Migori's NEMA branch
will effect the plastics ban on Monday starting with major supermarkets.
County director Parnwell Simitu said they have liased with county commissioner Joseph Rotich who will provide security.
Simitu said the agency has already sensitised officials of all 42 supermarkets across the major towns of Migori, Rongo, Sori, Awendo, Kehancha and Isebania.
“These supermarkets are the biggest users of plastic bags. The 42 signed an agreement to have alternative packaging by Monday," he told the press on Sunday.
The director said the county does not
have any plastics manufacturer but warned proximity to Tanzania will create a black market for illegal importation.
But Simitu noted Kenya Revenue Authority, department of immigration and border patrol units will monitor movement to and from the country.
“We believe that by acting on big users of plastic bags and controlling contraband from Tanzania, smaller users like mama mbogas and retail shops will change tact."
“Plastics don’t decompose easily. They make the environment dirty, block sewerage and pose health risks when used to wrap hot food or burned."
Environmental concerns were primarily why judge Bernard Eboso upheld the ban on August 25.
Traders across the county were still using plastic bags on Sunday and some retailers kept others for tomorrow saying they do not have alternatives.
But Simitu said: “There are several alternatives in the market and we believe their demand will be there by Monday. It is business people who have to meet that with supply."
Milk vender Nancy Akinyi said the ban
will affect the business negatively as most customers do not carry containers.
Akinyi noted it will be hard for customers walk around with containers such as jugs, milk cans and shopping bags.
“I believe that even on Monday we will not have found alternative packaging materials. I only see the plastic bags being used extensively as I still have two-weeks stock," she said.
She added: “Businesses may be forced to pass the cost of packaging on to customers which will see our sales dip greatly."
Judge Eboso said environmental conservation will be gravely undermined if the regulation is suspended. Public interest is also at risk, he added at Milimani law courts on Friday.
The case was filed by two plastic bags importers. Fredrick Njenga and Stephen Mwangi protested the decision by Environment CS Judi Wakhungu on February 27.
They wanted the court to stop the ministry from implementing the notice and issuing subsequent