IanWight
  • (Member) (Topic Starter)
(Member) (Topic Starter)
I have just received my final documentation for a Kenya safari departing 19 February. Included is the following paragraph:-

"With immediate effect, the use of plastic carrier bags has been banned in Kenya. The National Environment

Management Authority (NEMA) has advised that all travellers entering Kenya will be required to leave bags at the airporton entry. We understand that the ban includes general shopping carrier bags, bin liners, dry-cleaning bags and duty-free carrier bags."

This is my first time to Kenya so had not picked up on this before but if you Google (other search engines are available) "Kenya plastic bags" there are numerous threads on the subject!

I have always, as I suspect have most of us, put a few plastic bags in the luggage. Always useful for dirty laundry, packing souvenirs etc etc..... Not this time!!

I'm all for protecting the environment so this is not a debate on the issue but am just flagging this up in case others were not aware of this rule.

Ian

SarahS
(Member)
Just wondering,does this also apply to the security bags for liquid and gels?
Vickie
(Member)
Hi Sarah,

Yes, it does apply to the security bags as well.

Many thanks,

Vickie

Hils
  • (Member)
(Member)
Hi,

I have just checked with a friend who lives in Kenya, and it is absolutely true about the plastic bags - you can be fined if caught with them! Her recommendation is to use the think canvas-type bags which they now have in India, Burma and Africa - I appreciate that you may not have been to these countries! Luckily, I've always kept mine!

I suppose the only thing you can do is to discard the bags on the plane before you land - I bet the airlines love that - and just have all your toiletries etc. loose in your hand luggage. I'm not quite sure how you organise your duty free bags as these are normally sealed!

Good Luck! I'm off to India not Kenya!

Cheers,

Hils

SusieB
(Member)
When I went to Kenya in 2017 the ban had only recently come onto force. In actual fact though it really wasn't a problem at all. Obviously anything you purchased in Kenya had an alternative wrapping, paper bags etc.  

As for the liquid bags etc. on your outward journey, as they are in your hand luggage they are not openly visible (except during UK security checks)  as indeed is anything you put in your case so don't cause any worry. They are normally only checked at the UK airport on your way out.

 

I don't recall anyone having Duty Free bags with them on the outward journey but if you do intend buying anything at the UK airport just make sure you can fit it inside your hand luggage.

Kenya is a superb holiday and I am very envious of any of you who are planning to go soon. Have a great time!

Regards

Sue

Jaya
  • (Member)
(Member)
I was on the same trip as Susie and I do remember that all plastic bags were being taken away from the arriving passengers. I knew about the ban just before the trip so made sure I did not take any plastic bags with me.

Regards

Jaya