Governors commit to support plastic bags ban

The Council of Governors has vowed to work with the National Government and other stakeholders to ensure that the ban on plastic bags comes into effect.

According to the chairman, Josphat Nanok, the counties will support the ban by collaborating with the National Government in enforcement of the ban, creating awareness on the ban and on appropriate, environmentally friendly alternatives.

In a statement to newsrooms, the CoG was keen to note that the state has an obligation to ensure sustainable exploitation, utilization, management and conservation of the environment and natural resources, establish systems of environmental impact assessment, environmental audit and monitoring of the environment and eliminate processes and activities that are likely to endanger the environment.

While noting that plastics are widely used as a key packing material in almost all sectors countrywide, CoG, however, said that this has very adverse effects on our environment.

“Apart from taking a century to degrade, plastic bags inhibit absorption of soil nutrients and further lead to suffocation and indigestion in both land and aquatic life.”

“Their burning in a bid to get rid of plastic garbage leads to release of toxic gases that are harmful to the atmosphere especially the O-zone layer.”

The Council has since urged citizens to use alternative bags such as the Manila paper, canvas, jute and biodegradable plastics stating that continued use of plastic bags is harmful to the public.

“The Council urges the citizens to use alternative bags such as the Manila paper, canvas, jute and biodegradable plastics.”