As the world grapples with the devastating effects of plastic pollution, Kenya is taking a significant step towards a more sustainable future. By 2050, the United Nations estimates that there will be more plastic than fish in the ocean, unless drastic measures are taken to promote resource-efficient design, production, use, and management of plastics.
On World Environment Day this year, Kenya will mark a major milestone in its efforts to combat plastic pollution. The country will ban single-use plastics in protected natural areas, including national parks, beaches, forests, and conservation areas. This move follows a presidential directive issued last year and builds on Kenya's ground-breaking ban on single-use plastic bags in 2017.
"By banning single-use plastics in its parks and protected areas, Kenya joins the rest of the world in setting the agenda for the sustainable management of waste in conformity with this year's World Environment Day theme," said Juliette Biao, Africa region director at the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). "Only 3 years after Kenya introduced one of the world's most efficient laws on single-use plastic bags, this latest measure provides the necessary momentum as nothing exemplifies nature better than our wildlife and biodiversity."
"The preservation of our environment is tied to our well-being and the well-being of future generations. This ban is yet another first in addressing the plastic pollution catastrophe facing Kenya and the world, and we hope that it catalyses similar policies and actions from the East African community," Najib Balala, Cabinet Secretary for Tourism and Wildlife, said. The ban, which comes into effect on 5 June 2020, will prohibit visitors from carrying plastic water bottles, cups, disposable plates, cutlery, or straws into protected areas. This move is part of Kenya's green agenda, which aims to preserve the country's natural beauty and promote sustainable development.
