Kenya Earns International Recognition for its Ban on Plastic Bags

Kenya has earned international praise over its bold decision to ban the manufacture, sale and use of plastic bags.

The ban, which was effected in June this year has been hailed as a major stride towards the reduction of plastic-related pollution in the country.

Speaking during the third United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA) conference which is being hosted in Kenya, UNEA president Dr Edgar Gutiérrez commended Kenya for its commitment to reducing pollution.

“Our collective goal must be to embrace ways to reduce pollution drastically,” said Dr Gutiérrez, adding: “Only through stronger collective action, beginning in Nairobi this week, can we start cleaning up the planet globally and save countless lives.”

Addressing an international press conference in Nairobi, Dr Gutiérrez, who is the Minister for Environment and Energy in Costa Rica, said that Kenya had set the pace for other nations to take similar steps.

The event has brought together more than 4,000 heads of state, ministers, business leaders, UN officials and civil society representatives from across the globe to discuss ways of reducing pollution.

The assembly is being held at the UN Environment Programme (Unep) headquarters at Gigiri, Nairobi and is expected to close on Wednesday. President Uhuru will attend the forum on Tuesday.