This archive report was first published on 5 July 2019.
On July 5, 2019, a joint operation by the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) and local authorities in Bungoma led to the arrest of a mentally challenged man who was found with 1,500 plastic bags worth KSh 275,000.
The arrest was made after a tip-off from the public, and the man was taken into custody by NEMA officials who were conducting an operation in the area.
NEMA's Regional Manager, Rob Kipkoech, confirmed the arrest and stated that the man would be taken to court once investigations are complete.
According to Kipkoech, the arrest is part of a crackdown on the trafficking of plastic bags, which were banned in Kenya on February 28, 2017, as a measure to reduce environmental pollution.
"We will continue with this operation until the plastic bag trade is completely eradicated in our region," Kipkoech said.
He warned that anyone found guilty of trafficking plastic bags would face severe penalties, including fines and imprisonment.
