NEMA raids factory producing banned plastic bags in Kiandutu Thika

The National Environment Management Authority (NEMA), working jointly with the National Intelligence Service (NIS) and the police, yesterday raided Ecoflex Company in Kiandutu, Thika Town, and uncovered the illegal manufacture of banned plastic bags.

The enforcement team forcefully gained entry into the facility after keeping vigil overnight, where they discovered thousands of plastic carrier and flat bags being produced. Among them were flimsy, unbranded bags that have been outlawed in Kenya since the government’s ban on single-use plastics took effect.

During the operation, five workers who had locked themselves inside the godown overnight were arrested, while the owner of the company is still at large.

NEMA has since issued a closure order against the factory until it complies with environmental regulations.

Under Section 144 of the Environmental Management and Coordination Act (EMCA) Cap 387, anyone found manufacturing, importing, exporting, selling or using plastic carrier bags without a licence commits an offence punishable by a fine of between Ksh. 2 million and Ksh. 4 million, imprisonment of one to four years or both.