Rwanda’s example

By passing the law, Kenya joined the ranks of some 15 African countries that have banned or restricted the use of plastic bags, including Rwanda, one of the pioneers of banning plastic bags not only on the continent, but also in the world.

As early as 2004, the country banned the use of plastic as packaging in shops, and launched tax breaks to encourage manufacturers of recycle plastic. Four years later, the country imposed a total ban on non-biodegradable polythene bags. This has earned Kigali, the Rwandan capital, the title of “Best African Capital” by the United Nations Human Settlements Program in 2008. Today, the country is one of the cleanest in Africa.

This success can be explained to some extent by policies aimed at fostering inclusive awareness. In Rwanda, “every citizen has a right to a healthy and satisfying environment,” but must also assume the responsibility of “protecting, safeguarding and promoting it,” according to a government decree issued in 2008.

If such bans may seem drastic, they are obviously effective. At border crossing points, agents of the Rwanda Environment Management Authority check the luggage of all incoming travelers in the country, and confiscate all plastic bags. At Kigali International Airport, a giant sign announces that “the use of nonbiodegradable polythene bags is prohibited.” All visitors, without exception, must comply with the ban.

Following Rwanda’s initiative, East African Legislative Assembly, a sub- organ of the larger East African Community, adopted similar legislation in June, which still awaits ratification by the member states. Implementation of the law in Kenya will, without doubt, give a new impetus to the efforts to finally rid the region of plastic bags.

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