Lead:
A ban on plastic carrier bags has come into force from 28th this month in Kenya, which means that from August 28th onwards, anyone found selling, manufacturing or carrying them could face fines of up to $38，000 (about 250,000 yuan) or prison sentences of up to 4 years.
East African country Kenya declared a war on "white trash". "Ban on plastic order" came into force on 28th, with violators facing at least $17,000 fines or 2 years in prison, and the maximum penalty was $38,000 or 4 years jail term.
According to the government of Kenya, the "ban on plastic order" is suitable for the use, manufacture or import of plastic bags for commercial and domestic purposes, and industrial use of plastic bags is not within the scope of the ban
It's the third attempt to ban plastic bags in Kenya in the past 10 years, the report said. Other African countries have previously announced bans on the use of plastic bags, including South Africa, Rwanda and Eritrea.
Manufacturers have said the ban will cost jobs, but Environment Minister Judi Wakhungu last week said more jobs will be created from making bags from environment friendly materials.
BBC reported that, up to now, many people in Kenya seem to support the ban.
But there is uncertainty about how consumers can adapt to the life without plastic bags. Consumers usually get plastic bags for free at retail stores.
The Chinese Embassy in Kenya issued an article in Embassy official WeChat on August 26th evening to remind Chinese citizens to abide by it.
The article said: "on August 25th, the Kenya court ruled that the government’s ban is valid, which will take effect on August 28th. The ban is applicable to use, manufacture or import of carrier plastic bags and Flat bottom plastic bags for commercial and domestic purposes in Kenya. The Embassy in Kenya remind Chinese citizens to observe the "ban", do not carry banned plastic bags to enter Kenya and use the banned plastic bags while shipping, traveling and dealing with daily life garbage. "
The environment minister of Kenya expressed support for the environmental protection directive. And hope that the government can timely promote environmental protection alternative bags, such as Manila paper, canvas, jute and biodegradable plastics.
