NEMA DG DR. MAMO B. MAMO’S VISIONARY LEADERSHIP ON DISPLAY AS NEMA INTENSIFIES CRACKDOWN ON BANNED PLASTICS

The visionary and firm leadership of the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) Director General, Dr. Mamo B. Mamo, EBS, is once again bearing fruit as the Authority intensifies its nationwide crackdown on banned plastic carrier and flat bags.

In a well-coordinated intelligence-led operation in Njiru, Nairobi, NEMA enforcement officers raided an illegal manufacturing facility where banned single-use plastic bags were being produced in blatant violation of the law. The operation led to the arrest of five suspects, including the owner of the facility, and the seizure of 90,695 pieces of banned plastic bags.

The suspects were booked at South B Police Station and released on cash bail pending arraignment at the Kibera Law Courts.

The successful raid is a clear demonstration of Dr. Mamo B. Mamo’s unwavering commitment to environmental protection and his zero-tolerance approach to environmental crimes. Since taking over the leadership of NEMA, Dr. Mamo has transformed the Authority into a highly effective, proactive and feared enforcer of environmental laws, restoring public confidence in environmental governance.

Under his strategic and visionary leadership, NEMA has moved from boardroom warnings to action on the ground. The Authority is now visible across the country – in factories, markets and border points – ensuring that the ban on plastic carrier and flat bags is strictly enforced to protect Kenya’s environment, rivers, soils and marine life.

Dr. Mamo has consistently reiterated that the plastic ban is not negotiable. His message is clear: those who manufacture, import, sell or use banned plastics will face the full force of the law.

Under Section 144 of the Environmental Management and Coordination Act (EMCA), offenders risk severe penalties including fines of between Ksh. 2 million and Ksh. 4 million, imprisonment of between 1 to 4 years, or both, together with permanent forfeiture and destruction of all seized manufacturing equipment and materials.

The Njiru operation sends a strong warning to all illegal manufacturers that NEMA under Dr. Mamo B. Mamo is vigilant, resolute and everywhere.