This archive report was first published on 7 June 2020.
On June 5, 2020, the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) implemented a ban on single-use plastics, a move aimed at reducing pollution and promoting environmental conservation.
The ban affects various public areas, including public forests managed by the Kenya Forest Services (KFS), which cover 2.59 million hectares, as well as those operated by County governments and communities, totaling 1.7 million hectares.
Additionally, the ban extends to nature trails, beaches, picnic sites, tree platforms, boardwalks, canopy walks, guided tours, quarry sites, construction sites, and installation sites within forest reserves.
According to John Kamau, the Chief Conservator of forests, individuals found violating the regulations will face a fine not exceeding KSh3 million and/or imprisonment for a term not exceeding ten years.
The ban is part of Kenya's efforts to address the issue of plastic pollution, which has been a major concern globally. The UN Environment Department reports that about eight million tonnes of plastic are dumped into the Indian Ocean every year.
Kenya has a history of taking steps to reduce plastic pollution, having outlawed the use of plastic carrier bags in 2016.
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