By Abdishakur Abdirahman Mohamud
In an effort to tackle environmental crisis, the Ministry of Environment in Somalia issued a circular on February 1, 2024, declaring a nationwide ban on the importation, trade, and use of plastic bags, effective from June 30, 2024. This initial deadline was later extended by three months to September 30, 2024, and the final enforcement of the ban was set for October 1, 2024.
While Somalia’s initiative is commendable, several flaws in the approach could hinder the effectiveness of this ban. A comparative analysis with Kenya’s successful implementation of a similar ban provides valuable insights into how Somalia could refine its strategy.
Key Issues with Somalia’s Approach
- Lack of Incremental Steps and Long-term Planning
Somalia’s ban was announced and expected to be implemented within a short timeframe. This abrupt transition does not allow sufficient time for businesses and the public to adapt. In contrast, Kenya’s process spanned over a decade, with gradual steps and repeated attempts to regulate plastic use before the final ban in 2017:
• 2000 – Early Discussions: Debates about banning plastic bags began in the early 2000s, with the government and environmental organizations highlighting the detrimental effects of plastic bags on the environment.
• 2005: The government developed a 10-point plastic waste management strategy that included banning plastics under 30 microns in thickness and developing plastic recycling. However, the project collapsed almost immediately.
• 2007: Then Finance Minister Amos Kimunya introduced a 120 percent excise duty on plastic bags below 30 microns in thickness in his budget speech. Widespread protests by traders forced Parliament’s Committee on Trade and Finance to introduce a green tax instead.
• 2011: The National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) and the Kenya Bureau of Standards attempted to ban plastics below 60 microns, but the project faced significant opposition.
• Final Decision: On August 28, 2017, the Kenyan government officially banned the production, importation, and use of thin plastic bags. This decision came after years of effort and discussions.
• Timeframe: It took Kenya nearly 10 years to progress from initial discussions and regulatory preparations to the official ban in 2017.
- Insufficient Public Awareness and Engagement
Effective public awareness campaigns are crucial for the success of environmental policies. Somalia’s announcement lacked a comprehensive public education strategy to inform citizens about the reasons for the ban and the benefits of alternative solutions. Kenya, on the other hand, invested significantly in public awareness campaigns, helping to build public support and understanding over time.
- Inadequate Stakeholder Consultation
The Somali government did not seem to engage sufficiently with stakeholders, including businesses, environmental groups, and civil society, to ensure a smooth transition. Kenya’s experience highlights the importance of stakeholder consultations, which were conducted through various phases, ensuring that the concerns and inputs of all parties were considered.
- Economic Considerations and Alternatives
The Somali ban did not provide clear guidelines or support for transitioning to alternative materials. Kenya’s strategy included promoting the production and use of reusable and biodegradable bags, easing the economic impact on businesses and providing viable options for consumers.
- Enforcement Mechanisms
Somalia’s ban lacks a robust framework for enforcement and penalties. Without clear consequences for non-compliance, the effectiveness of the ban is likely to be compromised. Kenya implemented stringent penalties, including hefty fines and prison sentences, to ensure adherence to the regulations.
Learning from Kenya’s Experience
- Long-term Planning and Gradual Implementation
Kenya’s journey towards the plastic bag ban began in the early 2000s with discussions and initial measures, culminating in the official ban in 2017. This gradual approach allowed for comprehensive planning and adaptation. By allowing ample time for all stakeholders to adjust, Kenya avoided the pitfalls of a rushed implementation.
- Public Awareness and Education
Kenya launched extensive public awareness campaigns to educate the public about the environmental impact of plastic bags and the benefits of the ban. These campaigns included information on the dangers of plastic pollution, the benefits of reusable alternatives, and the specifics of the new regulations. This helped build public support and compliance.
- Stakeholder Engagement
Continuous dialogue with stakeholders, including the Kenya Association of Manufacturers, traders, and environmental groups, ensured that the policy was inclusive and pragmatic. Engaging with these groups helped address concerns, gather feedback, and build a sense of ownership among those affected by the ban.
- Provision of Alternatives
Promoting and facilitating the use of alternatives to plastic bags, such as reusable and biodegradable options, helped mitigate the economic impact and provided practical solutions for consumers and businesses. Kenya supported the development and availability of alternative materials, ensuring that the transition away from plastic bags was feasible.
- Strong Enforcement and Penalties
Kenya’s strict enforcement mechanisms, including fines and imprisonment for violators, ensured high compliance levels. Clear and stringent penalties for non-compliance deterred potential violators and reinforced the seriousness of the ban.
Conclusion
Somalia’s effort to ban plastic bags is a positive step towards environmental conservation. However, to ensure the success of this policy, Somalia must adopt a more comprehensive and phased approach, similar to Kenya’s strategy. This includes long-term planning, effective public awareness campaigns, stakeholder engagement, provision of alternatives, and stringent enforcement mechanisms. By learning from Kenya’s experience, Somalia can refine its strategy and achieve its environmental goals more effectively.
Somalia has the opportunity to protect its environment from the detrimental effects of plastic pollution. However, to do so, it must recognize the importance of a well-thought-out, inclusive, and strategic approach. The lessons from Kenya’s successful implementation can guide Somalia in crafting a more effective and sustainable plastic bag ban, ultimately leading to a cleaner and healthier environment for its citizens.
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Abdishakur Abdirahman Mohamud is an multimedia storyteller, with over five years of experience as a writer, reporter, and producer. He excels as a freelance environmental journalist, researcher, and sustainability educator. Presently, he presides as the Head of the Environmental Department at RAAS Agribusiness Solution. Abdisshakur holds a Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Sciences from Somali National University. Notably, in 2023, he was bestowed with the first-place award in the Climate Storytelling Competition by BBC Media Action Somalia.