NEMA warns importers, manufacturers of plastic bags
The National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) has raised an alarm over the return of banned plastic bags and packaging materials in the country.
NEMA has warned that businesses and individuals found manufacturing, importing, using, or selling the outlawed materials will face stiff penalties, including jail terms and heavy fines.
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In a public notice dated September 8, 2025, the Environment Authority said it had noted with concern the re-emergence of illegal importation, manufacture, and retail sale of plastic bags, despite a ban introduced eight years ago.
“Members of the public are further advised that any person who manufactures, imports, exports, uses, sells, offers for sale or possesses plastic carrier bags or plastic flat bags without a licence commits an offence and shall, on conviction, be liable to a jail term of not less than one year but not more than four years or to a fine of not less than two million shillings but not more than four million shillings or both such fine and imprisonment,” a NEMA notice posted on X on Tuesday, September 23, 2025, read in part.
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The outlaw notice was first gazetted in 2017, prohibiting the use, manufacture, and importation of plastic bags for commercial and household packaging.
The Authority emphasised that only licensed dealers are permitted to handle plastic packaging materials under the Environmental Management and Coordination (Management and Control of Plastic Packaging Materials) Regulations, 2024.
“Those seeking approval must apply through the Authority’s official portal, with applications subject to strict compliance checks,” the statement read.
NEMA further stipulates that all plastic packaging materials must clearly indicate the names and contacts of both the manufacturer and the user before being sold in the Kenyan market.
“A person shall not sell or offer for sale plastic packaging materials in Kenya unless the name and contact details of both the user and the manufacturer are clearly printed on the material, and the authorisation of the Authority has been given,” the regulations read.
According to the authority, inspection and enforcement activities are ongoing across the country to identify violators and ensure compliance.
NEMA also urged members of the public to report cases of illegal use or trade in banned plastics.
The plastic bag ban, hailed globally as one of the toughest in Africa when it took effect in 2017, was aimed at tackling environmental degradation, reducing pollution, and safeguarding public health.
NEMA has reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining the gains made since then, while assuring Kenyans of its resolve to maintain a clean, safe, and healthy environment for all.
