In an effort to reduce environmental damage, Kenya and Uganda have followed a Rwandan and Tanzanian ban on thin plastic bags, and introduced a 120% tax on thick bags. In 2005, Rwanda banned plastics less than 100 microns thick and Tanzania announced a total ban on plastic bags in 2006.

According to a reporter, plastic bags litter residential areas around Nairobi and block city drains. The ban in Kenya will start on Friday the 15^th of June. Uganda’s ban will be initiated on the 1^st of July, but traders will be allowed to sell existing stocks until the end of September.

Ugandan Finance Minister Ezra Suruma and Kenyan Finance Minister Amos Kimunya hope this step will encourage the use of environment friendly and recyclable alternatives.

Source