Are plastic bags banned in Kenya?
Environmental Management and Co-ordination Act; National Environment Management Authority · sources read 4 Oct 2026
Yes. Since 28 August 2017 it has been illegal to use, make or import plastic carrier bags and flat bags for commercial and household packaging. NEMA says breaking the ban carries a fine of KSh 2 million to 4 million, 1 to 4 years in jail, or both.
- Where
- NEMA (incident lines and email) for reports; the NEMA Licensing Portal for industrial packaging clearances
Steps
- To report banned bags being made, sold or used, contact NEMA on 0786 101 100 or 0741 101 100, or email incidence@nema.go.ke.
- Factories using flat plastic bags for primary packaging at source must print the industry and product name on them and get a NEMA clearance.
- Apply for that clearance, first time or renewal, online on the NEMA Licensing Portal.
Watch out
- The ban covers carrier bags of any thickness or colour, so 'thicker' plastic carrier bags are banned too.
- The industrial packaging exemption only applies if the bags are used at the source of the product and are not sold or given out over the counter.
- NEMA says the ban does not cover plastic sheets for construction or greenhouses, cling film, or self-adhesive tape.
Who this covers
- Everyone: shoppers, shops, manufacturers and importers. It covers bags with handles (carrier bags) and without handles (flat bags).
Official sources (6)
- Kenya Gazette Notice No. 2334 (Vol. CXIX No. 31, 14 March 2017) nema.go.ke · read 3 Oct 2026
- Environmental Management and Co-ordination Act, Cap. 387 (Kenya Law, legislation as at 31 December 2022) nema.go.ke · read 4 Oct 2026
- Press statement on total ban on all plastic bags nema.go.ke · read 3 Oct 2026
- Clarification of plastic ban (6 September 2017) nema.go.ke · read 3 Oct 2026
- Ban on Plastic Carrier Bags nema.go.ke · read 3 Oct 2026
- Environmental Incidents Management nema.go.ke · read 3 Oct 2026