Kenya Urged to Seal Plastic Smuggling Loopholes as Illegal Single-Use Plastics Flood Markets

By Jeff Kizzilah Digital Editor 

Environment groups are calling on the Kenyan Government to urgently seal loopholes that allow illegal single-use plastics to be smuggled into the country and flood local markets.

The groups are urging authorities to strengthen enforcement of existing environmental laws and intensify surveillance at entry points to curb the illegal importation and distribution of prohibited plastic products.

They are also calling for the expansion of refill and reuse systems across the country as part of efforts to reduce Kenya’s dependence on single-use plastics and promote a more sustainable circular economy.

Hellen Kahaso Dena, Plastics Project Lead at Greenpeace Africa, said Kenya has an opportunity to position itself as a leader in the transition towards a plastic-free future.

She noted that the country had already demonstrated global leadership through its pioneering plastic bag ban introduced in 2017, as well as the prohibition of single-use plastics in protected areas.

The environmental groups said stronger implementation of existing regulations, combined with investment in refill and reuse alternatives, would help protect Kenya’s environment while encouraging businesses and consumers to adopt more sustainable practices.

They urged the Government to close enforcement gaps and ensure that businesses dealing in illegal single-use plastics are held accountable.

The groups further called on Kenyans to support refill and reuse initiatives and choose environmentally friendly alternatives as the country works towards a cleaner and plastic-free future.