Goverment asks Kenyans to segregate their garbage before disposal
By Hilary KimuyuThe National Environment Management Authority (Nema) on Monday, April 22, banned the use of plastic garbage bags and garbage bin liners.
In a notice, the authority said the directive is part of a broader strategy under the Sustainable Waste Management Act 2022, aimed at improving waste management and environmental sustainability across Kenya.
Nema said that all organic waste from households, institutions and events must be segregated and placed in fully- biodegradable garbage bags or bin liners only.
“The Government of Kenya (through the Cabinet Secretary Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources) in 2017 vide Gazette notice Nos. 2334 & 2356 banned the manufacture, importation and use of plastic carrier bags and flat bags used for commercial and household packaging. This included garbage bags and bin liners in its scope,” Nema said in a statement.
“Section 12 of the Sustainable Waste Management Act, 2022 requires that all public and private sector entities segregate non-hazardous waste into organic and non-organic fractions, the segregated waste be placed in properly labelled and colour-coded receptacles, bins, containers and bags and all waste service providers to collect, handle and transport segregated waste.”
At the same time, it has also directed all county governments and private waste service providers licensed by Nema to provide their clients with 100% biodegradable bags.
“All organic waste generated by households, private sector and public sector institutions, private and public functions and events; shall strictly be segregated and placed in 100% biodegradable garbage bags/bin liners only,” Nema said.
It added that the directive should be implemented within 90 days from the April 8 date of the notice.
In accordance with Section 12 of the Sustainable Waste Management Act, 2022, all waste must be segregated into organic and non-organic fractions and placed in properly labeled and colour-coded receptacles, bins, containers, and bags. The Act also mandates waste service providers to collect, handle, and transport segregated waste.