Uhuru Kenyatta’s declaration on plastic ban lauded by Kenya’s tourism stakeholders

Kenya’s tourism sector’s stakeholders have lauded the ban on single-use plastics in protected areas.

President of Kenya, Uhuru Kenyatta has announced the ban on single-use plastics in Kenya's main protected areas during the World Environment Day. He made the announcement on plastic ban during his current official visit to Canada.

"We congratulate and thank the president for this important step in waste management and conservation of our natural resources. It came after a passionate appeal from the tourism and wildlife conservation stakeholders, who have fully supported the president's action," said the tourism players in a joint statement issued in Kenya’s capital, Nairobi.

"Today (Wednesday), we are announcing another ban on single-use plastics in all our protected areas, including national parks, beaches, forests and conservation areas effective June 5, 2020," Uhuru Kenyatta said. He further added that Kenya is committed to the sustainable management of solid waste to promote environmental and human health, as reported by Xinhua.

Tourism stakeholders said that plastic pollution that was impacting negatively on wildlife habitats, marine life and freshwater sources, is a drawback to environmental sustainability in Kenya.

"Once used and disposed improperly, plastic bottles, straws and related products become litter and find their way into open grounds, waterways, vegetation in National Parks, beaches and conservation areas," they said.

Players in Kenya's tourism sector said the latest ban on single-use plastics in protected areas will advance the green agenda in line with the Vision 2030 and UN Sustainable Development Goals.

"The ban underlines the government's commitment in managing the plastic pollution menace in line with legal provisions on waste management and conservation of natural resources," said the tourism players, Xinhua added.

Also Read: China Trade Week launches in Kenya’s capital, Expo to run in two phases