One individual has been taken into custody after officers from the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA), working jointly with the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA), discovered an operation manufacturing banned single-use plastic bags in Chuka area, Tharaka Nithi County.
In a statement posted by NEMA, the authority said the raid was conducted on Wednesday, January 7, 2026, following an operation targeting illegal plastic production and distribution networks.
During the operation, officers seized three plastic manufacturing machines alongside large quantities of black and transparent plastic bags believed to be intended for the local market.
“NEMA Kenya and KRA officers uncovered illegal manufacturing of banned single-use plastic bags in Chuka area, Tharaka Nithi County. Three machines and large quantities of black & transparent plastics were seized,” the statement reads.
NEMA said the individual was taken into custody as investigations continue.
The operation forms part of sustained nationwide enforcement aimed at curbing the manufacture, importation and use of banned plastic carrier bags under its SayNoToPlastics campaign.
Kenya introduced one of the world’s toughest bans on plastic carrier bags in August 2017, prohibiting their manufacture, sale and use.
The move was aimed at addressing the growing problem of plastic pollution, which had become a major threat to ecosystems, wildlife, drainage systems and human health.
Under the Constitution of Kenya, every person has the right to a clean and healthy environment and a duty to safeguard and enhance the environment for present and future generations.
The Constitution further obligates the State to ensure sustainable exploitation, utilisation and conservation of the environment and natural resources, and to establish systems of environmental impact assessment, monitoring and audit.
In line with this constitutional framework, environmental laws provide for stiff penalties against individuals or entities found manufacturing or trading in banned plastics.
Pursuant to Article 42 and Article 69 of the Constitution, as read together with the Environmental Management and Co-ordination Act and regulations on plastic carrier bags, offenders are liable to a minimum fine of Sh2 million or imprisonment for at least one year, or both.
Courts may also order the forfeiture and destruction of seized materials and equipment used in the activity.
NEMA, established under the Environmental Management and Co-ordination Act (EMCA), is mandated to exercise general supervision and coordination over all matters relating to the environment.
Its functions include enforcing environmental regulations, issuing licences, conducting inspections, and prosecuting offenders who violate environmental laws.
The authority has, in recent years, intensified collaboration with agencies such as KRA, the police and county governments to dismantle illicit plastic manufacturing rings.