NAIROBI, Kenya – The National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) has warned Kenyans against possessing, selling or using prohibited plastic carrier bags, cautioning that offenders risk fines of up to Sh4 million or imprisonment of up to four years.
The warning follows the arrest of two traders in Embu town who were allegedly found in possession of 4,995 banned plastic carrier bags.
In a statement shared on its X account on Tuesday, November 3, 2026, NEMA said the two traders had been arraigned in court to face charges related to possession of the prohibited bags.
The authority said the arrests were part of ongoing enforcement operations targeting individuals and businesses involved in the manufacture, importation, distribution and sale of banned plastic packaging materials.
NEMA Explains Penalties for Plastic Bag Offences
NEMA warned that anyone found manufacturing, importing, exporting, selling or using prohibited plastic carrier and flat bags without the required authorisation commits an offence under Section 144 of the Environmental Management and Coordination Act (EMCA).
Under the law, individuals convicted of the offence face imprisonment of between one and four years, a fine ranging from Sh2 million to Sh4 million, or both.
“The Authority warns members of the public that contravention of the ban attracts severe penalties as stipulated in Section 144 of Environmental Management and Coordination Act (EMCA),” NEMA stated.
The authority further cited the Environmental Management and Coordination (Management and Control of Plastic Packaging Materials) Regulations, 2024, which strengthened controls on plastic packaging materials.
Regulation 6 prohibits the manufacture, importation, exportation, possession, use or sale of plastic carrier and flat bags without authorisation from NEMA.
Kenya’s Plastic Bags Ban
Kenya introduced the ban on plastic carrier bags in August 2017 as part of efforts to tackle environmental pollution and improve waste management.
The restrictions were aimed at reducing plastic waste, which contributes to blocked drainage systems, environmental degradation and pollution of water bodies.
NEMA has continued to enforce the ban while encouraging businesses and consumers to adopt environmentally friendly alternatives.
Members of the public have been urged to use reusable shopping bags made from materials such as cloth, sisal and paper, as well as other approved alternatives.
