This archive report was first published on 5 June 2020.
Kenya Forest Services has launched a crackdown on single-use plastics in forest reserves across the country, as part of efforts to reduce plastic waste and promote sustainable management of plastic waste.
According to the Forest Conservation and Management Act 2016, dumping waste in a forest without authority is punishable by a fine of up to Sh3 million or imprisonment for up to ten years, or both.
The ban on single-use plastics, which includes disposable plastic water bottles, cutlery, and carrier bags, among others, will be implemented in all forest reserves countrywide, including those managed by the Kenya Forest Services, county governments, and communities.
Facilities and services within forest reserves that will be subject to the ban include licensed accommodation facilities, nature trails, picnic sites, and guided tours.
Kenya Forest Services has developed guidelines for the implementation of the national ban, with the overall goal of contributing to the sustainable management of plastic waste in the country.
As part of the implementation, all forest conservancies and stations will roll out programs to educate stakeholders, promote alternatives to single-use plastics, and sensitize communities on the laws and regulations.
The ban on single-use plastics is a logical next step in reducing unsustainably disposed plastics, following the 2017 ban on throw-away carrier bags, according to a trend report by Sustainable Inclusive Business (SIB-Kenya).
The report notes that the ban will encourage the adoption of the refuse, rethink, remanufacture, recycle, and recover model of production, and will have a positive impact on the economy, planet, and people.
Kenya is among the first movers in a trend towards a cleaner and healthier environment globally, with other African countries such as Rwanda and South Africa also implementing similar bans.
