The news is that from today, the National Environmental Management Authority NEMA, ) will start enforcing the October 2023 law on separate waste collection, which obliges citizens and residents to separate household waste into organic and non-organic waste bags.

The eight July date had already been announced earlier, notes NEMA, which had issued a notice on 8 April giving a 90-day period to prepare, as you can read here: https://malindikenya.net/it/articoli/sociale/ambiente/il-kenya-abolisce-sacchi-e-bidoni-di-plastica-della-spazzatura.html

According to NEMA, enforcement is necessary to ensure Kenya's compliance with international standards of environmental sustainability. Sorted waste must be placed in properly labelled and colour-coded containers, bins and bags. Waste disposal service providers will have to collect, handle and transport sorted waste without mixing it, as organic waste will be transported to material recovery facilities. Fines for those who do not comply with the new directives start at Kes. 20 thousand. In addition, NEMA noted that the ban on plastic rubbish bags will be strictly enforced, with individuals and waste collection companies required to use biodegradable bags.

County governments, as well as public and private organisations, will also be required to adhere to the regulation. specified will be liable to a fine of Kshs 20,000 or imprisonment for six months or both.

"A person or Entity who fails to manage waste in accordance with the Act commits an offence and, on conviction, is liable to a fine not exceeding twenty thousand shillings or imprisonment for a period not exceeding six months or both," the Act says.