Uasin Gishu county assembly representatives on Thursday passed a motion that will see supermarkets in the county provide customers with free carrier bags following the August plastic bags ban.
Moving the motion was nominated MCA, Dr. Catherine Barmao who said supermarkets took advantage of the ban and now stuff detergents and foodstuff together.
“Supermarket attendants have made a habit of mixing all manner of goods into one bag unlike the past where food stuffs and detergents were separately,” she said, adding that it is unacceptable and unhygienic.
Ng’enyilel MCA David Sing’oe, while seconding the motion said: ”Plastic bags were costly even before this ban, yet our supermarkets could generously afford them and even branded them. Right now those supermarket attendants boldly throw in everything into one bag. This is unacceptable.”
The motion was well received with a majority of the MCAs questioning why plastic bags were given for free yet they were more expensive compared to the carrier bags shoppers are being forced to buy now.
The ward representatives passed the motion in a bid to stop ‘this culture before it gets out of hand.’
“Supermarkets should not take advantage of ban on plastic bags and punish locals. Our people should not continue suffering and being subjected to unhygienic and dangerous health risks.
Read: Manufacturing of Plastic Bags Still On Going Despite Ban
“The implementation committee need to follow up on this motion and ensure that our county executive arm implements it fully as soon as possible,” said majority leader, Josphat Lowoi.
But, Sarah Malel (Kimumu) and David Keitany (Sergoit)opposed the motion saying that there was need to ‘carry out a comprehensive market survey before victimizing the supermarkets.’
“It is my humble request to this House that you give us ample time to look at the facts and see how we can assist both the locals and businesses over this issue,” said Mr Keitany.
The plastic bag ban took effect on August 28, a move that was applauded during the 3rd UN Environment Assembly held at Gigiri Nairobi on Tuesday.
The ban was termed as a a key mitigating factor that has reduced the pollution in the country.
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