Shoppers will again be subjected to new carrier bags after the outlawing of the non-woven ones by NEMA.
But what will be the cost of the new bags which will be introduced?
The National Environment Management Authority (Nema) Tuesday said the ban on light non-woven bags would take effect at the end of this month, citing “heavy environmental consequences” on their continued use.
The directive is expected to see shoppers pay more as retailers and supermarket chains rush to comply with the law. The low-gauge carrier bags condemned by Nema sell for between Sh10 and Sh15 apiece while the recommended higher gauge carrier bags go for between Sh30 and Sh40.
“Due to the rising need of the non-woven bags in the market, it has been noted over time that manufacturers of these bags are producing very “low gauge” poor quality non-woven bags which cannot be used multiple times but are disposed after single use,” Prof Wahungu added in the notice.
The ban was faulted by the Kenya Association of Manufacturers (KAM), which blamed authorities for lack of predictability in stipulating manufacturing standards.
Manufacturers are expected to incur huge losses as they dispose of stocks they already have.
“The notice by Nema to stop further manufacture, importation, supply, distribution and use of non-woven polypropylene bags on the basis of low gauge and poor quality raises the underlying issue, which is the lack of standards to govern the quality of polypropylene bags in Kenya,” said KAM in a statement.