enforce the ban where 5 traders were arrested in possession of the banned bags," the statement read.

During the operation, NEMA officers also inspected industries that had been licensed to use plastic bags for industrial and non-industrial packaging. 

According to the authority, facilities found to be operating outside the licensing requirements were directed to regularise their operations.

"The officers also inspected industries that have been licensed to use the plastic bags for industrial and non-industrial packaging purposes. Non-compliant facilities were ordered to comply by applying for the license through the NEMA licensing portal," the statement added.

NEMA further warned members of the public against engaging in activities involving banned plastic carrier and flat bags without the required licence, noting that such activities amount to an offence under environmental laws.

"NEMA cautions members of the public against manufacturing, importing, exporting, using, selling, offering for sale or possession of plastic carrier bags or plastic flat bags without a license is an offence," the statement further read.