National Environmental Management Authority (NEMA) has been directed to step up the fight against usage of plastic carrier bags in Marsabit town and other outlying trading centers in Marsabit County.
Marsabit County Commissioner, Gilbert Kitiyo expressed concern that the use of plastic bags had re-emerged across the county but with a lot of vengeance in Marsabit town.
Kitiyo asked the authority to mount a crackdown on those contravening the law, adding that both traders and members of the public found perpetuating the menace should be treated with the equal legal measure.
The County Commissioner who was chairing the county service delivery committee meeting in his boardroom cautioned against the habit of compromising the law by enforcement agents and asked NEMA to enforce the ban which is more than one year old in force now to the letter.
Members were in concurrence that the plastic carrier paper bags menace was back where venders of miraa, food outlets and shopkeepers were packaging their merchandises in the banned products.
The meeting was in agreement that unyielding measures should be taken in order to protect and conserve the environment.
The source of the outlawed plastic bags is not clear though it is suspected to be the border town of Moyale and stock not cleared when the law came into force.
Environment officer, Stephen Beilewa said investigations into the matter was underway, adding that the authority believes some stockiest failed to declare remaining stores for disposal as demanded by law.
He said that the investigation was informed by presence of plastic bags in drainage tunnels, residential estates and garbage collection points.
Meanwhile, departmental heads have been asked to familiarize themselves with the newly enacted procurement procedures and regulations.
Kitiyo said that laid down guidelines for procuring goods and services in government should always be adhered to without exception.
The County Commissioner said following laid down procedures does not only enhance transparency and accountability but also gives the government value for its money.
By Sebastian Miriti
Stem re-emergence of plastic bags, NEMA told
