NEMA closes Nairobi’s Burma market over plastic bags

The National Environment Management Agency on Thursday ordered the immediate closure of Burma Market in Nairobi over the use of plastic bags by traders.

In a letter signed by the agency’s director Geoffrey Wahungu and sent to acting Nairobi County Secretary Leboo Ole Morintat, NEMA said that the market will remain closed until the county demonstrates full compliance with the ban.

“Ground inspection by NEMA has clearly established that traders at Burma Market have continued to use banned plastic bags… The authority hereby orders the closure of Burma market immediately and within the 24 hours after the receipt of this order,” read the letter.

“On February 19, 2018 NEMA, in partnership with the police arrested and charged 10 traders with the violation. The Authority is concerned that the offences are taking place in the presence of your staff despite your letter of cooperation.”

Prof. Wahungu in January, threatened to close down markets that have not complied with the ban.

“Markets are ganging up to resist the enforcement of the ban. But I can promise you that we will enforce. We will close the markets violating the law.Suspects will be arrested and arraigned in court,” Wahungu said at the time.

Kenya banned the use, manufacture and importation of plastic bags in 2017 in an effort to protect and conserve the environment.