This archive report was first published on 10 July 2019.
On July 10, 2019, the National Environment Management Authority (Nema) launched a crackdown on environmental offenders in Nyeri, arresting 15 people for violating various regulations.
The offenders, including small-scale traders and hotel owners, were found using banned plastic bags and discharging effluent into the environment without proper treatment.
Nema director in Nyeri, Nancy Mui, emphasized the importance of complying with environmental regulations, stating, "We have noted that plastic bags are slowly re-emerging in the markets. If you fail to declare or surrender the plastic bags within one week, we will arrest and prosecute you."
As per the plastic ban regulation that came into effect on August 28, 2017, anyone found producing, selling, or using plastic bags is liable to a fine up to Sh. 4 million or a jail term of four years.
The crackdown also targeted facilities discharging effluent into the environment without proper treatment, with Nema warning that those lacking effluent discharge licenses risk prosecution and closure of their businesses.
