Nairobi, June 5 – Kenya is marking the 2020 World Environment Day by banning single-use plastic in protected natural areas.
Plastic pollution is one of the greatest environmental challenges of our generation, causing degradation to all of earth’s ecosystems, from rainforests to the world’s deepest ocean trench.
Following a presidential directive on last year’s World Environment Day, the ban will come into effect as of today, 5th June 2020, in National Parks, beaches, forests and conservation areas.
The ban prohibits visitors from carrying plastic water bottles, disposable plates and cups, cutlery, and straws into protected areas, with the aim of curbing the growing plastic pollution.
“The preservation of our environment is tied to our well-being and the well-being of future generations. This ban is yet another first in addressing the plastic pollution catastrophe facing Kenya and the world, and we hope that it catalyses similar policies and actions from the East African Community,” said Najib Balala, Cabinet Secretary for Tourism and Wildlife.