Greenpeace Africa has welcomed the directive issued by the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) regarding the use of biodegradable garbage bags for organic waste.

Greenpeace Africa's Plastics Campaigner  Gerance Mutwol.said, "While we applaud the Government of Kenya for its decisive actions, beginning with the 2017 ban on plastic carrier bags and now with the mandatory use of biodegradable garbage bags alternatives for organic waste collection, we call for greater ambition in moving towards a zero-waste and plastic-free future."

Adding "Kenya should prioritise reusable models and ensure that any biodegradable alternatives are safe and genuinely contribute to a circular economy and continue to be a continental leader in combating the plastic crisis”.

Gerance insisted that biodegradable alternatives were a temporary step and advocated a stronger emphasis on investing in reusable collection systems. He also sought clarity on the composition of the replacement garbage bags so ordered. 

"It is crucial that we scrutinise these 'biodegradable' materials. The term 'biodegradable' often encompasses a broad range of materials with varying environmental impacts. As such, we urge the government to provide detailed information regarding the composition and biodegradability of these bags to ensure they genuinely minimise environmental impact," he said.

NEMA's announcement comes as world leaders meet in Ottawa, Canada, from 23 to 29 April 2024 for the fourth round of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC4) to draft a binding plastics treaty. Greenpeace Africa calls for a treaty that prioritises reducing plastics production and embraces solutions like refill and reuse systems to minimise the use and production of single-use plastics.

In a notice dated April 8, Nema said Kenyans have 90 days to stop using plastic bags from the date of the notice.

"For the foregoing therefore and to ensure environmentally sound management of the organic waste fraction, the Authority directs that within 90 days from the date of this notice:

"The use of conventional plastic bags/bin liners for collection of organic waste shall thus cease forthwith," the notice reads.

The Authority has directed all garbage to be carried in biodegradable garbage bags.

It has also directed all county governments and private waste service providers licensed by Nema to provide their clients with 100% biodegradable bags.

The directive is in line with Section 12 of the Sustainable Waste Management Act, 2022.